Moving Forward ch15

Harry was at an owner's meeting for the British & Irish quidditch league at the Department of games and sports. International tax law was more exciting than this meeting. The war was hard on everyone. Quite a few players had been killed, injured or disappeared by the muggleborn registration commission. Soon the teams would have to scout for players overseas. Personally Harry didn't see a problem with that. He had been keeping a close eye on his competition for just that purpose.

Harry raised his hand. He was quickly called upon.

"I have a suggestion that could help, not right away mind you but in a few years it could have great rewards. I was thinking about starting a quidditch league for children seven to eleven. The snidget league could run from May to August. Because the kids would be so little we'd need new rules for them. Maybe lower hoops, lower flight, cushening charmed turf, soft bludgers with a light stinging on them. It's main purpose is to build up the kids skills. Also a under seventeen summer league. Imagine the talent if a seventeen year old rookie had been playing competitively for ten years. He could all sponsor a team, maybe get our players to coach the kids. I haven't really thought it all out but I think it's a good idea."

The other owners looked at him, some had scowls some had dreamy looks. Most were asking themselves why they never thought of that.

Dennis Creavey the moderator for the meeting said.

"That is a very excellent suggestion Mr. Potter. I can imagine that would really deepen your talent pool. Any response to Mr. Potter's suggestion?"

This started off a rather enthusiastic discussion. In the end they agreed and set Magical Games and Sports to creating a set of rules.

000

"Good night Hermione, good luck tomorrow. Love you. Mirror off." Harry said wrapping up his call with Hermione.

His apology hadn't gone quite how he'd expected.

"Hermione, could I talk to you alone before you leave." He'd asked.

She had waved him to follow and lead him to his bedroom.

"What do we need to talk about Harry?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't realize I was taking you for granted again."

She gave him a confused look. "What are you talking about?"

"Well I know we have lunch nearly every day at school but other than that I haven't been looking for your company. We don't just get together to hang out and stuff anymore. I promise this year I'll try harder."

Hermione laughed. "Harry there is no need to apologize, it's not like I've been going out of my way either. Between school and spending time with Mitchell I've been busy."

Harry's eyebrow rose. "Spending time with Mitchell? When did that start?"

Hermione blushed. "We started spending time together when you were dating Shelby. We just.. he's really nice."

Harry shook his head. "You didn't have to hide it. I like Mitchell. Sure, he's going to get a shovel talk but it cool."

Hermione gave him a hug. "It's going to be harder for us to see each other now that I'm living in Sydney. Also don't scare him too badly Harry, I think he loves me."

"He better. I'll get us some communication mirrors tomorrow and send you one. Do you want a set for you and Mitchell too?"

He got another hug for that.

000

Kayaking the Themes river might be warmer than the Irish Sea but the smell was terrible. He would not be eating a fish from this river. It would likely have two heads. With ample air freshening charms he was getting his work out in. Next time he'd try the channel.

000

Harry next match was against the United States. Since the Americans were hosting the final at the Hollywood Stars Stadium in California, this game would likely be a bloodsport. He had already bought better seeker armor but he was actually a little afraid of this matchup. In preparation Joshua had ordered two days of dodging and evasion drills.

One more win would put Wales into the quarter finals. Wales hadn't gone to the quarter finals in twenty six years, so the pressure was on.

Harry could attest that national quidditch just wasn't very fun. Every game was like the final match in his league. Sure it was probably great for the fans but it sucked for the players.

000

Narcissa Malfoy arrived at the Tonks residence a little before five. With her husband and son in prison she had finally given in any forgiven her sister for leaving the family. Draco would be released next year and Narcissa hoped to have a good relationship with her sister by then.

She didn't really blame Andy for leaving, Lucius was a scumbag but he wasn't a Yaxley. She and Lucius had at least close in age. The fact that he preferred the company of men didn't hurt either.

She knocked on the door. The suprise must have shown on her face when a shirtless and wet Harry Potter answered the door.

"Come in Andy is just getting changed, we had a bit of a water fight in the kitchen. Can I get you anything to drink?" He said with a smile.

"Tea would be nice, thank you." She said regaining her composure.

"I'll be right back." He said with a nod.

She looked around the room. A small pile of children's toys sat in a small nook. Pictures of Andromeda with her husband and daughter. Many pictures of Harry Potter and her grandson Teddy. A picture of the little boy in what looked like a canning pot, holding the lid above his head while wearing a shirt that said 'Trouble' on it nearly made her snort a laugh.

Potter returned, this time wearing a rather tight black t-shirt, carrying in a tea set. He might be her son's age but he was very attractive. She remembered his gift, he may not have sent it but she loved that purple devil.

"How do you like your tea Mrs. Malfoy?" He asked.

"Two sugar and a splash of milk please."

He prepared her tea and placed the cup and saucer in front of her. "If you'll excuse me for just a moment I need to go finish dinner. Andy should be right with you."

"You are excused, thank you for the tea." She said politely.

'He cooks too?' she thought.

"Hello Cissy. You look nice." Andy said from across the room.

"Hello Andy. You have a very nice house and your grandson is very handsome." Narcissa replied.

"You said in your letter that you forgive me. I don't think I did anything wrong but I missed you, Bella too to be honest."

In a normal family this is where they would hug but they were Black's and Black's don't hug.

"So, he cooks? I didn't think it was possible for a man to be useful."

"Harry? Yeah, he's a very good cook. He also isn't married so that helps."

A cough interrupted them.

"First off some of the best chefs in the world are men. Second, women like a guy who can cook and finally dinner is on the table. I'll go get Teddy." Harry said.

000

Bloodsport didn't begin to cover it. It had been another very hard win. Harry plowed the starting seeker with a modified Wronski feint, making him crash into the stands. If the crash didn't fuck him up, tumbling down the stairs did. After that the Americans were out for his blood. He had had to replace his broom twice due to damage. When their reserve seeker was taken out by a bludger Harry thought he might be killed. Both sides were running up the score and he was too busy dodging players and bludgers alike to even look for the snitch. After a grueling seven hour game Wales won 740-630. He didn't make it home that night. He like many on the team fell asleep in the locker room.

000

A/N: I'm on a bit of a roll, you might get another one today. Thank you everyone for the reviews, follows and favorites. I always appreciate constructive criticism, it might not help this story but it might help the next one.