Chapter Text
The rest of the weekend went by normally. Harry's attitude was joyful, partly due to the meeting in the Hog's Head. He and Ron were able to spend most of Sunday doing their homework. Hermione was using the time to read a book on the Middle Ages. Her interest in it increased after learning about Adam's connection to Merlin and dragons.
Emma had sought Adam out to tell him about the parchment at the meet. Adam was just as confused about it after she told him. It did not make sense. What good is signing a piece of parchment after a meeting like that? It is damaging to the group and Dumbledore.
Even though he did not know why Hermione made everyone sign the parchment, Adam was somewhat relieved to hear that Emma, Ben, and Cedric did not sign.
When Adam asked Hermione about the parchment, she looked ashamed. She told him about jinxing the parchment, so they would know if anyone ended up telling Umbridge about the group. Adam did not know what to think. He was more relieved that his siblings and Cedric did not sign.
"The next time you want to do something like that, talk to me first. Okay?"
Hermione nodded.
On Monday morning, Adam woke up and changed into his running clothes. When he walked into the common room, he saw a rather large notice on the notice board. Adam walked over to it and his eyes widened.
It was the newest decree from the Ministry of Magic, Decree twenty-four. Under this decree, the High Inquisitor can disband all student groups, clubs, and teams that exceed more than three people. Any group wanting to be re-established had to get the permission of the High Inquisitor. Adam gulped, realizing that it effected the Quidditch teams.
Adam left the common room, going outside. He ran around the castle grounds for a few laps. There was a stronger wind in the air than there has been the entire previous week. Adam was a little confused by this, partly because he could feel a weak pulsing in his head.
He entered the castle again and went to his common room. He changed into his robes for the day and walked back down stairs. That is when Adam saw Hermione staring at the new decree on the notice board.
"Did you see this", Hermione asked.
Adam nodded.
"How does she know? Who could've told-"
"Don't jump to that", Adam said quickly. "Umbridge is the type of person who likes to play with her authority. I should know", Adam said as he held up his arms to reveal the bracelets. He put his arms down. "If someone told, then you're gonna know. You jinxed the parchment. If not, then, the group's fine."
Hermione gave Adam a weak smile. She was not entirely relieved, but Adam did make her feel a little better. She took his hand and the couple left the common room and went to the Great Hall for breakfast.
As the Great Hall filled up, more and more students could be heard talking about the new decree. Harry and Ron did not look happy when they entered the hall, either. The two were complaining about having to beg Umbridge to let them have the Quidditch team back.
When the Owl Post arrived, a copy of the Daily Prophet landed in front of them. Adam was a bit curious and looked at it. He did not even have to open it because the headlining article was shocking, to say the least.
'HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MAGICAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MURDERED'
"That's not good", Adam muttered.
Hermione, Harry, and Ron looked at it too. They looked at Adam.
"Isn't that the guy that put those bracelets on you", Ron asked.
Adam nodded.
"I wonder who did it", Harry asked.
Adam gulped. "My uncle." Adam felt their eyes on him still as he read the article. "I told him about it in Hogsmeade. It had to be him."
"How do you know", Hermione asked. "As the head of magical law enforcement, I'm sure he made lots of enemies. There's no telling-"
"It was my uncle", Adam interrupted. "I know it. He'll kill anyone who hurts me, even Ministry officials."
The other three traded worried glances. Adam read the article silently. There was no evidence directly implicating a Shattered Protector. The article also said the Ministry had no clue as to who was behind the murder.
"Any chance you can tell your uncle that Umbridge hurt you", Harry asked with a smirk.
The four broke into laughter.
By the end of breakfast, the four were getting ready to leave when a phoenix feather burst to life in front of them. Adam grabbed the feather and put it in his bag. He kissed Hermione's cheek and said he would see them in History of Magic.
Adam jogged to Dumbledore's office. He did not want to be any later for History of Magic. The griffin statue turned without Adam having to give a password. As soon as he entered the office, he knew he would be late for his first class.
Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall were standing at Dumbledore's desk. They were looking at him as he entered. Fawkes let out a chirp as Adam approached them. Adam stroked the phoenix's feathers before focusing on his professors.
"Professors", Adam said.
"Thank you for coming, Adam", Dumbledore said. "I will try not to keep you long. I know you have History of Magic."
Adam grinned. "It's not like I'm missing anything. It's already happened."
The three professors did not react. Adam knew his joke was bad, but he did not think it was uncomfortable silence bad. Looking at the professors, Adam quickly realized it was not his joke that was making them quiet.
Dumbledore sighed. "I've asked for your silence, but now I must ask for the opposite, your voice. We know about the meeting in the Hog's Head. We know what was discussed."
Adam was thinking through it. Two possibilities for how Dumbledore knew made sense. Either Aberforth told him, or Dumbledore was still having Harry followed. Honestly, Adam was hoping it was Aberforth who told.
"Is it true, Adam? Did Harry meet with students in the Hog's Head to discuss starting a secret Defense Against the Dark Arts group?"
Adam thought carefully. No matter how Adam answered, Dumbledore knows its true. Telling the truth to the professors would at least guarantee that they may be able to trust him with further information. If Adam lied, he could begin to destroy established trust with the three professors. And, he did not know how much trust there was currently.
"Yes, Professor, it's true", Adam responded. "Did your brother tell you?"
Dumbledore shook his head. "No. It was Mundungus Fletcher."
"You're still having Harry followed", Adam asked, surprised.
"It's for his safety", Dumbledore said.
"You seem shocked by this revelation", McGonagall said.
Adam nodded. "I am. Having him followed when he's outside of Hogwarts makes sense because you can't get to him quickly. Here, however, he's safe. And it's not just because of you. I'm here too."
Dumbledore smiled softly. "You are a capable wizard, Adam. There's no denying that. However, I'm already asking plenty of you. And I did not think I should have to ask you to watch over Harry. You've done that since your first year."
"The purpose of this meet is to discuss some of what was overheard", Snape said. "Like you mutilating yourself to distract a dragon."
Adam quirked his brow. How did they know about that? His eyes widened as his mind processed Snape said it was overheard at the meet. He closed his eyes and sighed, realizing Hermione told people, including Harry, what he did.
"It was last year", Adam said. "I did it to save Harry, and-"
"We know, Adam", Dumbledore said. "You don't need to explain yourself. That's not what we're doing here. Now, what is the purpose of this secret group?"
"It's like you said, Defense Against the Dark Arts. Umbridge isn't actually teaching us. It's just theory. With our O.W.L.s at the the end of the year and Tom Riddle free, there was an argument for actually learning spells and proper defense."
Adam did not know how the professors would respond. However, they looked like they completely agreed.
"You know the dangers accompanying starting this group, yes", Snape asked.
Adam nodded. "Trust me. I'm the only one who seems to know", he said, slightly annoyed.
The three professors glanced at each other. Snape looked back at Adam.
"Mr. Grindelwald, as an Assistant Professor, you have a responsibility to report to the Headmaster any rules being broken by students or Prefects", Snape said. "The Headmaster will decide punishment for those involved. With the Ministry's newest decree, an illegal group now falls under that purview."
Adam quirked his brow at the Potions master. Snape's comment was out of the blue. It was on topic, but seemed out of place in the conversation. Adam opened his mouth to speak, but his mind began playing with Snape's words.
He was remembering what Snape said about his role as Assistant Professor, his authority, and who has authority over him. Snape's exaggeration of 'headmaster' never went unnoticed. Now, Adam is beginning to understand its importance.
Snape's loyalty is to Dumbledore. The Potions master is trying to engrave something similar in Adam's mind. It was more than too. Snape and Dumbledore gave Adam a position of authority within the school. One that granted him special privileges.
Snape was giving Adam a clue to ensure he kept the position. He was telling Adam this to allow Adam, not to cover for himself, but to ensure the security of his position as Assistant Professor.
Adam looked at Dumbledore with a smirk. "Professor, I have reason to believe that students are forming a group that defies decree twenty-four."
Thin line smiles crossed the faces of the three professors.
"You have your mother's quick reasoning", McGonagall said.
"Very well", Dumbledore said. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Now, I do believe it's time you go to History of Magic."
Adam smiled. "Yes, Professor."
"One more thing", McGonagall said. "Do inform Mr. Potter not to send anymore letters out. The Ministry may be monitoring the post."
"Yes, Professor."
Adam stroked Fawkes's plumage before leaving the office. He jogged all the way to the History of Magic classroom. When he entered, Professor Binns paid him no mind, even when the whole class turned their heads to look at him.
He sat down in the free chair next to Hermione, kissing her cheek before pulling out his quill and parchment. Then Adam noticed something odd. Harry was gone.
"Where's Harry", Adam whispered.
"Hedwig got hurt by something", Hermione replied. "That's all we know."
"Hope she's okay", Adam muttered, turning his head to focus on Binns.
Once the class was finished, they walked out of the classroom and started walking to the dungeons for Potions. Harry caught up to them on the way and told them about finding Grubbly-Plank. Then he showed his friends the letter from Sirius.
"Don't send anymore letters out, Harry", Adam said.
"Why not", Harry asked.
"Communication in and out of Hogwarts may be being monitored by Umbridge. For some reason, Sirius is deciding to talk again tonight. I'm not sure if the Floo network's a good idea."
"How else do we talk to him, then", Harry asked. "We still have over a month before break."
"I'm not saying don't do it. Of course we should see what Sirius has to say tonight. Anything after that waits till break."
Harry did not look entirely ready to agree.
The four walked into the dungeons. It did not take long for them to hear the voice of Draco Malfoy, loudly exclaiming the Slytherin Quidditch team got approved. Harry was able to keep his composure. Then, Malfoy started saying something about his father having pull at the Ministry, Arthur Weasley possibly getting fired, and Harry being taken to St. Mungo's.
The last person that Adam was expecting to react, ran at the Slytherin weasel. Neville had his fists clenched tightly as he started charging a path toward Malfoy. The two cronies stepped in front of him, but it was unnecessary.
Adam grabbed the collar of Neville's robes and pulled him back. Neville was trying to fight back, but Adam wrapped an arm around Neville's neck. Harry and Ron tried to grab hold of Neville's swaying arms, but they could not.
Just as Snape opened the door, Neville got free of Adam's hold just enough that he was able to move his body. He was still angry enough, and his arms were still swaying wildly, that he ended up hitting Adam in the cheek with the back of his hand.
The group of Gryffindors and Slytherins gasped. A few, like Malfoy and his cronies, had grins on their faces.
"Longbottom", Snape sneered. "Detention." His eyes scanned the students. "In my classroom, now."
The students started entering the classroom, starting with the Slytherins. The Gryffindors followed them inside. Neville was still more than a little angry, so he stormed into the room without saying a word.
"Adam, are you alright", Hermione asked, putting a hand on his arm.
"I'm fine", Adam said, rubbing his cheek.
"Are you positive, Mr. Grindelwald", Snape asked, still at the door.
"Yes, Professor", Adam responded.
"Good. Come in, the four of you."
The four entered the classroom and took their seats at the back of the classroom. Harry, Ron, and Hermione pulled out their books. Adam did not pull anything out of his bag. He was unsure if Snape was going to have him help again.
"You will notice that we have a guest with us today", Snape said.
Many heads turned to a dark corner of the classroom. They saw Umbridge sitting in a chair with her clipboard on her leg.
"Oh, great", Adam whispered.
"We are continuing with our Strengthening Solutions today. You will find your mixtures as you left them last lesson. If correctly made, they should have matured well over the weekend." Snape waved his wand. "Instructions on the board. Carry on. Mr. Grindelwald, like the last lesson, please help those who need it."
"Yes, Professor."
Umbridge spent the first half hour of the class in the corner. She was scribbling away on her clipboard. At times, Adam could feel her eyes on him. Adam had to shake off the feeling because he had an actual responsibility to do as Snape ordered.
"Harry, you need Salamander blood", Adam said, stopping Harry from adding the wrong ingredient. "Not pomegranate juice."
"Right", Harry said, correcting his ingredients. Harry had been very distracted by Umbridge and Snape.
While Adam was going to the different students, he heard Umbridge rise from her chair and walk over to Snape.
"Well, the class seems fairly advanced for their level", Umbridge said. "Though, I would question whether it is advisable to teach them a potion like the Strengthening Solution. I think the Ministry would prefer it if that was removed from the syllabus."
Snape straightened up slowly. He turned to face her.
"Now... how long have you been teaching at Hogwarts", Umbridge asked.
"Fourteen years", Snape replied.
"You applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post, I believe?"
"Yes", Snape said quietly.
"But you were unsuccessful?"
Snape's lip curled. "Obviously."
Professor Umbridge scribbled away on her clipboard. Adam was trying to focus on the students that were welcoming of his help, but his attention was being drawn to the questioning.
"And you have applied regularly for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post since you have joined the school, I believe?"
"Yes", Snape replied, getting more angry with every question.
"Do you have any idea why Dumbledore has consistently refused to appoint you?"
"I suggest you ask him", Snape replied.
"Oh, I shall", Umbridge said with a smile.
"I suppose this is relevant?"
"Oh, yes", Umbridge said. "Yes, the Ministry wants a thorough understanding of teachers' backgrounds..."
Umbridge turned away after that. Snape did not look happy. Adam noticing Snape's gaze moving through the Gryffindors, stepped in front of Harry again. Adam could smell burning rubber coming from Harry's cauldron. Harry screwed up, but as long as Adam was at the cauldron, Snape would not do anything.
When the bell rang, the students packed up their bags. Umbridge left the classroom before any of the students. The Slytherins left the room first, as Snape told them to do. Then the Gryffindors left. Adam glanced at Neville, who looked considerably more upset with what happened.
Adam grabbed his bag and looked at his girlfriend. "I'll meet you at the Great Hall."
"What're you doing", Hermione asked.
"I need to talk to Snape."
Hermione nodded. Adam kissed her cheek before walking to Snape's desk. Hermione, Harry, and Ron walked out of the dungeon, not looking back. They are used to seeing Adam stay behind in the classroom.
"What is it, Mr. Grindelwald?"
"It's about Neville's detention. I want to do it."
Snape quirked his brow.
"His offense was against me, Professor. You can decide his detention, but I want to supervise him."
Snape took a minute to think about Adam's request. Then he gave Adam a small nod. "Very well. Mr. Longbottom did not get complete his Strengthening Solution like the rest. I believe it's because he did not let you help. That will be his detention. This evening, be down here with him."
Adam nodded. "Yes, Professor."
Adam walked out of the classroom and joined the other three who decided to wait for him. They walked into the Great Hall for lunch. Adam set his bag down, but walked over to Neville to tell him about the change.
After lunch, Harry and Ron went to Divination. Adam and Hermione walked to Hermione's Arithmancy class. The two shared a kiss before Hermione walked into the classroom. Adam walked to Gryffindor tower.
Adam walked into the common and room and sat down in a chair. He pulled his Potions book out of his bag and opened it. Even though he was not assigned the homework, he wanted to make sure he could help if someone asked him.
Crookshanks came into the room and jumped onto Adam's lap. He purred as he curled into a ball. Adam chuckled as he put a hand on the soft fur.
An hour later, Adam packed his bag again. Crookshanks jumped off Adam and wandered to the fireplace. Adam threw his bag over his shoulder and left the common room.
Adam walked to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. He was the only one in the classroom. Not even Umbridge was there yet. Adam took a seat in his normal spot and waited for everyone to show up. Luckily, he was not waiting long.
Students started walking into the classroom, taking their seats. Hermione, Harry, and Ron walked inside too, and sat down. Ron was complaining some about Lavender staring at him in class.
"What was she staring at", Ron asked. "Have I got something on my face?"
Adam shook his head. "You're so dull, Ron. She likes you. Apparently, like you, she doesn't know how to handle it."
"What do I do", Ron asked, looking at Adam.
"Why're you asking him", Harry asked with a small grin.
"He's the one in a relationship", Ron replied.
"I'm here too, Ron", Hermione said. "And if you ask me, you should talk to her."
"At least Divination was entertaining", Adam chuckled.
"More than you think", Ron said, thankful for the change in conversation.
"Umbridge put Trelawney on probation", Harry whispered to Adam.
"Seriously", Adam asked.
"She's a fraud", Hermione said. "It shouldn't be surprising."
They stopped talking when Umbridge entered the classroom. She made everyone pull out their books and read chapter three. Everyone did it silently.
Harry was able to go the whole class without getting himself a detention. Adam suspected a part of why is because he did not want to hurt Gryffindor's chances to get their Quidditch team approved.
After class was over, they went to the common room. Hermione, Harry, and Ron started doing their Potions homework. Adam was helping Harry and Ron who would not stop complaining.
They had dinner a short time later. When that was over, Adam and Neville walked to the dungeon for Neville's detention. They entered the classroom and saw Snape standing over Neville's cauldron.
"Your detention is simple, Mr. Longbottom, even you should be able to do it without problem. You had a mishap earlier during the lesson. Your Strengthening Solution needs altering. Mr. Davis will be monitoring you." Snape looked at Adam. "He's free to leave when his solution is complete."
Adam nodded. "Yes, Professor."
Snape strode out of the classroom. Neville walked over to his cauldron. He looked at the instructions still on the board. He pulled out his notes and book and started looking through the process, to see where he went wrong. Adam leaned against a wall, his eyes on his friend.
"Can you help me, Adam", Neville asked.
Adam nodded and walked over to the boy and the cauldron.
"Thanks for being here, Adam", Neville said. "I'm not sure how well I would've done with Snape alone. And... And I'm sorry about what happened."
Adam smirked. "Neville, you don't need to apologize. I don't blame you for it. What I want to know, is why. What about what Malfoy said made you angry?"
Neville's face dropped as he looked down. He looked incredibly reluctant to answer. Adam knew his question struck something deep.
"Neville, you don't need-"
"It's my parents", Neville said. "They were tortured with the Cruciatus Curse to the point of insanity by a group of Death Eaters. They're in St. Mungo's now."
Adam's eyes widened and his mouth fell open a little. "Oh, Neville, I'm-"
"Don't", Neville said with a weak voice. "Please. I don't want people feeling sorry for me."
Adam nodded slowly. "Understood." Adam looked down at Neville's cauldron. "So, is that why you believe Harry about Voldemort?"
Neville nodded. "Partly, yeah." Neville looked at Adam. "Can you please not tell anyone?"
Adam nodded with a small smile.
The two worked on Neville's solution for about an hour. Adam was able to know it was complete both from its smell and look. Adam used the opportunity to teach Neville a few things to look for to make sure the Strengthening Solution is correct. Neville was very appreciative.
The two returned to the common room. Adam walked over to the fireplace. Hermione was doing her Arithmancy homework. Harry and Ron were doing Divination. Adam sat down on the floor by the fire, knowing Sirius would contact them soon.
Crookshanks jumped down from Hermione's lap and walked over to Adam. The cat curled into a ball in Adam's lap, purring.
A few hours passed before the common room was empty except for the four of them. Then, Sirius's face popped into view in the fire. Harry jumped out of his chair and was directly in front of the fire. Hermione and Ron got next to him. Adam had to hold Crookshanks to keep him from putting his face in the fire.
The conversation immediately went to the secret group to learn Defense Against the Dark Arts. Adam kept his mouth shut while Sirius told Harry about Mundungus Fletcher being in the Hog's Head.
Sirius told Ron about Mrs. Weasley wanting to relay a message. Under no circumstance was Ron to do the secret lessons because it could interfere with his future. Mrs. Weasley's message did extend to Adam, Harry, and Hermione, but she knew she did not have authority over them.
Sirius also took a brief moment to tell Adam about Remus's reaction to the bracelets. Remus was not at all happy when he heard about the bracelets. Hearing about Remus's reaction made Adam realize he should write to the man. Based on how Sirius is talking about it, a letter from Adam may be enough to calm Remus down.
Before they could go any further, a hand came out of the fire. It was an all too familiar hand. It looked like it was trying to grab hold of Sirius's head. Sirius looked like he was able to disappear just before the hand could get a grip.
The next day, during Charms, the four were talking about Umbridge going through the mail. Professor Flitwick had the class practicing the silencing charm on bullfrogs and ravens. If not for the pouring rain hitting the windows and the animals, the four would be overheard.
Flitwick awarded points to Hermione after watching her successfully complete the spell. Harry and Ron were assigned homework in the form of practicing it. Flitwick looked at Adam.
"Since your first year you've been able to properly perform charms", Flitwick squeaked. "Have you performed the silencing charm before?"
Adam nodded. "Yes, Professor."
"Were any present during this?"
"My sister, Emma. She saw me."
Flitwick smiled. "I will speak to her about it and hopefully get you a good mark."
Adam smiled. "Thank you, Professor."
Shortly after Charms ended, Angelina Johnson found Harry and Ron and told them about the Quidditch team being allowed to be reformed. She said something about Dumbledore probably having something to do with it. She also said they would have their first practice that night.
After classes were over, Harry and Ron went to the pitch for their practice. Adam and Hermione decided to go to the library to study. Adam brought his potions book with him because he realized that the potions Snape had the class making were all in his book he got for his birthday.
"Now that we're doing the Defense Against the Dark Arts group, we need to figure out where", Hermione whispered.
Adam nodded. "And you want to use the Room of Requirement, right? Ben and Cedric already talked to me. Let's do it."
"Really? Are you sure?"
Adam nodded again. "It's meant for that sorta thing."
The couple returned to the common room a few hours later. They arrived just as the Quidditch team got there too. They were drenched. Harry and Ron looked like they were whispering about something, but stopped when Adam and Hermione walked over.
"We can use the Room of Requirement", Hermione whispered.
"The what? What's that", Ron asked.
"It's where Ben, Cedric, and I have been doing our training sessions", Adam said. "It's perfect for the Defense group."
Harry smiled. "Perfect. Now, we just need to figure out when."
Lucky for them, the rain the next day cancelled their Quidditch practice. It moved their classes inside as well. Adam was a little upset because he does like the rain.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent most of the day finding the people on the list and telling them about the first meet. Adam was able to find Ben, Emma, and Cedric and tell them. He also told a few others about it.
Adam was able to find a brief time in between classes to go to Dumbledore and tell him about it. Adam did feel guilty about telling the Headmaster behind everyone else's backs, but he had no choice. Dumbledore already knew the group was happening. Plus, Snape's added instructions to Adam were clear.
Dumbledore understood and thanked Adam for telling him. Then, Dumbledore sat down at his desk and continued to work on whatever it was he was doing before Adam entered his office. Adam turned around and left.
That night, the four left the common room and made their way to the seventh floor. Harry and Ron kept looking over their shoulders to make sure they were not being followed. Hermione trusted Adam, so all she did was hold his hand as they walked.
When they arrived by a blank wall, Harry and Ron looked at them confused. Hermione just smiled, remembering her first experience with the Room of Requirement. Adam stood at the wall, mumbling under his breath. Hermione kept Harry and Ron quiet as they watched Adam.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the wall started transforming into a door. Harry and Ron stood shocked and perplexed for a minute before being pushed inside by Adam.
The room was quite different from what Adam normally does with it. Instead of the normally empty space except for a few chairs, now there were wooden bookcases lining the walls. Large silk cushions were all over the floor. A shelf at the far end of the room had dozens of Dark Detectors on it. Opposite that shelf was a table for Adam's healing potion.
He knows he will need it because the bracelets were not going to stop him. Slow him down, maybe, but not stop him.
Ron looked at the pillows, telling Harry they are perfect for practicing stunning spells. Hermione was looking at the wide array of new books. She pulled one out, slid down onto a cushion and began reading it.
"What's that thing", Ron asked.
Adam looked to where Ron was pointing. Next to the already active fireplace, stood the knight Adam used to train. Adam's eyes widened, not realizing the knight would come with the room.
"That's a training dummy", Adam said. "For me."
"Why's he dressed like a knight", Harry asked.
"I'm not entirely sure. It came that way."
"Why're you training with a knight", Ron asked.
"I need practice with the sword."
Before their conversation could go any further, there was a gentle knock on the door. Ginny, Neville, Lavender, Parvati, and Dean entered the room. Harry was about to explain the room to them, but Adam stopped him. The American suggested Harry wait until everyone arrived, so he would not have to repeat himself.
By eight o clock, everyone had arrived. All the cushions were filled. Adam stood, leaning against the wall.
"Well", Harry began nervously. "This is the place we've found for practices, and you've-er-obviously found it okay-"
"It's fantastic", Cho said.
"It's bizarre", Fred said, frowning around at it. "We once hid from Filch in here, remember, George? But it was just a broom cupboard then."
Adam wandered over to the shelf of Dark Detectors.
"Well, I've been thinking about the sort of stuff we ought to do first and-", Harry stopped, noticing a raised hand. "What, Hermione?"
"I think we ought to elect a leader", Hermione said.
"Harry's leader", Ginny said immediately.
"What about Adam", Emma asked.
"I think Harry should to be our leader", Cho said.
"Adam's a far better duelist and knows more spells than anyone else", Ben argued.
The group started arguing. A few, like Hermione and Ron were trying to argue for both. Harry did not know what to do, so he looked at Adam for help. Adam was smirking at the fiasco.
"Quiet", he called out. The entire room went silent at once from his yell and looked at him. "If you guys can agree to it, Harry and I will both lead."
Hermione smiled at her boyfriend's suggestion. "How does that sound? Does everyone agree?"
Everyone raised their hands while nodding. Harry grinned. Adam shook his head with a smile while turning back to the Dark Detectors. He could hear the conversation continue, but his attention went to the Foe Glass.
The smile on Adam's face immediately dropped. The light gray shadows moving in it darkened to an all black figure. Adam could not make out the face. He reached out and picked it up.
Adam felt like his mind was being pulled back in time. He has felt this way before, when he was shown memories from Merlin or the dark wizard. This time, though, Adam had no idea which was showing him the memory.
Adam could see a large army of knights. Their swords were in their hands. The dark wizard stood before them. He looked like he was giving them some sort of speech.
"Find the staff", the dark wizard's voice said. "Find the staff. Claim the power rightfully yours. You can lead an army that will be loyal only to you."
The army of knights raised their swords and began chanting. "Grindelwald! Grindelwald! Grindelwald!"
"That could be you they praise", the dark wizard said.
Suddenly, Adam was pulled out of the memory. He looked down at the Foe Glass. The dark figure was gone. Adam looked back at the group. They were all standing, as if getting ready to witness something. Hermione pinned the parchment with the names to the wall.
Emma and Ben seemed to be the only people to notice Adam's behavior. Adam set the Foe Glass down just as they walked over to him.
"You okay", Emma asked.
Adam nodded. "Just a... might've seen a memory."
"Of what", Ben asked with urgency.
"Nothing new. The dark wizard trying to persuade me to become the new him. I don't know."
"We should get into pairs and practice", Harry called out.
The three Americans looked at the larger group. They were all dividing into pairs of two. Cedric was calling for Ben to be his partner. Emma walked over to be Rebecca's partner. The two were confused until Harry told the group to pronounce 'Expelliarmus' clearly.
Adam was the only one without a partner. This was a good thing because of the bracelets and the fact no one in the room was a challenge for him. Ben and Cedric were the closest to being an actual challenge, but Adam knew he still had the upper hand.
"On the count of three, then", Harry called out, across from Neville. "One... two... three-"
The room was suddenly full of shouts of 'Expelliarmus!'. Wands flew in all directions. Missed spells hit books on shelves. Adam caught a wayward wand from hitting him in the face. He moved his head to the side, narrowly avoiding another wand from hitting him.
Now, he was incredibly grateful for his head pulsing.
Cedric and Ben were the only two to actually perform the spell. Both lost their wands. The spells were effective. Emma was quickly able to disarm Rebecca, but the Hufflepuff seventh year did get the spell out.
Adam gave George back his wand. Then, Adam walked over to Harry. "This is gonna be fun."
Harry nodded. He turned to Neville. "Practice with Hermione and Ron so Adam and I can walk around and see how the rest are doing."
The two Gryffindors walked to the middle of the room just as the spells started flying again. They started walking around, correcting posture, pronunciation, or anything else that would help the students learn.
Cedric and Ben did not need any correction. Emma and Rebecca were also doing good without help.
Walking around, seeing how little everyone actually knew, made Adam realize just how grateful he should be for all the private lessons and his parents teaching him and Emma from an early age.
Harry blew a whistle to get everyone to stop. Adam questioned where he got a whistle until he remembered where they were.
"That wasn't bad", Harry said. "but there's definite room for improvement." Harry looked around. "Perhaps a demonstration."
Many hands went up immediately. Harry looked at them all again. His eyes landed on Cedric and Ben. He grinned. "Ben, you and Cedric want to demonstrate?"
The two seventh years grinned too and walked to the middle of the room. Everyone else stepped back to make room for them. The two seventh years bowed to one another then raised their wands. Adam grinned, glad their wands were not pointing at him.
"Three... two... one", Harry yelled.
The whole group was expecting them to immediately shout 'Expelliarmus', so they were all caught off guard when Cedric yelled something else.
"Stupefy!"
Ben blocked the spell. "Stupefy", he cast back.
Cedric ducked out of the way. He raised his wand again, but Ben was prepared.
"Expelliarmus", they shouted together.
The spells hit the other, knocking them both off their feet and sending their wands flying into the air. Adam began laughing as they got back up.
"Glad my lessons are working out", Adam laughed.
The two smiled at him before high fiving each other.
"I guess I shouldn't've asked two seventh years", Harry mumbled. His eyes widened with realization. "Fred and George, you demonstrate."
Adam watched as Harry regretted his decision to have the twins demonstrate the disarming charm. Harry should have known that would be a bad idea. Adam and Harry know the twins can perform the spell, but they will turn anything into a joke.
Harry ignored the demonstration and had everyone pair up again. They spent the remaining time doing that before calling it for the night.
"Let's say next Wednesday night", Harry said for their next meet. "and we can decide on additional meetings then."
As the group began leaving the Room of Requirement in twos and threes, Adam looked back at the Foe Glass. The fear and darkness he felt while seeing the memory still very present in his head. His curiosity got the better of him.
Adam walked over to the Foe Glass again and picked it up. He was expecting to see the memory again. Maybe a new memory. He was expecting to see the dark figure appear on it, but nothing. It was no memory. It was a vision.
In a rapid array of movement, Adam watched the dark wizard stand at the entrance of Hogwarts. The entire castle was on fire while being enveloped in darkness. The army of knights marched passed the bodies that littered the ground. Adam could hear the knights chanting. He could see his friends and loved ones on the ground.
"Grindelwald! Grindelwald! Grindelwald!"
"They're training...", the dark voice said. "They're waiting..."
Suddenly, the castle disappeared. In a forest, a campsite, Adam could see the very same knights training. They were training with their swords, spears, bows, and every other weapon they had. There was a small group practicing their magic.
"... for you..."