Black [1]

Chapter 53

I've not completely learnt how to cast non-verbal spells, although I can proudly say that for the most part I've got it down. Sometimes my concentration wavers and they don't work, but considering I've gotten this far despite being a year behind learning non-verbal spells in the curriculum is no small feat. Continuously practicing with different members of the Order downstairs, the room mostly ends up destroyed before they use magic to restore it.

The Ministry granted permission for me to practice duelling at home, although they don't have any idea why. I personally think it's because Kingsley made a fuss about it and they had to give in otherwise there's the threat of losing one of their best Aurors, but no one tells me whenever I ask.

I woke up early in my bed, surprisingly enough, considering I don't remember heading back to my room after chatting with Fred. This seems to be happening more often than not, although I don't bring it up. Tonks was downstairs, and more than willing to get some last-minute practicing with me due to the fact I wouldn't be able to do so at Hogwarts.

Sure, I can always sneak to the Room of Requirement like I've been doing for the last few years, but it's not the same when I'm not practicing with another person. The others aren't nearly as practiced as I am, although they keep questioning why I need to be this good so early on (not that they've gotten an answer from anyone, much to their dismay), but I think they've just chalked it up to the fact that I like being ahead.

After all, I ordered my books early from Diagon Alley and I've already looked at everything we're to learn over the next year. George said he's embarrassed to be seen around me and that I'm worse than Hermione, although I know he was joking from the smirks he sent my way. Considering I'll be busy with more training with Snape and McGonagall, and learning Occulemency with the former, I'll barely have time to keep up during the year.

We're still training by the time everyone else is awake and bringing their luggage downstairs, and while this time Tonks is going for the offensive, I don't find it difficult to keep up with the jinxes and curses she sends my way. My Shield Charm is rather strong by now, and I can cast it in my sleep.

"How do you do that?" Harry gawks at me once I've trapped my cousin in a simple Full Body-Bind Curse, her wand in my other hand. "I mean, the non-verbal spells. We don't even learn that till sixth year, so how do you do it so easily?"

"Not easily, I can assure you," I shake my head, wiping at my forehead before realising Tonks from the bind. "Really difficult. Lots of practice, full concentration and mental discipline. I can teach you if you want. But only if you teach me how to perform a corporeal patronus," I tease.

"Deal," he agrees, slipping his trainers on. "We should probably get ready to go soon, though. We need to catch the train soon, and Mrs Weasley's already telling us about how we'll have to walk fast."

We start heading towards the stairs to grab our bags (one of the reasons I'm lucky the girls' room is on a lower floor) when I see two suitcases whizzing down the stairs, clearly bewitched by the twins and about to hurl straight into poor Ginny. "Wingardium Leviosa!" I quickly shout, managing to lift her just in time as Harry and I jump to the side, the suitcases narrowly missing us. Mrs Weasley and Mrs Black start to scream.

"– COULD'VE DONE HER A SERIOUS INJURY, YOU IDIOTS –"

"– FILTHY HALF-BREEDS, BESMIRCHING THE HOUSE OF MY FATHERS –"

I nearly groan, setting Ginny down carefully and rushing back down to help Tonks close the curtain over my grandmother's portrait. Sirius is by our side in an instant, then transforms into his dog self almost as soon as the job is done, and I sigh. We've tried explaining how dangerous it is for him to come, but he seems adamant that he sees us off.