Here's that 2nd chapter or 9th but who's counting. Haven't read any reviews, so I don't really know if anyone is still reading or interested, but I'm enjoying it so far. I've still got a couple of chapter's up my sleeve. But I might make it shorter if there are no readers.

Anyway, for those still reading- hope you enjoy this one!

Unfortunately the first week there was little time for playdates or relaxation. Everyone had a tough time adapting to their new and full schedules and workload that came with studying for their NEWTs. Beside that Ron was following private Arithmancy classes, seeing as his aptitude test had gone really good for someone that never studied the subject. Hermoine was so busy they only saw her with a book or parchment in hands. Ginny was busy with working stuff out and scheduling things for Quidditch try-outs and already working on different strategies, whilst Harry was struggling to keep up with everything. The PT hours seemed more gruelling than before, seeing as Harry was a lot more active throughout the day to get to and from classrooms, managing staircases moving or not. The classes and workload themselves were doable so far, he found himself ahead in some classes and on schedule with others. But he was physically really exhausted already and it was only the end of the first week.

After his last class of the week, which was DADA with Professor Weasley- who by the way was a very good, interesting and funny professor. Charlie really managed to keep the classes interesting by balancing theory and practical classes. This last DADA class was a practical class, where they worked on detection spells. For Harry defense came naturally, however with his increased magical power it was still a bit tiring to keep it all in check- especially when working on new material. So when he finally got back from dinner, he immediately went for the 8th years common room and sank down on the couch with Ginny by his side. He was so exhausted, but knew he had to stay awake do some homework before doing his last PT session, so that he could have more time relaxing in the weekend. He grabbed his potions homework and went to work, everybody else in the common room was also working or reading- the wireless on softly in the background and the fire crackling. Ginny was snuggled into his side reading her own books and homework. Without him really noticing he fell asleep.

Ginny was cozily sitting against Harry as she worked on her potions essay when she noticed the time. Harry was supposed to have started his PT session half an hour ago. She glanced at him a smile on her face which immediately went away when she saw Harry slumped down at his side. Ginny sighed contemplating waking him up, knowing he was on a strict physical therapy schedule but her heart told her he was too exhausted and he needed his sleep. He already slept a lot less then the others, because he had astronomy classes at midnight and had to be up at 6 o´clock in the morning. Everyone else got their 8 hours of sleep, whilst Harry only got 6.

"What's wrong?" Ron asked. When he heard his sister's sigh he'd looked up to see what was up, seeing her now looking at Harry, he got worried.

Ginny turned towards her brother, who'd also gotten Hermoine's attention. She loved that each of them was so attuned to the other. "He's asleep." She said softly with a frown on her face.

"Good, he needs the rest." Hermoine commented concerned.

Ginny nodded, "I know, but he should've started his exercises half an hour ago."

Ron glanced at the clock and sighed as well, he understood why Ginny was hesitating. Harry took his physical wellbeing and therefor his PT schedule very seriously. The man didn't back down from a challenge and he'd been working himself to the bone this first week already trying to keep up with his busy schedule. He'd seen the way Harry seemed to get tired the further they got into the week, to see him passed out now was no surprise really.

"Do I wake him?" Ginny asked concerned.

"We should wake him, sleeping like that can't be good for his neck or his leg- or any part of his body really. But he should go to bed if he's this tired, he's not even waking up now and he's a light sleeper." Ron replied as he got ready to help his best friend.

Ginny nodded and put her books aside, before grabbing Harry's marking where he'd been and putting his stuff aside as well. She then gentle shook his shoulder to try and wake him. He murmured first so she shook him again, finally waking him up.

"Huh?" Harry replied.

"Ever so eloquently." Ginny smiled at him. "You fell asleep, luv."

"What?" Harry asked confused and sleepy, he pulled himself upright and glanced at the clock. "Bugger." He muttered as he stood up and swayed a bit before standing and yawned.

"You should go the bed, Harry." Ginny told him softly.

"I can't. I still have to do PT." Harry replied sleepily.

"Mate, you're not going to make it to the workout room, let alone do any exercising. You'll hurt yourself. Come on, let's get you to bed." Ron said as he steered his sleepy friend towards their dorm. He watched while Harry undressed, his movements awkward and uncoordinated. When he got to his right leg he was cursing softly as his trousers got stuck on the brace and he lost his balance. Ron quickly grabbed for him to stop him from falling. Harry groaned and cursed his leg again, making Ron wince in sympathy. "Sit down, mate." He said as he held onto Harry's arm as he sat down on the bed. His trousers still stuck on his right leg. Ron silently bend down and carefully pulled his trousers down, his eyes widened when he saw that Harry's leg, especially around the knee was really swollen. That probably explained why it got stuck on his trousers. When he was done Ron hesitated on what to do as the brace was really tight on the swollen ligament. "Scoot back into bed, mate." He said, since it was probably wise to elevate the limb. Harry did as he was told and laid back down, removing his glasses and getting ready for bed. Ron really didn't want to withhold sleep to his friend, but he was also worried about ignoring the obvious problem. "Harry, mate?" he asked, realizing he really didn't know what to do.

"Yeah?" Harry asked sleepily.

"I'm sorry, mate. But your leg's really swollen, do you have something for that?" Ron asked worried.

Harry pushed himself up on his elbows and squinted at his leg, even without his glasses he could tell that Ron was right… his leg was swollen. "Shite. I uhh- this hasn't happened before. It was swollen after the surgery, but I didn't have anything for that."

"Should I get madam Pomfrey?" Ron asked.

Harry sighed defeated. "Yeah." He replied softly. Ron glanced at his friend and patted him on the shoulder, "don't worry, mate. I'll go get madam Pomfrey and send Ginny up here, yeah?"

Harry nodded and Ron turned around to leave the dorm, when he exited he glanced at Ginny who immediately noticed him and his worried face. "What's wrong?" she asked as she stood up to join her brother.

"You should go upstairs and stay with him for a bit, his leg is really swollen. I'm going to get madam Pomfrey." Ron replied, he watched Ginny nod and head off towards the boy's dormitory.

Ron followed madam Pomfrey back into the common room, lots of students looking up in concern when they saw the school's healer walk in. The quickly made their way through both common rooms and into the dormitory. Harry was half awake sitting propped up against the bedhead with Ginny sitting next to him holding his hand.

"I hear you're having some troubles, Mr. Potter. I thought we'd agreed we wouldn't see each other until Wednesday?" Poppy asked kindly in her own strict way.

"I didn't plan this, believe me." Harry replied surly, he was in a bit of a mood really. He'd done everything he should've been doing. Keeping to all the restrictions and physical therapy and still here he was, exhausted and a leg twice the size it should be.

Poppy glanced at the boy's leg and immediately saw what Mr. Weasley had told her, the leg was indeed very swollen. "I'm going to remove the brace for now, ok? It's too tight around your leg and I don't want it to cut off your blood circulation." She said as she unfasted all the clasps and velco-bindings. The brace had already left indentations behind all across his leg. "Does it feel any different are you in pain?" she asked as she softly touched the limb and felt around the swelling.

"No additional pain, it feels a bit warm perhaps?" Harry replied earnest.

Poppy nodded and did a couple of diagnostic spells, just to confirm what she already knew. "You've got some inflammation and fluid build up in your knee, which occurs when you've strained a still healing limb."

"I haven't done anything that I shouldn't be doing." Harry replied surly as he stared at the offended limb.

"You've been really tired all week, though." Ginny said, hoping Harry wouldn't hate her for it.

Harry glanced at her, "I have, but its been a busy week." He replied.

"You've probably walked more this week than you've done the past couple of weeks, mate." Ron said hoping to help his friend.

"That's something we probably should've foreseen, Mr. Potter. That and the amount of stairs you had to walk are probably the reason for your current situation. I'm sorry we didn't think of this before." Poppy replied guiltily, when she got no reply from Harry she continued. "We are going to ice the limb and hope to get the swelling down. I'll also go and talk to Horace and see if he can brew an icing balm for you to use in the future. I'm sorry to say this Harry, but until that swelling goes down it's best for you to rest that leg as much as possible. Which means I'm sending you a pair of crutches for you to use for the weekend and hopefully the swelling will be gone by Monday."

Harry groaned in frustration hearing that, it felt like he'd just gotten rid of the crutches. Navigating Hogwarts with them was going to be a bitch. "I said for the weekend Mr. Potter, I'm hopeful when classes start come Monday, you'll be walking again." Pomfrey said as she patted him softly on the shoulder and exited the bedroom.

"Get some sleep, Harry. There's not much we have to do in the weekend, we'll just take it slow." Ginny replied as she kissed him goodnight.

And luckily for Harry they really did take it slow, all the food got delivered to their common room, so Harry didn't have to go all the way towards the great hall to eat. They went outside and sat in the sun and mostly relaxed all weekend. Monday morning Madam Pomfrey met Harry in his bedroom, did a couple of test and smiled at him.

"Horace's icing balm did wonders for the swelling. You may walk, Mr. Potter. However I've changed up your physical therapy schedule. I want you to get full 8 hours of sleep and seeing as you walk way more in the castle, I want you to continue doing that. You won't have to think about detours, your exercise will be throughout the day instead of in the mornings. The afternoon session will still continue and if you have more energy, you can add a walk somewhere throughout the day, alright?" Poppy asked.

Harry nodded, that seemed like a better plan and it was. The next couple of weeks went by without any hiccups. His schoolwork was better than it ever was, his grades were higher and his leg was getting better every day. When November rolled around Harry was hopeful for his medical check-up. Quidditch try-outs were scheduled for next weekend and Harry hoped to get in a couple of flying hours before then, should he be allowed to fly again.

"Mr. Potter, do come in and have a seat." Poppy replied when she saw Harry and smiled at him. The boy or young man was looking so much better. The improvement from the last couple of weeks were astonishing, his physical workouts were doing wonders for his used to be too-skinny frame. The boy was still slim, but more wiry muscled and he seemed to have undergone a very late growth spurt. He was just an inch shy of 6 feet by now. Poppy quickly removed the leg brace and started casting diagnostic spells before asking Harry to perform a couple of physical test. His range of motion was still limited, he could almost squat down but the immense pressure that was put on his weaker knee was immediately visible in both his leg and facial expression. Same with a full stretch, he could stretch the leg out completely but it's relaxed state still awkwardly pulled the leg in a bit. Poppy hummed a bit, she knew Harry really wanted to play quidditch, it was his last year at Hogwarts, his last chance to be a child and play with his friends and schoolmates. She also knew from talks with McGonagall that Harry had voiced interest in professional quidditch before the battle of Hogwarts, and they all knew that those dreams were no longer possible. A leg injury like his, healed or not, was a liability during high velocity and aggressive sports. She sighed again, what to do? She'd never had this problem before in her career as a school healer. Well, she had… but never with a student she cared about, like she did with Harry.

Harry hearing her hums and sighs was already dooming and prepping himself for negative news. He was so much better, but still he himself realized what predicament he was in. He needed that leg longer than just this school year, he wanted to become an auror. His physical wellbeing was very important for him to become one. Quidditch was not. "It's not happening, is it?" He asked sombre as he glanced up at Poppy.

"Mr. Potter- Harry, I'm going to be completely honest with you that I am not sure what to do. I know how much you want to play…" Poppy started.

"… but I'm not healed enough yet." Harry finished for her with a sigh.

"Actually you are." Poppy replied surprising Harry who immediately broke out in a grin. "Now before you get too excited let me explain why I'm hesitating. Your range of motion has improved drastically, however once out of the brace you experience instability, like you said it still feels like it will buckle out of nowhere. Now with the brace on, if the leg buckles, you won't damage anything further seeing as it stabilizes leg and it's range of motion can be limited to prevent any buckling or overextension. But during quidditch, players are not allowed to play injured- and we've never had one do so before. To be frank with you Harry, I'm giving you permission to fly- but I need to discuss with the headmistress if you can play quidditch and if yes, how. I cannot without a bad conscience let you play without a brace, so that's out of the question. You need that leg in the best condition possible for the rest of your life and career. I don't want to risk damaging it further just so you can play a silly game." Poppy explained gravely.

Harry listened to her and understood what she was saying, "I understand and I agree. I don't want to risk my leg for quidditch that would be stupid and childish. I'd be happy if I could just step on a broom again, without the game." Harry replied very grownup.

Poppy nodded and internally was very proud of the adult Harry was becoming, "I will discuss quidditch with Minerva and Rolanda and will inform you of our decision. For now, you are free to fly Mr. Potter." Poppy said as she dismissed him.

Harry practically ran back towards his friends who were waiting for him outside. They all looked up hopefully at Harry when he came storming towards them in the quickest pace they'd all seen him since his injury.

Ginny looked at him hopefully, "And?"

Harry grinned, "I'm allowed to fly!" he exclaimed and was immediately caught in a deep kiss by Ginny until it was interrupted by Ron's cough.

"That's great Harry! And quidditch?" Ron asked curiously.

Harry's grin diminished slightly, "No, not yet, Pomfrey wanted to discuss it with McGonagall and Hooch first. Technically, an injured student is not allowed to play quidditch and seeing as I'm still stuck in the brace it's worth the discussion." He shrugged.

Ginny still smiled at him, "It's still really good news, Harry. We can go flying!"

Harry nodded at her and motioned his hand sideways, immediately within a blink of an eye Harry's firebolt was in his hands. Hermoine glanced at him curiously, "Are you sure flying the firebolt is the best idea." She asked him worried, that broom was off professional quality. It went way faster than any other broom.

"Only one way to find out." Harry replied jokingly which earned him a glare from Hermoine. Harry chuckled, "I was joking. I'm not a complete idiot, I'll start slow. I don't want to use any more crutches in the near future."

"Good." Hermoine replied, feeling motherlike but also just simply concerned for her friend's wellbeing. Especially when he was surrounded by the fly-idiots known as the Weasley's.

Quickly, Ron and Ginny summoned their brooms and hopped on- waiting for Harry to follow. Ginny saw his hesitation, the Firebolt was floating next to him at perfect height. "Just take it easy, Harry." She said knowing him far too well, "there's no rush, there's nobody but us watching. Ron and I will be with you every step of the way."

Harry smiled at her and grabbed the broom with his hands, he made sure to put all his weight on his good leg, as he swung the right leg over the broom settling it on the footrest- he immediately winced at the angle at which the broom's footrest was set. He'd tweaked it over the years to gain momentum and speed, making himself as small as possible. That position seemed impossible right now, so Harry immediately hopped off again.

"What is it?" Ginny asked concerned as she watched her boyfriend.

"I can't bend my knee that far." Harry replied as he waved his fingers along the broom and the footrest shifted a bit, so when flying he was nearly lying flat along the broom. He hopped on again and it was slightly better. Ron was watching as Harry positioned himself on his broom and chuckled, making Harry look up at him. "I think you've outgrown the firebolt mate." He replied in earnest.

"What?" Harry asked curious.

"You would've barely fit with your previous settings, but with a more straightened position, you're too tall to fit comfortably." Ron replied as he gestured and indicated towards his own broom to explain what he meant. Harry nodded and agreed.

"Damn, that sucks. I really love this broom." Harry replied, but looked up when Ginny interrupted, "You can always order a new one. Let's just fly a bit today."

Harry nodded and easily zoomed upwards and around, not too high yet- just to be safe should he fall. He immediately noticed that he felt a bit unsteady on his right, but he was soon gaining confidence. He wanted to go faster…

"We've got you Harry, just don't go faster than we can right now. Otherwise we won't be able to keep up." Ginny replied as she encouraged him.

And soon the three of them were off, zooming across and around the black lake, enjoying the sunny day and wind in their hairs. They didn't stay out for long though, soon the three of them landed back near where Hermoine was reading a book and watching them every now and then. Hermoine studied Harry's descent, it was slow and a bit wobbly but fine in the end. "How was it?" she asked curiously.

"Brilliant!" Harry replied with the biggest grin on his face, making Hermoine chuckle.

"You definitely need a new broom." Ron stated.

"Yeah, but with a couple more practice rounds you'll be good as new." Ginny said with a grin. Harry waved his hand at all three brooms and they all vanished back towards the broom lockers, before turning towards Ginny, "That felt really good." Harry said still on a high from flying again in which seemed like the first time in forever.

"I'd imagine." Ginny replied as she, Harry, Hermoine and Ron started their trek back towards the castle.

"Harry, could you later help me with the patronus charm- I want to send a message with it, but I haven't managed it yet." Hermoine asked.

Harry nodded, "Sure, Hermoine."

The next morning at breakfast Ermyr had a letter and a note for Harry. The letter was affirmation of Harry's order for a new broomstick, the note was from McGonagall asking for a meeting after classes. "What's up luv?" Ginny asked him quietly.

"McGonagall wants to talk to me after class." Harry replied before tucking away both letters.

"It's probably about quidditch." Ginny stated and Harry nodded in affirmation. "How about the other letter?" she asked with a cocky smirk.

"That's a surprise for later." Harry replied with his own smirk.

Harry made his way over towards McGonagall's office, he'd noticed that he himself never had to use a password anymore to enter. Which was odd, because he'd heard other people use them. When he was upstairs he politely knocked.

"Come in." Minerva's voice rang from behind the door. Harry entered and saw Poppy sitting opposite McGonagall. "Have a seat, Potter."

Minerva smiled at her cub, "Potter, Poppy and I have been discussing quidditch for two days now. As you know- we both need to think about your overall health and future first and foremost."

Harry nodded, but a sinking feeling was settling in his stomach. "However-." Minerva continued, smiling when she saw Harry perk up. "We also realize that this is probably the last year for you to actually be a child and enjoy playing sports with your friends and after everything you've been through we don't want to keep such things from you. So, we are going to let you play quidditch."

Harry's eyes widened and he smiled, "Really?"

Poppy and Minerva both chuckled, "Really. However, there are going to be some additional rules and changes to quidditch. Some you'll hear about from your team captain come practice, the others are personally for you. Madam Hooch will personally apply a sticking charm to you each game, we don't want you falling of a broom and you must promise us that you will talk to us and your team if it's too much for you. As you know, some games can continue for a long time and that might be too much for your leg right now. So, go to practice, get in shape and we'll see how it goes, understood?" Minerva said strictly.

Harry nodded, "Understood, professor."

"Good. Have you flown yet? How did it go?" Minerva asked when Harry nodded in affirmation.

"It went alright, it was a little slow and I might've outgrown my firebolt. I had to tweak the stand of the footrests a bit- my leg couldn't bend enough to fit my previous setting; so I'll have to adjust- but that probably won't be a problem with my new broom." Harry replied with a smirk towards his head of house.

"A new broom?" Minerva asked curiously.

"Ordered one yesterday, it should arrive in time for the first practice. Guess having my name has some weight at the broom company." Harry replied.

"Did you order a new firebolt then?"

"I just bought the not-yet on the market Firebolt II." Harry stated knowingly what he was doing to his headmistress, well known quidditch player and enthusiast.

Minerva smiled at Harry, "Have a biscuit, Potter."

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