Cue Love Interest for Harry!

Last Chapter…

"Oooo! You're awful!" Ariadne wrinkled her nose. "Well, that's appalling. I'd much prefer your father in that manner, no offense, but really!"

Harry's grin widened. "None taken."

The two stood and made their way back to the castle, with Ariadne muttering the whole way. "People are disgusting. You're a child! Young enough to be my son! It's illegal!!"

Harry just laughed.

Chapter 26 – Of Encounters

The following morning found Harry and Hermione out in front of the castle, with Isoko. Standing in front of a short row of targets, she eyed them critically for a moment.

"You two are going to need some spandex," She stated. "There is far too much material there to get tangled up in. I'll speak to Ariadne about it. Now let's begin."

She hand the two teens each a long curved wooden bow and a length a string. Hands on, she sowed them the correct way to string the bow and draw the string without damaging it or themselves. Next, she brought out two quivers filled with arrows. "These are never-ending arrows. As long as you own the arrows, this quiver will retrieve them and have them ready for you when you need them. The only arrows it will not retrieve are those that remain lodged in living flesh."

When the two nodded, she continued on to explain how to fix the arrow in the bow and fire. She stood between them and had them take aim at two of the targets. Neither arrow came even close to meeting its mark, although Hermione's managed to hit the target next to the one at which she was aiming. Isoko laughed and strung her own bow. She brought it close to her face, lining it up. The brunette fired. The arrow hit the dead center of the target and she unstrung her bow with a satisfied smile.

The lesson lasted until 10:30, but ended with a promise of more hard work next week. "I know Ariadne wants to talk to you both, so I am letting you off early, but don't expect it to happen again."

Harry and Hermione grinned and thanked her. She smiled and blushed faintly before waving them off. Ariadne was in fact awaiting them upon their return to the castle.

"Hello, Harry, Hermione! How are you both this fine morning?"

Harry narrowed his eyes. "I'm okay. What's up, Ari?"

Hermione nodded that she too was fine. The blonde grinned. "Hermione, would you like to assist in some disaster relief?"

Hermione wrinkled her forehead. "There was a disaster?"

Ariadne laughed. "Of course there is. Have you seen the way Harry dresses? His clothes are a disaster and we need to relief him of them."

Hermione grinned. "No, Hermione. I mean by replacing them, not by removing them."

The bushy-haired girl pouted and Harry gaped at her. She laughed. "I'm only kidding, Harry! Sheesh! And As much as I would love to get you out of those clothes, I have some research to do in the library."

He looked at her with a pained expression, his cheeks tinged a light pink. "Hermione, what exactly are you looking for now?"

She looked sheepish. "Well, since Godric Gryffindor is the only one who's V.S. was anywhere close to yours in length, I figured maybe there was a connection. Harry, did you know that the Potters are the oldest wizarding family in Britain?"

"No, Hermione, of course I didn't." He rolled his eyes. "Older even then the Blacks?"

She nodded solemnly. "You are the sole heir of the Most Ancient and Honorable House of Potter. Several centuries, at least, older then the Blacks. And the Malfoy's drop off the face of history somewhere around the 1400s."

"You could try France, if you are looking for the Malfoy's. The name means 'bad faith' in French and I believe that they were one of the families that entered England in the influx that took place in the early 1400s." Isoko had entered the castle while they were talking and now entered the conversation.

Hermione grinned broadly. "I will! Thanks!"

"Wait! 1400s? How far exactly did you go back in my family's history?!?" Harry's eyes widened.

Isoko fielded this question however. "Harry, the Potters have been a prominent wizarding family since before Hadrian's wall. It was sometime around 2000 B.C. that wizarding history was first written with any accuracy and that was done by a Potter. You are quite literally that last remaining of the oldest family in the Western Wizarding World. The Eastern World, however, goes back much farther. Beginning probably around 5000 B.C. with accurate written History, but possibly earlier. I do not know my eastern History as well as I should."

Harry's jaw was hanging open as he stared at the brunette. Ariadne reached over and shut it. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him out of the castle, calling, "Thanks, Iso! Hermione, I will take you and he to get muggle clothes in New York maybe next week! See you both later."

Hermione just waved and yelled, "Thanks, Ari!"

They had reached the gate before Harry came out of his stupor. When he did wake up, he protest vehemently about going shopping, but quieted when she promised him a stop by the Twin's shop and by Quality Quidditch.

The alley was bustling as always. Harry kept a wary eye out and the fake Moody's advice sprung to his mind. "Constant Vigilance," He muttered.

Ariadne dragged him into Madame Malkin's to get him a couple of set of new school robes. Six pairs of trousers, ten dress shirts (eight white and two black, because "You always need everything in black!" Ariadne winked), and several school ties later, they exited the shop. Their spoils were in bags and shrunk to fit in Harry's pockets. He was no longer a disaster, as Ariadne insisted that he wear some of his new clothes. Feeling like he was in uniform, Harry slipped the bags into the pocket of his new black slacks and tugged on the black dress shirt.

Watching Ariadne as they walked, he realized that their outfits now matched. She wore a long black sleeveless dress, with a fitted bodice and a long slit up the side. From under her open robes, he could catch glimpses of her thigh. He sighed. What an odd pair they made, teacher and student. Two streets over, Ariadne pushed Harry forcibly into a store advertising elegant dress robes.

Harry glowered at her from his perch atop the measuring platform. An assistant hustled around, grabbing this and that, while a tap measure wound itself around Harry's body.

"Harry, quit your glaring. Severus would be pleased, but I am not. We'll go to the Quidditch shop later, I promised! Just be nice while they fit you for dress robes."

"Ari, I am not a child to be placated with toys! I hate shopping for clothes!"

The owner, who had been discussing styles with the high priestess, smiled knowingly. "Aren't you the cutest couple!"

Harry sneered at the woman. "She is my stepmother. Not my girlfriend."

The woman looked suitably appalled and apologized profusely. Ariadne, however, took no notice. She was smiling warmly at the teen. An excitable bubbly feeling was rising her chest.

Ultimately, Harry left that second shop with a set of emerald dress robes and a set in black. As they left, Harry's eyes were caught by a mannequin shoved into the front corner of the store. It looked as thought it were hoping not to be seen. The mannequin was adorned with a resplendent set of battle robes, in red dragon hide. Ariadne stopped to look at them also. "Chinese Fireball, I'd guess. Come on, Harry. I know you think you need those, but I have a better idea."

Harry allowed himself to be pulled from the store, but he kept his eyes on the robes until the door shut behind them. "What idea is that, Ari?"

"Well, it's true that dragon hide is an excellent material for battle robes. Although, it's said that Basilisk hide is much better. Supposedly, it will repel all but the nastiest curse and hexes, and of course the Unforgivables. You don't happen to know where to find a basilisk, do you?"

"Actually, I…You knew that already! Who told you that I killed a basilisk?"

Ariadne's eyes widened. "I didn't know you killed it! Dumbledore only mentioned that you knew where one could be found. Dear Lord!"

"Yeah, well, that was second year. Ancient history. Hmm, I bet we could outfit the Coven, my father, and the Ministry Six with battle robes from that thing…"

She watched him ruefully. "Harry, to outfit twelve people, the snake would need to be at least twenty five or thirty feet long!"

"Oh, well, no problem then. Maybe we could have extras made with what's left…or make some for the Order. And I wonder if the venom is still good. It's cold down in Slytherin's chamber, maybe that preserved it."

Ariadne stopped walking and gaped at him. "How long is this basilisk, Harry?"

Harry's forehead wrinkled in thought. "Um…maybe about fifty feet? Could be a little longer though. I was never very good as guessing length."

The blonde just shook her head and resumed walking. Sometime during their walk, their path had taken them down one of the side alleys. Now, they stood in front of the twin's shop. Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes flashed brightly at them. Ariadne chuckled. "What is Aurelia getting herself into?"

Harry ignored the question, knowing she wasn't addressing him, and entered the shop. She followed calling, "Fred!"

One of the twins, who stood behind the counter, looked up. He grinned toothily. "Hello, lovely and Harry. I'm George, though."

"No, Fredrick," The twin flinched. "You aren't. I hope you and George realize that we can all tell you apart. "

"How?" He seemed intrigued. Harry was. No one could tell the twins apart, except Ginny. Even their own mother had problems with it at times.

"Ah, ah, ah! That's for me to know and you to always wonder. Or you might be able to bribe it out of Aurelia. Maybe." She grinned. "I was told, though, that a certain store is near your shop and I was wondering if you could direct us."

Fred bowed. "What ever you wish, milady."

She rolled her eyes. "Wyrd Goods For The Wayward Wizard"

Fred's eye bugled. "Why, in Merlin's name, are you taking Harry here to that particular shop?"

Ariadne grinned. "Leather! And I know the owner. He knows a very good seamstress who can work with magical material, like, say basilisk hide."

Fred nodded in understanding. "Be careful, though. You never know where the reporters are lurking and you really don't want it all over the front of the Profit that you brought Harry there."

She nodded and chewed her lip. Turning to Harry, she said, "I have your measurements, from the last store. Do you trust me not to buy you anything too outrageous?" He nodded. "Good. I will also get the contact for the seamstress. Be safe and don't wander. Here or the Fortescue's. Okay?"

"Yes, Ariadne, I won't wonder." Harry rolled his eyes and shot a long-suffering glance at Fred, who chuckled. Harry's heart constricted a little. All the Weasley men bore such a resemblance to one another. He shook off the melancholy quickly and waved to Ariadne as she exited.

Fred turned to Harry with an impossibly wide grin. "Harry, my boy, you are going finally put on big boy clothes. You might look even better than ferret boy, with her dressing you."

Harry blinked. "Um…right." He stirred the conversation away from topics like clothing and Malfoy. The two chatted for several long minutes, before another customer came in. With a quick apology and regret that George wasn't there, Fred went back to work.

With pockets filled with joke products and smile on his face, Harry wander back to the main alley. His stomach protested his lack of breakfast and made sure he knew it was almost lunch. Ice cream sounded pretty good right now. The outdoor seating of Fortescue's was nearly full. Harry examined the crowd, hoping to see a familiar face. A flash of inky hair caught his eye.

"Cho!" He called to her as he came through the parlor's gate. She looked up from her ice cream, training brilliant eyes on him. He smiled at her. It's not like I have anything to be nervous about. She'd never go out with me again. Maybe we can just hang out.

"Harry! Oh, hi! How are you?" She stuttered slightly, but the emerald-eyed boy didn't seem to notice.

Taking a seat across from her, he offered her his lopsided grin. "Keeping busy. How are you? How's your summer been?"

"I'm doing pretty good. Trying not to worry to much about my NEWTs coming up this year."

"Blimey! That's this year for you, isn't it?" He groaned. "I bet Hermione is going to have study times-tables all written up already for both of us. I am going to kill myself if she trying to make me study this year for them!"

Cho stiffened briefly, but relaxed at his tone. "Poor Harry. The Granger girl does like to study, doesn't she?"

He nodded miserably, but smiled. "I'm sure you'll ace them all! Have you been hanging out with friends a lot or just relaxing?"

"A little bit of both, I suppose. I'm not exactly super popular after last year. People are afraid I'll burst into tears again, I think." She smiled and Harry chuckled.

"Speaking of last year, how is your friend? Did she get her face fixed alright?"

Cho smiled to hear no malice in his tone, just a little regret. "Marietta is no longer my friend. I have no idea whether she got her face fixed or not. We don't speak. I am so sorry about your friend's sister though. I heard about it from my mom. She's working in the Ministry now. Oh, Harry, how awful for Weasley."

Harry sneered and looked away. "Yes, We all miss Ginny terribly and I imagine it is awful for Ron, but I wouldn't know. He has decided I am to dangerous to associate with."

There was bitterness in his tone now. It was obvious to the black-haired beauty that the wound was still fresh. She shifted closer and laid a hand over Harry's. "I'm sorry, Harry. I know you two were close, but from what I've seen, he wasn't a very good friend."

Fourth Year hung heavily on the air between them. Harry shook it off and smiled at her again. He turned his hand in hers and clasped her fingers. "Thanks, Cho. You're being really great about this. I thought you'd be angry with me because of Marietta. I wasn't sure you'd ever speak to me again, after last year."

She rolled her almond eyes. "Harry, last year was a disaster. I couldn't stop thinking about…" She squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened them, a shadow lurked in their depths. "Well, I couldn't stop crying and you had no idea how to deal with all my shit as well as everyone else's. I'm really sorry about that, Harry."

"I am too. I think we could've been really good together. I'm really glad we can still be friends." Harry averted his eyes and blushed slightly. Not wanting her to see the hope in his eyes.

"I'm glad too. You really are a good person, Harry." He looked up and their eyes met.

As they sat there smiling at one another, Harry stomach rumbled again. He blushed and made to stand. Cho's hand on his arm stopped. "We can share."

He grinned and conjured a spoon. She gasped and looked around quickly. "Oh! Harry, no! You'll be expelled!"

Her comment stopped him mid-bite. "What?"

She answered as he continued eating. "Harry! You know we aren't allowed to do magic outside school! The Ministry will find out and you'll be chucked out of Hogwarts."

Cho rang her hands worriedly. He laid down his spoon and opened his mouth to speak, forehead furrowed. He was cut of by a voice calling, "Harry!"

He looked up to see a blonde figure pushing through the crowd. He grinned again. Cho watched him with narrowed eyes. She turned to follow his gaze.

"There you are! I went back to see Fred, but he said you'd left! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Ariadne panted slightly, as she leaned on the fence.

Seated at the first table inside the gate, Harry smirked. "Do you not remember telling me not to wander? That I could only go to the ice cream parlor or stay at the twin's shop?"

Ariadne looked surprised. "Since when do you listen to anyone? I figured I'd find you in Knockturn Alley being accosted by a hag and then I'd have to explain to everyone why I let Harry Potter be attack by a sex-depraved old woman."

Harry laughed. "You wouldn't attack me, Ariadne."

Cho's mouth dropped open. Ariadne's eyes narrowed. "Oh are you gonna get that! Next time I have you in that circle, you are going to wish you'd never been born."

Harry's eyes darkened and all the mirth vanished from his face. "How will that be so different?" he muttered.

Ariadne looked at him sharply, but ignored the comment. "Harry, you have not introduced me to your friend here."

Harry looked up at Cho, surprised to see her there. He smiled. "Ari, this is Cho Chang, soon-to-be Seventh Year Ravenclaw, Team Seeker, and all-round amazing girl. Cho, my tutor, Ariadne Aureus."

The glare dropped off Cho's face and she looked interestedly at Ariadne. "Nice you meet you, Ms. Aureus."

"Mistress, actually. Or Lady." Harry corrected absentmindedly. "She's the new Defense teacher and the High Priestess of the Summer Coven."

Cho gaped. " Really?"

Ariadne smiled. "But you can call me Ariadne, if you like, at least until school starts. Harry, I didn't know you had a girlfriend! No one ever tells me anything."

Cho smiled at the mistake. "We're not dating, Mistress."

Ariadne could almost hear the yet in her voice. Harry looked at Cho with narrowed eyes. Does she want to be my girlfriend? Are the fates finally deciding to cut me a break? Then Ariadne's comment registered. "Yes, no one tells you anything. That's why you always seem to know everything, just like Dumbledore." He said dryly.

Ariadne laughed. "I'm not sure I appreciate that comment. But, I suppose, we'll be adding another set of combat robes to the list, then?"

Harry nodded and explained to Cho some of why they were there. "Ari, did you get the contact info from your friend at that store? Wyrd Goods or whatever."

Cho's eyes widened. Ariadne snorted and shook her head. "Harry, you really don't want to mention that store to people. The patrons usually, uh…try to be discreet about it."

Harry's eyes widened comically. Cho muffled a laugh. "Ariadne!" He screeched. Then his voice dropped to a hiss. "Did you try to take me into a sex shop?"

"Um…no? Not really?" She looked sheepish. "It's not a sex store, per se, but it does have quite a bit of questionable merchandise. I usually just go in there for the clothes. And my ex-boyfriend owns the store."

Cho choked. "Really? I've seen some really cool clothing in the windows, but I never had the guts to go in there."

Ariadne laughed. "Maybe I'll get you a magazine, so you can order some stuff, if you want."

Cho's chocolate eyes lit up. "Thanks, Ariadne. That would be great."

Harry smiled as he watched Cho warm up to Ariadne. The blonde cast a quick tempus and gasped. "Uh-Oh. Harry we need to get back. I forgot to tell Severus we were leaving and lunch is half-over! If we're any later, you'll be late for Olympia's lesson!"

Harry nodded and turned to Cho. "Cho, would you like to re-try a Hogsmeade trip? Maybe go somewhere else, though? I'll explain what's going on then, okay?"

Cho nodded, smiling. "I'd love to, Harry! I'll owl you okay?"

"That'd be great." Harry leaned forward, whispering, "Cho, I'm sorry for all the shit you had to go through because of me." As he pulled back, Harry paused. Mustering all his Gryffindor courage, hesitantly he dropped and quick kiss on her cheek. She smiled brightly at him and he blushed scarlet. "I'll be waiting."

Ariadne laughed to herself. Ah young love.