A New Tradition

Harry stood in the Great Hall surrounded by mingling politicians, celebrities, captains of wizarding industry, and assorted esteemed members of academia. To be certain, there was a wealth of knowledge to be gleaned by his current situation, to mention nothing of the contacts that could be made. One just never knew when the shaking of the right hand in the present might prove helpful in the future. However, Harry's only concern at the moment was when and how he was going to be able to return Teddy to Andromeda. When he decided to freestyle his speech he hadn't considered the little fact that there was to be a formal recessional of all the speakers and V.I.P.s before the rest of the Remembrance Day attendees would be allowed to leave their seats. He had tried to slip out of line, much as he had on the way in, but Andromeda's seat wasn't located near his path and she hadn't appeared to be anticipating him, making the safe exchange of a baby impractical at best. Now he stood amongst the best and brightest of his world, the fingers of his godson's left hand wrapped around his right index finger, wondering just how this was suppose to work. Was there some formal order of succession to be followed, or was he free to leave at his own leisure. He decided that using the excuse of Teddy needing a clean nappy was his ticket out.

Harry was making his way towards the door when Kingsley Shaklebolt approached. "Harry, not trying to sneak out already are you?"

Harry accepted Kingsley extended hand, "No Minister, it's just that I think Teddy may need changing and thought it best if I returned him to Andromeda."

"Then I won't keep you long." Kingsley placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, "There are a few people who'd like to say hello to you."

The first individual they approached was a distinguished looking, older gentleman. He didn't even bother to wait for the Minister for Magic to make introductions. Striding confidently forward he thrust his hand into Harry's and spoke with an accent that was unmistakably not British. "Mr. Potter, good to meet you son. I can assure you that you are as well known on our side of the pond as you are here. Still carrying your godson I see, nice touch using a visual aid like that. It's always a bit tricky with children of course; you just never know what the little tykes are going to do. Boy howdy, I'll tell you what though; it sure as shootin' worked for you today. That was one hell of a speech. If you ever decided to run for office I don't think any of these other fellas over here in the old country stand a chance. Tell me, just between us; was it really off the cuff, or was that just a little show for the cameras?"

Harry studied his new acquaintance carefully. He had an urge to punch him in the nose over the last comment, but the man just exuded confidence and charisma and Harry couldn't help thinking he was very likable. He also looked very familiar and Harry was certain he should know who this was, but just couldn't place him. Fortunately Kingsley came to his rescue by completing the introductions, "Harry I'd like to present Marcus Bidwell, the President of the United States Wizarding Congress."

"Well of course it is you clot," Harry thought to himself before addressing the President. "It's an honor to meet you Mr. President." Harry reached into his cloak and removed the picture of Teddy, "Earlier today when I grabbed my speech I also picked up this. It was taken last month when I was giving Teddy here his first flying lesson."

Teddy heard the magic word and suddenly broke into a chorus of, "He'we, me f'y, me f'y, He'we. F'y wif me He'we."

The Minister and the President looked at Teddy and smiled; Harry looked at his godson and slowly shook his head, "Not right now Teddy, maybe later." Slipping the photo back into his cloak he once again addressed Marcus Bidwell, "When I pulled my speech out of my cloak the picture was on top of it and everything just fell into place. So, you see sir, it was 'really off the cuff' and not 'just a little show for the cameras.'"

Harry delivered the last line with slightly more force then intended, however President Bidwell took it in stride, "Whoa up there son, nothing meant by it, just a little professional curiosity. I like the fire in the belly though," The president caught Harry off guard by giving him a quick wink, "You combine that with an obviously a quick wit, and charisma to burn, it's clear to me that none of you fellas would stand a chance Kingsley. I'm sure as shootin' glad I don't have to run against him." The president turned his attention back to Harry, "Tell you what son, you ever find yourself in the States be sure to look me up. We'll throw a little something together; maybe do a brisket and some beers. How'd that be? Oh, and feel free to call me Marc."

Harry had no idea what 'do a brisket' meant, but he wasn't about to decline an invitation to visit the President of the United States Wizarding Congress, "Thank you very much sir… er… Marc, I will. As a matter of fact, if I'm feeling generous I might even drop you an owl in advance, and please call me Harry."

The president smiled and offered Harry his hand, "That would be appreciated Harry, I look forward to meeting with you in the future." Moving on to Kingsley he shook the Ministers hand before leaning in for a quick, whispered conversation.

As Harry endured several more introductions, Teddy became increasingly fussy, and time seemed to slow until each tick of his watch sounded like the ringing thud of a hammer striking an anvil. In truth it was little more than half an hour before he managed to slip from the great hall, into the entry hall, where George Weasley paced nervously in front of the large doors. Hearing them creak open he pulled himself into an upright stance and flexed his right hand before lifting it slightly, preparing to greet the person about to join him. Seeing it was Harry and Teddy, George's shoulder's slumped as he muttered, "Oh, it's only you."

"Good to see you too, One Ear," Harry replied, his voice filled with mock disdain.

George laughed, "One Ear, I like that, I'll make it my pirate name." Waving his arm in front of him as if he was brandishing a saber George went into best pirate act, "Arrrr, me hardies, no one crosses One Ear, the scourge of the English main." He dropped his arm and turned back to Harry, "Sorry about the greeting, by the way, I had a long chat with Fred this morning. Well, thought about what he'd say if I could have a long chat with him at least, and decided he'd want me to work on growing the business. That's why I've been standing out here; I'm hoping to meet someone who could be a good business contact. You never know what one hand shake and business card exchange could lead to."

Harry, who'd been laughing at both George and Teddy, who was waving his arm and doing his best to imitation of George, quickly became very serious. "Don't worry about it, I understand. As a matter of fact, I was thinking about Fred this morning myself. You won't have much luck meeting anybody here though; they're all leaving through the faculty entrance."

"The faculty entrance! Merlin! How could I be so stupid? Of course they are. I'll see you Harry, thanks for the info," George shouted as he started to run off. Stopping suddenly he turned back to Harry, "Thanks for thinking of Fred, it means a great deal to me. Um, well… that's it I guess, I really should be off if I'm to have any chance at meeting someone."

"Take care George," Harry offered as George turned to leave. Turning his attention to Teddy he continued, "Well what do you say, should we go find everyone else?"

Teddy surprised Harry by replying, "No, He'we f'y wif me."

Harry smiled, "A full sentence in response to a question. That does deserve a short fly, let's go find my broom." Harry lifted Teddy onto his shoulders, took his little hands into his own and made his way to Gryffindor Tower. Entering his room Harry sat Teddy on his bed, removed his cloak and tie, and undid the top three buttons of his shirt. Picking up his godson, Harry collected his Firebolt from the corner, prompting squeals of delight from Teddy, which brought a smile to Harry's face, "Not yet little guy, this is a big boy broom, we can't fly it inside. Or could we?" In the hall outside his room Harry ordered the broom into the air, took his seat, held Teddy firmly with his left arm and pushed off. They descended the stairs at barely more than a hover, made their way across the common room and out the portrait hole. Reaching the moving stair cases Harry paused and considered his options, he could continue at a crawl, or just dive over the railing and go for it. Twisting his shoulders and neck he looked at Teddy's face, seeing nothing but enjoyment he made his decision, renewed his one arm grip of his godson, and his one handed grip of the broom, "Hang on, here we go."

Hairy dove over the railing and streaked downward. The only sound, apart from the rushing air, filling his ears was the constant, joyous squeal of, "Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee," coming from Teddy. Reaching the entry hall Harry leveled out and pulled the Firebolt to a stop as Teddy clapped his hands, "Moe, moe f'y He'we. Me f'y moe He'we."

Harry was about to push off for the grounds and search for the others when an all too familiar voice sounded out behind him, "Potter!"

"Merlin, this won't be good," Harry muttered under his breath.

"Mer'n," Teddy echoed.

Struggling to keep a straight face, Harry turned to face the Head Mistress, "Yes Professor."

Minerva McGonagall strode towards him with as great a sense of purpose as Harry could recall seeing, "Do you believe it wise to fly in such a manner while holding an infant?"

The words were out of his mouth before he ever realized what he was saying, "Given the particular broom, infant and flyer involved, I don't consider it unduly reckless Professor."

Professor McGonagall looked at him with pursed lips, "Yes, well that may be. However I shall have to deduct fifty points from Gryffindor for your reckless behavior." Harry was about to protest when her appearance softened and she continued, "I shall further have to award Gryffindor twenty-five points for honesty, an additional twenty-five points for superior flying ability, and a final twenty-five points for you and your godson being so darn cute together."

Harry felt himself turning crimson, "Thank you, Professor."

"Hank ou, pofesr," offered Teddy.

Harry looked on in amazement as the Head Mistress seemed to melt before his eyes and gave Teddy's cheek a soft pinch, "You're very welcome." Quickly regaining her bearing she turned her attention back to Harry, "Potter, I recommend you return this young man to his grandmother prior to gathering your friends and having them marshal with you on the quidditch pitch at the top of the hour, that should give us enough time before dinner."

"Professor?" Harry asked, completely bewildered.

"For the past several weeks you've been going out of your way to insure Professor Gleichman would know you were thinking that you, and your friends, wanted to find away to get me to fly with you. Have you not?" Harry nodded and Professor McGonagall continued, "It would seem there is no time like the present to start a new tradition, the annual Remembrance Day flight with the Headmistress. Do you agree?"

Harry was dumbstruck by what he was hearing; he truthfully hadn't thought his idea stood any real chance of succeeding. Gathering his wits he managed to reply, "I fully agree Professor. I'll just be off to inform the others then."

Professor McGonagall shook her head and held her hand up to stop him. "There is one more thing Potter. Why didn't you just ask?"

Harry didn't have an answer; off all the ideas that had been discussed not once had they thought to simply ask. "I don't know Professor; I guess it must have seemed too obvious."

"An assumption I trust you will attempt to avoid in the future," Professor McGonagall replied. "Now off you go."

"Yes professor, thank you." Harry pushed off and flew from the entrance hall at a pedestrian pace. Once they had cleared the doors he told Teddy, "What say we don't tell your grandma about the new word you learned today." At a slightly faster than leisurely pace two of them circled the grounds until they found Andromeda, Hermione and four Weasleys talking amongst themselves near the stage. Gliding to a stop, Harry picked Teddy up, "Here you are little guy, back to your grandma you go."

As Andromeda took him from Harry, Teddy exclaimed, "Mer'n Gan'ma He'we f'y wif me!"

Harry winced as he stepped off his broom, "Ah, sorry about that, I ran into a little trouble with Professor McGonagall and I'm afraid he heard me speaking in a less than polite manner."

Andromeda smile, "Don't you worry about that Harry, I can assure you he's heard that word more than once prior to today."

Before Harry could comment Hermione stepped forward, her voice was calm and assured as she spoke. "Harry how could you? You've been doing such a good job staying out of trouble this year, only a few detentions, minimal points lost. Why did you have to fly around the school with a baby? And on today of all days, at least it appears you were taking it easy."

Harry winced before responding, "Um… actually we went over the railing by the portrait hole and dove all the way to the entrance hall." He shoot a nervous glance at Andromeda who just shook her head in a boys will be boys kind of way, before continuing. "It cost me fifty points, but in the end I made a net gain of twenty five. Oh, and you better go pick out a good broom from the shed before they're all taken, McGonagall is going to fly with us. We're meant to meet with her on the quidditch pitch at the top of the hour."

"Aces! We'll be right back!" Ginny and Ron shouted in near unison before running off to retrieve their own brooms form the dormitories.

"What?" Hermione muttered as she watched them run off. "How? I was certain you'd never manage to pull it off. Why did I ever make that promise? Merlin! I guess I had better go find a broom, Harry will you come with me?"

Harry glanced at Teddy and was relieved to see he was in the midst of a nappy change and oblivious to the use of his new favorite word. Turning his attention back to Hermione he answered, "I'll be along shortly; I'd like to talk with Mr. Weasley first." Harry extended his hand and congratulated Arthur on the birth of his first grandchild. At Arthur's request, they walked a few yards from the others and continued their conversation in private.

As Harry and Arthur talked, George returned form the castle and gave his brother a slap on the back, "Hey Perce, hi Hermione, what are Harry and Dad talking about."

Percy turned his head towards his brother, "I am uncertain as to the topic of their conversation; however their general demeanor would indicate it is serious in nature and they wish to remain undisturbed. Given father's position within the hierarchy of the Ministry one could surmise it may concern a newly developing threat to Harry's, and by extension, Ginny's safety. An equally plausible alternative would be Harry's and Ginny's quickly approaching nuptials. However, given the grim nature of father's countenance the former would seem to be the more plausible of the two. Then again it may be…"

George had heard enough and cut across his brother, "Alright, alright, I get it. They're having a private chat and you have no clue what it concerns."

Percy shot George an annoyed glance as Ron and Ginny returned. Ron was the first to ask the question on both their minds, "What's Dad talking to Harry about then?"

George held his hand in front of Percy's face to keep him from answering, "Don't know, but Perce here thinks it involves either extreme danger or the wedding." He turned towards Ginny, "Sis?"

"Don't look at me, I'm as gormless as you are on this one," Ginny answered with a shrug, "Maybe Dad's offering him a job." Percy and George looked at her with expectant face, "Honestly, I don't know anything, it was just a guess."

Ron had lost interest in the answer to his question before George had finished giving it, opting instead to focus on Hermione. "Hop on Mione; I'll give you a ride to the broom shed."

Hermione shook her head vigorously, "No thank you. I'll just walk."

"Oh come on, you're going to fly this afternoon anyway," Ron reasoned. "Why not let me give you a ride?" He flicked his head towards the back of his Cleansweep, "Hop aboard."

Resigning herself to the truth of Ron's statement Hermione gingerly lifted her leg over the back of the broom, sat down, slid forward, and wrapped her arms around Ron's waist. Before she could admonish him to take it easy, Ron leaned forward and the Cleensweep shot across the grounds, prompting a scream of, "Rooooonaaaaaald Slooooooow Dooooooown!" As she tightened her grip and leaned against his back.

"Not bloody likely," Ron smiled to himself as he turned towards the shed.

By the time Harry and Arthur ended their talk with a handshake and Arthur patting Harry on the back, the appointed time had passed. This suited Harry just fine as it meant he had a convenient reason to avoid any questions concerning what they had been discussing. Saying quick goodbyes to the others, Harry and Ginny flew at top speed towards the quidditch grounds and arrived just as large mass of fliers rose into the air above the stands. Soaring headlong into the pell-mell formation they quickly located Hermione, grasping her broom with white-knuckled firmness, a look of unflinching concentration etched on her face, Ron and Luna flying on either side offering words of encouragement. Swooping in on the trio Harry and Ginny performed a series of rolls around them, prompting screams from Hermione, before settling into level flight. Professors McGonagall and Gleichman led the swam at a leisurely pace as Professors Nelson, Sinistra and Sprout, along with Madam Hooch and others, patrolled the perimeters keeping an eye out for any bolters or stragglers.

As they started their second circuit of the grounds Haydon Piper, accompanied by Albert Albert, rose to meet them. "Hi Harry," Haydon smiled, "that stuff you said earlier was pretty neat. My dad and mom were both here and he says you could wallop any politician in the country with speeches like that. That you could have people eating out of your hand and lining up to do what ever you wanted them to."

Harry visibly winced at the compliment. He certainly didn't mind receiving it; he just couldn't help but see a new parallel between himself and Voldemort. Tom Riddle had found it very easy to collect people with just a few words. Harry quickly put the thought to rest by reminding himself, it wasn't how they were the same that mattered, it was how they were different. He smiled and glanced at his young friend; Haydon was flying one of the schools older, wonkier brooms and seemed to be squeezing every ounce of available performance from it just to match the leisurely pace of the flight. "Hi Haydon, tell your dad thank you for me. I'm glad to see you managed to get a broom. Its great flying weather and this is a very unique occasion."

"It is loads of fun," Haydon agreed. "The only problem is there aren't enough brooms to go around, so us younger students have to share. I only get this lap, then I have to give the broom back to Hagrid so someone else can have a turn."

Hermione seized on the opportunity to end her flight early, "If the others are waiting for a broom perhaps I should land and surrender mine.

"No you won't!" Her companions replied in one voice.

Harry looked his young friend over, "It's too bad you only get one lap Haydon. Would you like to do a second on mine?"

The young Hufflepuff's eyes grew wide. "Really, you'd let me fly your Firebolt! I don't know, it's an awfully fast broom… sure!"

"Not fair", Hermione protested. "Why does Harry get to land and share his broom? That's all I was offering to do.

"Sorry Hermione, but it's not really the same at all. I'm offering to do something nice for a friend; you're trying to find a loop-hole to get out of a promise. Truth be told I'm really rather surprised by your behavior." Harry knew that if Hermione wasn't focused on where she was flying and dared to turn her head she would be staring daggers at him. He was equally sure that there would be a price to pay later. But at this moment, flying with his classmate, and sharing smirks with Ginny, Ron and Luna, he wasn't concerned. It was all a part of friendship and that was something Riddle had never understood. The mere fact that you have a heart beat and are capable of drawing breath doesn't make you alive. To live, to really and truly live, you have to share your life with others. To laugh, to cry, to tease, and yes, at times to disagree, that was what living was and at this moment Harry felt as alive as he had ever felt before.

As they circled back towards the stadium, Harry and Haydon bid farewell to the others and descended, landing softly on the pitch. Haydon returned the school broom to Hagrid before climbing aboard the Harry's Firebolt. "Now remember," Harry prompted him, still holding the hovering broom's handle, "This is a very high performance broom. It's likely to takeoff much more quickly then you're expecting so be ready to pull back, but not to hard or it will go straight into a climb and could even stall on you. What do you think; ready to give it a try?"

Haydon gave a nervous nod yes and Harry stepped back as he released the broom, "Right, off you go then."

Haydon tentatively leaned forward and suddenly found himself soaring upward, a loud, "IIIIIIIEEEEEEE!," reverberating over the grounds. He almost overshot the head of the formation before he managed to rein the Firebolt in and settle into controlled, level flight. His circuit complete he started to descend only to find himself being waved on by Harry. Haydon completed the second lap and settled back to earth, "Bloody Nora, Harry! What a broom! It was like all I had to do was think and it responded! Thanks for letting me fly it!"

Harry gave Haydon a pat on the back, "It was my pleasure." Swinging his leg over the broom, Harry looked back over his shoulder and gave Haydon a wave. He was about to push off but hesitated, something in Haydon's demeanor wasn't quite right. Dismounting he looked at his young friend. "Did you want to talk to me about anything Haydon?"

Haydon glanced around, buried his hands in his pockets and kicked at the ground, "It's nothing, it's just a silly idea, don't worry about it."

Harry placed his hand on Haydon's shoulder and guided him away from the students loitering in the area. Kneeling down he placed both hands on Haydon's shoulder and looked him directly in the eye, "No idea is ever too silly to have and no question is ever too silly to ask. I'll do my best to help you out."

Haydon nodded and took a deep breath, "Well it's just that… you see over the spring holiday… well… oh this is dumb, I'm not a little kid anymore, it doesn't matter." Harry encouraged him to continue and Haydon started again, "I was listening to my mom read my sisters a story and… well I remembered what you said when you expelliarmused me right after Christmas. You know about having to beat me and only three people in the world really knew why." Harry was becoming increasingly alarmed by the direction the conversation was taking. However he remained calm as Haydon continued. "Well then I thought it isn't just that, you have that cloak. I mean I know bunches of people have invisibility cloaks so that probably doesn't mean anything. But… well… its just… you see… the thing is…well I was just wondering if the Deathly Hallows are real and if your wand is… you know… if it's the Elder Wand."

"Merlin," Harry thought to himself. "How many people are going to figure this out?" He smiled at Haydon, "That is a very honest question and I'm going to give you a very honest answer."

"But not the whole truth," a little voice in the back of his mind nagged at him. Harry winced inwardly as he once again gained a little insight into why Dumbledore often chose to withhold bits and pieces of the information.

"My wand is not the Elder Wand," Harry began. "I bought it from Mr. Ollivander just like almost everyone else in the school. Just like I suspect your parents did with your wand." Haydon nodded and Harry continued, "As for the Deathly Hallows. I think it's fair to say many stories have their origin in the truth, but over the years that truth can become distorted and confused until it very well may not accurately represent what really happened at all. As you mentioned it, I'll use my cloak for an example. From what I understand, it is true that my cloak has been passed down through my family for generations. Does that mean I have an ancient ancestor that was one of three brothers who tried to cheat death, or does it mean I had an ancient ancestor who was a powerful and gifted wizard, capable of creating a magical item of extreme quality? Who can truthfully say?"

"How about you, or Ginny, or Ron, or Hermione, you truth warping tosser!," the little voice in Harry's head screamed. "Shut it! It had to be done this way!" His mind shouted back at itself.

Harry ignored his own self berating and smiled at Haydon. "Does that make sense?"

Haydon nodded, clearly disappointed that what he thought he had deduced may not be the truth, "It does. What you're saying is your wand is not the Elder Wand, but the Deathly Hallows could be real, just that nobody really knows anymore."

"That's about the size of it," Harry replied, torn between admiration for Haydon's intellect, disappointment that he hadn't been able to quash the idea, disdain towards himself for even trying, and an understanding for why it had been necessary. "Tell you what; the others must be about finished. Why don't we just wait for them here? You can tell me what it was like to actually grow up in Godric's Hollow."

Haydon looked at Harry with a sheepish smile, "I'd really like talking with you Harry, but if you don't mind could we please fly instead? I'd be willing to ride on the back of your broom if you'd let me. It would really cheese Vaughn and impress Gwen."

Harry laughed at his young friend, "Well if it will cheese Vaughn and impress Gwen I guess we better be off." Harry ordered the Firebolt into the air and swung his leg over the handle, "Climb aboard." When Haydon was settled behind him Harry glanced back over his shoulder, "Should we really impress Gwen and do a loop?"

The excitement in Haydon's voice was unmistakable, "A Potter Loop!"

"Ohhhh, noooo, not a Potter Loop," Harry chuckled. "I can barely keep myself on the broom at the top of one of those. How about a plain old inside loop with a full roll at the top? You better slip your feet into riding hooks." Haydon did as told and Harry continued his instruction, "Good, now hold on tight here we go." Pushing off, Harry took a few moments to adjust to the extra weight of Haydon on the back of the broom. Once he felt comfortable he took off at high speed, catching the main pack of fliers he flew under Ginny, slapping her on the foot as he passed. She immediately took up the chase and together they pulled their brooms into a graceful arching loop through the center of the airborne mass. Reaching the apex of the arch Harry rolled his broom three hundred and sixty degrees around the axis and was surprised to find Ginny rolling in a orbit around him. He briefly considered engaging her in a series of rolling scissors but felt Haydon tightening his grip and decided prudence the wisest course. Being inverted he pulled back on the Firebolt's handle, literally climbing towards the ground, and pulled into level flight next to Luna, Ron and Hermione. Turning to look over his shoulder he asked, "How'd you like that Haydon? The world looks pretty neat when you're hanging upside down, doesn't it?"

"It was fun, but I don't know how anything looked. My eyes were closed and now I feel a little sick," Haydon admitted.

"That proves you're an intelligent young man." Hermione responded, before adding, "Sod this. You can take the mickey out of me if you want, but I'm going to land this thing."

"I'll go with you," Ron offered. "I think it's fair to say you've far and away exceeded all expectations by staying in the air this long."

On the next pass over the quidditch pitch Ron and Hermione slowly descended to the ground. As they touched down Hagrid gave a shrill whistle, signaling that everyone wanting to fly with the Headmistress had, had a chance. Completing a final circuit of the school grounds Professor McGonagall lead her airborne flock in for a landing. When everybody was safely on the ground she called for order and addressed her students, "The festivities are concluded until next year. Feel free to continue flying if you wish. However, I'd advise you to remember dinner will soon be served and you all have classes in the morning." Happening to make eye contact with Harry she added, "And no flying in the castle."

As the assembled staff and students started to drift off to what ever destination they found beckoning, Harry considered asking Ron, Hermione and Ginny to wait so he could talk with them about his conversation with Haydon. However, as Luna was still with them, he determined it wasn't that serious an issue and could wait awhile longer. Together they walked to the broom shed were Luna and Hermione returned their brooms, while they all took the time to share a brief conversation with Hagrid. Saying their goodbyes to the half-giant the troop of five started the trek back to the castle.

"Why are we walking?" Ron asked after a few yards, he ordered his Cleansweep into the air and gave Harry a knowing wink. "Hop on Hermione, I'll give you a ride back to the castle."

Much too all their surprise Hermione didn't hesitate to jump on the broom behind Ron. However instead of wrapping her arms around his waist she slide them lower, cupped her hands over a tender bit of his anatomy and gave a gentle squeeze, "I'm not playing around Ronald, if you try any stunts like you pulled earlier the results will be immediate and less than pleasant. Harry and Ginny will you to please grow up and wipe those smirks off your faces." Despite the firmness in her voice, Hermione couldn't help smirking back at them as Ron leaned forward and started a slow flight back to the castle.

Harry laughed, watching Ron do his best to make the most controlled, level, flight of his life. "Well Hermione seems to have a firm grip on the situation. Ron did have a valid point though. Why are we walking back to the castle?" He held his Firebolt at waist level, parallel to the ground and spoke the command, "Up." He could feel the broom spring to life in his hand and released his grip, "Luna would you like a ride?"

"That's a lovely offer Harry, thank you," Luna replied. She hopped onto the center of the handle sidesaddle, "This way Ginny will be able to see our hands at all times."

Harry quickly assessed the situation, "That's very thoughtful Luna. The problem is that if you sit there while we're flying, my head will be right about here." He lifted his hand, palm up, and circled in it front of her chest.

Ginny almost doubled over laughing and Luna came as close to giggling as Luna could come, "Don't be silly Harry. Once you're on the broom I'll slide forward, if I did it right now it would tip forward and I'd fall off."

Harry looked at Ginny laughing and felt the impish grin he found so enduring on her, spreading on his own face. "You know what Luna, don't worry about it." Before either girl realized what was happening he hopped on the broom, reached across Luna's legs and flew off. It was awkward, it was uncomfortable, he couldn't see anything on his left except Luna's chest, and he couldn't wait to see how Ginny would react."

Unencumbered by a rider it took Ginny only moments to catch the pair. Still laughing she slide into formation next to them, "You're incorrigible Harry Potter."

Harry and Luna were both laughing as he replied, "And you're jealous Ginny Weasley." The mood was set, and the three friends continued to tease each other for the rest of their journey up the hill to the castle.

As they approached the entrance Harry slowed, did his best not to brush his face across Luna's breasts as he checked for any obstacles, and brought the Firebolt to a stop. Luna gave him a quick peck on the cheek and whispered, "That should make Ginny even more jealous." Her voice returned to normal as she added, "Thanks Harry." Before jumping from the broom and skipping off to the castle.

Shaking his head clear, a slightly stunned Harry dismounted. He was joined by Ginny, who slipped her arm into his and gave him a peck on the other check. Occasional laughs broke her voice as she teased, "You should see your face right now, it is absolutely priceless. You're not developing a bit of a thing for Luna are you?"

"Of course not," Harry replied as a new mischievous thought entered his mind. Intentionally not looking at Ginny he continued to watch Luna skipping up the stairs, "Although, and I only mention this because you brought it up, until the flight up here I never really noticed how truly delightful her breasts are. Why do you ask; are you? I truthfully don't mind if you are."

Ginny playfully flicked her elbow into his ribs, "Shame on you Harry James Potter."

"What?" Harry responded, trying with every fiber of his being not to show any outward sign of humor. "It's a fair observation and a fair question." Ginny turned to look him directly in the eyes; her own mock seriousness so convincing that for a moment Harry feared he had crossed some line or another. Only the slightest hint of an upturned lip freed him from this fear and its release lead to uncontrollable laughter. Arm in arm they made their way into the castle, up the stairs and into Gryffindor tower. Entering the common room Harry spotted Ron and Hermione just taking a seat in a far corner and shouted across the crowded space, "Hey Ron, everything in good working order then, no damaged dangly bits?"

As Harry and Ginny laughed and made their way to the dormitories Ron's only response was a forced smile, mock laughter and a mumbled "Clever clogs." He turned to Hermione, who was trying with some degree of success not to laugh herself, "You owe me Hermione. It will be weeks before Harry lets me live this down. Come on, why don't you tell me Ginny's pet name for him?"

Hermione looked at Ron and considered her options. He was right, Harry and Ginny wouldn't be quick to let him live this down and if she said she wouldn't tell him, he'd just keep asking. On the other hand if she did tell him it was sure to create some sort of a public spectacle. She finally came to the conclusion that watching Ron's reaction to the name might just be entertaining, and telling him would be much less troublesome than once again having to endure him repeatedly ask her the same question. Leaning forward she whispered, "Fine Ron, Ginny calls Harry 'parseltongue'."

Ron sat back and scratched his head, "Are you having a go at me? I mean what's the big deal with that? Everybody knows Harry is a parselmouth. I just don't see the need for all the hush, hush and all the you don't want to knows."

Hermione rolled her eyes, "No Ron, not parselmouth, she calls him parseltongue. You know, as in opens the chamber of secrets."

Ron remained unimpressed, "Again, I don't see the big deal. Everyone knows you can open the chamber…" Ron's mind suddenly flashed with understanding. "Oh! No! You were all right, I didn't want to know!" Ron slumped back in his chair and placed his hands over his eyes. Suddenly he jumped to his feet, "Oh Merlin! I just pictured it in my mind!" He turned to face Hermione, "Obliviate me Hermione! Go ahead; I'm ready, just make the whole last two minutes nonexistent." Hermione shook her head no and Ron ran his hands through his hair trying to compose himself, "Fine, then just take the image. I'll accept knowing the name."

Hermione smiled, and calmly replied, "No you have to remember everything, or something like this will just happen again."

Ron slumped into the chair and looked at the ceiling, "You're right, of course. You're absolutely right. Merlin! When will I learn to just leave well enough alone?"