"But how do you know?" Ron asked.
Harry shook his head, pressing his hands against his eyes. Ron sat beside him, watching with concern.
"Was it like this last time?" Hermione asked, breath held. "In Umbridge's office—was he angry then too?"
Harry shook his head.
"Last time he was pleased. Really pleased—thought something good was about to happen... Before that, at Grimmauld Place, I had pain once—that was when he was furious..."
Orli's breathing quickened with Harry's words. She'd considered teaching Harry Occlumency, but couldn't start now. She remembered Harry still needed to do something... that thing was crucial... he had to maintain this connection temporarily...
"Harry, do you realize what you're doing?" Ron stared in amazement. "You're reading You-Know-Who's mind!"
"No," Harry said. "I only sense his emotions. Lightning-like feelings..."
Silence, except for storm lashing windows and fire crackling. Crookshanks snored softly.
"You should tell someone, Harry," Hermione said seriously.
"Umbridge is inspecting owls—I can't risk letters. And Sirius hasn't contacted us," Harry said heavily.
"Then Dumbledore!"
"He already knows about the scar. Nothing new," Harry said stubbornly.
"Dumbledore would want to know," Ron said.
Harry shrugged, silent.
Orli finally remembered what that thing was—Harry needed to save Arthur Weasley through his scar's connection first. She couldn't let Harry learn Occlumency now, or Arthur might die. She decided to stay silent.
"Well, if we can't decide this now—let's work out our first meeting's time and place," Orli said.
"Yes, that's definitely a problem," Harry said, quickly following her subject change. "While Umbridge is distracted, we can organize a group activity."
"But we don't have a suitable place. Can't just pick any empty classroom—too risky. No one would come," Ron said.
"Maybe check the Marauder's Map? Harry, did Sirius give it back?" Hermione asked.
Harry nodded.
"He fixed it before leaving. But there's nowhere useful. There used to be space behind that big mirror on the fourth floor, but it collapsed."
"I know such a place," Orli said. "Somewhere even the Marauder's Map never marked—but not tonight."
Orli looked at eager Harry and Ron, holding up one finger. "Ron, Harry, you need hot baths."
"Is this place guaranteed safe?" Hermione pressed.
"Don't worry—even Harry's dad and Sirius never found it! Too late today. Tomorrow night at eight, we gather everyone for our first meeting. Location's on the eighth floor, across from the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy."
Orli said confidently.
Next morning at the Great Hall, they arrived during owl post. Orli and the others weren't alone eagerly awaiting the Daily Prophet and latest Quibbler—almost everyone wanted news about the 'Pink Lady.'
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