Chapter 201: "The Calm Before the Storm"

As the second term of the school year began, Hogwarts quickly settled into its familiar rhythm. For the fifth and seventh-year students, however, this rhythm was more intense than ever. The looming specter of OWLs and NEWTs cast a long shadow over their days, filling every spare moment with studying and revision.

Harry found himself caught in this whirlwind of academic preparation. Between classes, assignments, and his extracurricular activities, free time as usual became a rare luxury. The common rooms and library were constantly bustling with stressed students, their noses buried in textbooks and parchments covered in hurriedly scribbled notes.

Despite the mounting pressure, Harry was determined to maintain his apprenticeship with Professor Flitwick. When the diminutive Charms master suggested Harry take a break to focus on his OWLs, Harry was quick to reassure him.

"I appreciate your concern, Professor," Harry said during one of their sessions, his wand still raised from their latest duel, "but I assure you, I'm well-prepared for the OWLs. This apprenticeship is too valuable to put on hold."

What Harry didn't mention was his burning desire to hone his newly gained lightning affinity. He badly wanted to learn and control new lightning spells, and Professor Flitwick was the best person for this. The thrill of dueling with purple lightning was addictive.

Flitwick regarded him with a mix of pride and concern, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles. "Very well, Harry. But promise me you'll speak up if it becomes too much."

Harry nodded, grateful for his mentor's understanding. As they squared off for another duel, Harry felt the familiar excitement course through him. He was eager to incorporate his new lightning spells into his dueling repertoire, to see how they would fare against Flitwick's vast experience and skill.

Meanwhile, the school was abuzz with the news of Hagrid's reinstatement as the Care of Magical Creatures professor. After his suspension at the beginning of the term, Hagrid had worked tirelessly with Hermione to develop a comprehensive and safe curriculum. His demonstration to the Ministry officials had been a resounding success, earning him back his teaching position.

Harry couldn't help but smile as he watched Hagrid lead his first class since returning. The half-giant's enthusiasm was infectious, and even the most nervous students found themselves drawn in by his passion for magical creatures. Hagrid's booming voice carried across the grounds as he introduced a new, Ministry-approved creature, his eyes shining with unbridled joy at the opportunity to teach.

Hagrid thanked Hermione profusely for her help, and for a few days, Hermione had a proud look on her face, basking in the success of her mission. She received praises from many Gryffindor students, though some were still sad about seeing the substitute professor who had taken over from Hagrid leave.

In the midst of all this, Harry continued his Patronus classes. The progress of his students filled him with a sense of pride and accomplishment. Everyone could now produce a non-corporeal Patronus, and the more talented students were on the brink of achieving a full corporeal form. The room would often fill with silvery mist as students practiced, their faces scrunched in concentration.

"Remember," Harry instructed during one session, his voice carrying over the muttered incantations, "the key is to focus on your happiest memory. Let it fill you up, let it drive away all doubt and fear."

As he watched several silvery mists coalesce into more defined shapes, Harry felt a surge of hope. By the time he ended these classes in a few weeks, he was confident that several students would be able to produce a full Patronus. Although some of the less brave ones might never succeed in using it against a real Dementor, it was good to have this spell in their repertoire. Maybe when in danger, their hidden bravery would come out and succeed in fending off a Dementor.

Despite the busy schedule and positive developments of the term, a sense of unease lingered over the castle. The Dementors still patrolled outside the Hogwarts grounds, a constant reminder of the danger that lurked beyond. Their presence could be felt even from within the castle walls, a subtle chill that never quite went away. Aurors continued their vigilant patrols inside the castle, their presence both reassuring and unsettling. The sight of their crimson robes in the corridors was a constant reminder of the threat that hung over them all.

What puzzled Harry most was the continued absence of any attack from the Azkaban escapees. After regaining their wands, Harry had expected an immediate assault, particularly from the notoriously unstable Bellatrix Lestrange. The lack of action was entirely out of character for them, and it set Harry's nerves on edge. He found himself constantly checking the Marauder's Map, half-expecting to see those dreaded names appear at any moment.

However, they soon peeked out as if to show they were still around Hogwarts and it was not safe yet. They were not spotted in the castle though, but in the Hogsmeade village near Hogwarts. A group of students during a Hogsmeade weekend in the third week of January saw a beggar-like man transforming into a rat and running away. Everyone, knowing this was Pettigrew, ran towards the castle in fear, their weekend plans forgotten in the rush of panic.

The news spread quickly through the school, whispered in corridors and common rooms. Within days, Dumbledore announced the cancellation of all future Hogsmeade visits until the threat was neutralized. While many students grumbled about the loss of their weekend freedom, the grim reality of the situation kept most complaints to a minimum.

As weeks turned into months, the term progressed rapidly. The OWL exams loomed ever closer, casting a pall of stress over the fifth-year students. Harry found himself spending more and more time in the library, helping his friends and those who struggled with certain subjects. It was a kind of revision for Harry too. Even though he was confident in practicals and had skills already above the NEWT level, his theory required some revision.

In the midst of all this academic fervor, Quidditch matches proceeded as usual, providing a welcome distraction from the stress of exams and the threat of Death Eaters. The Hufflepuff team, riding high on their early successes, seemed all but assured of winning the cup. Even Gryffindor's improved performance in later matches, bolstered by Ginny Weasley's impressive skills as their new Seeker, wasn't enough to overcome Hufflepuff's lead.

The excitement in the Hufflepuff common room was palpable. The Hufflepuff students had a smile on their faces every day despite the dangers around, and talks of celebration plans were already underway. It would be their first cup win in many years, a fact that filled the often-overlooked house with immense pride. Harry could hear their excited chatter in the corridors, see their yellow and black scarves worn with newfound confidence.

As Harry watched the jubilant Hufflepuffs, Cedric and Susan among them, he was also happy. This term had been great till now, and Harry hoped it continued to be so. Even though Harry knew danger was only around the corner and the Death Eaters wouldn't give up on attacking Charles, he believed the other students should enjoy their school days. No fear of attacks should stop children from enjoying the happy days of school life that people don't get back.

As Harry absorbed these happy sights, what he did not know was that the four fugitive Death Eaters were planning something in the background. They had learned to be smart, and since their last attack had failed, they were planning on completing their objective in a completely different way and with a good plan.

Danger was going to strike, and this peaceful period was merely the calm before the storm.