A/N: Harry Potter and his world belongs to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
Response is still going strong. Thank you so much again. I hope to keep entertaining you.
Lastly, I have had a few reviewers comment on Daphne. I know many write and see her as a blonde, but there is no description of Daphne. When I say 'dark hair', I think of a dark-brown. It's not black, like Harry. 'Dark-eyes' mean the same. Not black, but a dark-brown with green highlights.
-oOo-
Chapter 20
-oOo-
September 2, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
The girls were a little happier. Amelia had provided them all three sets of tracksuits at their last training session. Daphne didn't miss the way her new boyfriend still tried to hide the way his eyes slid down her form. Harry, Ernie and Neville had shown up in their shorts, even though it was only 6.1 Celsius. They had at least worn the long sleeve top. After a summer of doing this, none of them looked tired. Daphne was more impressed that everyone had shown. As much as Tracey and Hannah had complained over the summer, they were both here.
The bigger surprise was that Ronald Weasley and Dean Thomas was with Harry and Neville.
Millicent was here, looking a little uncomfortable in the track suit. Daphne understood. It was much different than any of them raised as wizards would normally wear. Daphne did find herself looking at Harry's legs some as he wore shorts and a zip up, long sleeve top. He had a fine layer of hair on his legs, but they were strong and as he moved she watched the muscle. She found herself surprised to realize she didn't want him to wear pants.
"We all ready?" Harry asked, stepping forward. Over the summer, even before she had told him her intentions to make him the leader of the group, he had slowly worked his way to the fore when it came to their workouts and training. Even being two years younger than Roger, he was the fastest to learn and master any spell or fighting technique they had been shown. He was rarely beaten in the duels or sparring matches. He was like a snake. He would wait, but when he struck it was fast, furious and usually unexpected. Thus, he had become the leader and in turn he did all he could to encourage them and teach them how he did it.
"As ready as we will be," Hannah snarked.
Harry laughed. "Right. Roger and Daphne, I want you out front today. Set whatever easy pace you want. Neville and I will take up the rear. For the new comers, try to keep up. Don't outpace Roger or Daphne. We don't need heros and I don't want to levitate you back to the castle," he told them.
Daphne liked it when this more confident and self-assured Harry came out. Since the attack on them, he had changed and was acting this way most of the time now. She really liked how he was such a natural leader, even if he didn't seem to realize it. People just followed him. Maybe it was the way magic usually was pulled to a strong magical source…
Hermione came up to her. "I've always told him people listen to him."
Daphne had to hold in the snort of mirth. There could be too many eyes watching them. "This time last year I thought him a spoiled brat that only got his way because he was the Boy-Who-Lived. Why has no one really seen this side of him?"
"Ron and I always did, but everyone else thought like you. It wasn't easy. I'm glad you are our friends now," Hermione replied.
"I am too."
Roger came up to her. "Ready?"
"Harry wants an easy pace until we know how Millie will do," Daphne told him.
Roger nodded. "I heard. And the other two?"
"They should be able to keep up," Hermione affirmed.
Tracey met her eye and nodded. She was talking with Hannah and Susan. Two months ago she could hardly make the mile-and-a-half Sirius had set them too. Now she was running under ten minutes a mile. They all were. She had her suspicions that Hermione, Neville and Harry could still out do them if they wanted. Hermione fell in besides her.
"So," Hermione put to her.
"So?" Daphne asked. Roger was looking at them.
"Where you and Harry going to tell me before I suddenly found out yesterday," the frizzy hair girl asked, sounding put out.
"I was not trying to keep it from any of you. Madam Bones and my father only signed the agreement Tuesday," she said. She had the fleeting thought that a month ago she would not be able to talk while they ran. They were setting a rather sedate pace, more a jog than a run, as they left the training grounds and headed towards the pitch. It was supposed to be an easy run, but it was hillier than London.
"Are you happy with this? Is Harry?"
Daphne gave a smile. "Yes. I am happy with this," she replied. "Harry seems happy."
Hermione smiled. "Good. Just… don't break his heart. Harry may seem very strong, but I worry about him."
Daphne glanced towards Hermione. "You care for him?"
Hermione took a good thirty seconds to answer. "He is my brother. I never had any friends or anyone besides my parents before him and Ron."
Daphne had suspected more than that for a while, but Hermione never overtly showed any signs to Harry. She chose to accept Hermione's words and reached over to squeeze Hermione's hand briefly. "I will not hurt him. You have me and all of us now as well."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you."
By the time they made it back, Harry was supporting Millicent. "Blaise, can you help her back to the Slytherin dorms," Harry enquired.
"Come on, Millie, we have you," Daphne said, moving to Millie. Tracey took her other side. It may not look totally appropriate for Blaise to take her in.
"Thank you," Harry told her.
"We will meet at lunch to figure out a study schedule?" Daphne asked.
"Yeah. I'll see you then," Harry told her. They shared a quick smile before Tracey and her were almost dragging Millie along.
"Merlin, you did that all summer?" Millicent enquired. The girl was bigger than either Tracey or her and leaning on them heavily. Daphne was happy for the workouts over the last eight weeks or so.
"That wasn't bad today. I don't even feel it," Tracey said, sounding guilty.
Millicent let out a huff. "Next summer I am convincing father to let me join you."
"You still want to do this? We are going to be running three or four times a week, as well as still practicing," Daphne told her.
Millie looked around. "You heard Parkinson and Moon last night. I want to make sure I can defend myself."
"We aren't going to let you do this alone," Tracey promised.
Millie nodded.
"We need to shower and be in the Great Hall by eight. Headmistress McGonagall said she was going to announce the new rules this morning," Daphne put to them.
"Oh, yeah," Tracey said.
Once back in Slytherin, Daphne found herself wishing she could have the sunlight on them, not the murky greenish lake water light. She really had wanted to be a Ravenclaw. By now, Millicent was able to stand on her own. The three older year boys, Bert Ericson, Eugene Thomas and Westley Dearborn were with the other members of their Neutral faction. They may not be allies, but all the children of the Neutral Houses stuck together. It was obvious with the half dozen first and second years around them.
She knew relations might be thorny to start this year, but she had not expected the amount of people that watched them. She knew they were not dressed in 'normal' attire, but they would not change what they were doing. Father had given his permission for her and Astoria to 'break whatever norms you have too' during their talk about magic and it's coming downfall if things didn't change. Blaise had to break off on his own, and Astoria and Amanda went to the second-year girls dorms.
Once inside the fourth-year girls dorms, she saw Parkinson and Moon getting ready. They were both acting very frosty towards them and in responce her three were as well. Parkinson didn't say anything when they left.
"Make sure you check your things," Tracey warned them, taking her wand from her sleeve where her new holster was. They had all gotten new holsters with just barely legal disillusionment and wand banishment charms. They would come to their hands at their first want and avoid any simple detection charms. With a flick of their wrists, they would return. After using the holsters all summer, she was trying to figure out why most carried them in pockets.
Daphne did the same and ran a few detection charms and made sure her trunk was still warded the way it should be. Millicent looked at them. "Can you teach me some of those charms?"
Tracey gave the girl a smile. Daphne or her had helped Millicent in years past. "We can work on it later. We need to get to the Great Hall," Tracey agreed.
As they were going to walk out, Tracey held behind just a second. "I'll be right with you," she told them.
"Trace, I don't think that a good idea today," she told her friend.
"What are you doing?" Millie questioned.
Tracey had a perfectly innocent face. "I am just going to make sure my trunk is packed properly."
Daphne gave her an eye. When Tracey had that face someone got a surprise, and someone else was usually blamed. "Tracey, not today," Daphne told her. She didn't want to raise the ire of those that already looked at them frostily. Not yet. Not until they did something that deserved Tracey's special kind of revenge.
"Daph, please?" Tracey begged with big puppy-dog eyes.
Millie snorted. "We all know how to do that."
Daphne chuckled. "You should be using those eyes on Neville. Wait. I'll let you know when."
Tracey huffed and stamped her foot. "Fine."
All three of them were the perfect pureblood girls as they left the dorm and walked to the common room. The children of the Neutrals were all waiting for them. Last year it had been about twenty of them. This year there was only fifteen. Eight had graduated last year and only three first years had joined. Most of the other Neutrals were Ravenclaws. That made Tracey, Millie, Blaise, Bert, Eugene, Thomas and her as the senior Slytherin in the group. Three sixth-years and four-fourth years. It wasn't as strong a group as in years past, but they would stick together and protect the under-years, which included her sister and friend. It was a line that might start blood feuds if any of the upper years messed with the third years or below.
It helped that her new alliance, and intended, would strengthen their position though.
When they left, she didn't miss Malfoy and a few others giving them calculating looks. The blond ponce was an arrogant arse, but he was collecting a lot of powerful houses around him. Including the Carrows and Winters. That had not happened last year. She didn't like what she had heard last night either. Someone had mentioned the Dark Lord and they still didn't know who had attacked them.
Once in the Great Hall, they all sat towards the front of the table. It was their traditional spot, and a few moved down to let them sit together. She didn't really know the first years, but the second years consisted of Astoria, Amanda, Roland Ericks and Nathan Bowen-Wood. The Ericks family was on the Wizengamot, Bowen-Wood was one of Zabini's allies.
"How are you holding up," Eugene asked from across from her.
"Nothing happened last night and Parkinson and Moon won't try anything. Not with the three of us in the same dorm and knowing what Tracey can do," Daphne told him.
The boy nodded. "Warrington threatened us. Said we need to get in line or his father would authorize him to make us," Thomas whispered.
She frowned. "Do we need to keep an eye on our younger group?" she asked.
"They wouldn't dare," Tracey hissed from besides her. "Everyone knows you don't interfere with the younger years before they are fourth-years."
"You're new alliance with Potter, Bones and Longbottom has rattled many. I heard a few whispers that some wished the Dark Lord was back," Eugene commented. The Great Hall was filling in. "Father wanted me to enquire about the alliance."
"He can contact my father or Madam Bones. We will honour all previous pacts or alliances," Daphne assured him. The three boys nodded, not looking quite as tense. They all took some breakfast and she looked over her shoulder, seeing Harry and Neville looking at them. A gentle nudge to Tracey had her doing the same. She gave a slight nod, wanting to smile at him, but things were looking to be tense in Slytherin and she would need to be as frosty as ever when around much of Slytherin.
They knew it would be hard this year.
"So, what is up with you and Potter?" Westley queried.
"Scion Potter and I are courting," she told him.
Eugene gave a soft whistle. "I never thought I would see that. You want us to spread it around? That should give you a good amount of protection. As much as the rumors around Potter are unbelievable, there is something about him that scares a lot of people."
She smiled on the inside. "Mother said there will be an announcement in the Prophet this week. And those that oppose Potter should be scared. He is kind to his friends and allies though," she said.
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "How much of the rumors are true?"
"When you have DADA, look up to the ceiling," Tracey told them.
"Why?"
"There is a new skeleton donated by the only parselmouth known in the school," Daphne replied.
There was a look of concern on their faces. "What kind of skeleton?"
"The Monster of Slytherin," Tracey said with an evil smirk.
"You can't be serious! He's the heir?" Westley hissed.
"No, but he defeated the Heir," Daphne added.
Millie, not being in on the secret this summer, blanched like the others. "Merlin," Eugene muttered.
"Oh, Scion Longbottom and I are also in a courtship agreement," Tracey told him.
"Right, don't mess with any of you," Thomas said with a nervous chuckle.
"I'm not sure Malfoy and his lot have gotten that message," Westley nodded down the table. She looked to see a few of them looking at them. They took up the center of the table. It was supposed to be where the real power in Slytherin was to sit, but her group had about the same now, they just lacked the numbers. Daphne hated these games, but she was starting to understand the significance. Maybe that was why everyone third-year and below were to be left alone, but protected by their alliance. It gave them time to learn and understand.
Blaise nodded to her when he caught her looking. He was sitting next to Nott at the end of their group.
"Why isn't Professor Slughorn passing out our schedules?" Astoria asked from a few seats down. She hadn't noticed with the conversation they were in. Looking around, she noticed all the Professors were up at the table. Many around the hall were looking to the head table, looking as curious or confused as people stopped eating.
"I do not know, Tori," she replied.
"I heard Professor McGonagall was going to go over the new rules first, and then the schedules would be passed out after the House meeting," Thomas told them.
"And you didn't tell us?" Eugene questioned.
Thomas just gave a very small shrug. "Knowledge is power."
Westley snorted. "I think the Dark Alliance could use to remember that."
They all looked towards the center of the table for a moment again. Most acted like thugs, not Slytherins. It only their ambition for power that really let them into the house.
"If I could have all your attention up here," the amplified voice of McGonagall ran over the hall. It quieted quickly. "As I said last night, welcome back to our returning students and those new to us. Now that you are all awake and ready for your day, I have some announcements that I thought better to go over this morning."
"First off, today there will be no classes." There was a murmur through the hall that silenced as McGonagall glared at them. "This is so that I can go over some of the new rules, you will have a House meeting and all our newest pupils can have a proper tour of the castle. For those in the upper years, you get the treat of a three-day weekend. Monday, classes will start and you will find some of the standards have been elevated, so you may want to take these last few days to ensure your summer work is completed and correct."
She looked around the hall. "Second, it has been made apparent that Hogwarts has been fomenting negative environments and neglecting responsibilities to make sure all students feel welcome and included. As such, everyone will be required to take a new course. It will be a mix of wizarding and muggle traditions and culture."
There was muttering and disgruntled voices that required McGonagall to call out, "That is enough. This is non-negotiable. All years shall take a one period a week class on this."
Daphne felt as surprised as many others.
"Next, the wards have been modified and added to this summer. There shall be no wand use in the halls between classes. Exceptions shall be made for after hours, as outlined in the new student handbooks you will be given at your House meetings. There will absolutely be no potion making outside the dungeon labs or new rooms on the first floor. Any potions shall be made in class or supervised by Professor Slughorn, or a few NEWT students he may appoint at a later date. If anything is attempted, the wards will inform me and the Deputy-Headmaster, Mr. Colllins. An appropriate punishment will be given out when you are found," she stated.
The mutterings were louder but faded as she looked around the hall.
"There are other changes to the wards, designed to protect you. If you have any heirlooms or possessions that would be classified as a Dark object by the DMLE, you will want to send it back home or dispose of it. If you want to contact your parents or dispose of the object, contact your Head of House. No punishment or judgements shall be made. Monday morning, after breakfast, any such objects detected shall be confiscated and handed over to the Aurors. If you are under-age, your parents will be dealt with by the DMLE. If you are not, you may be dealing with the DMLE. This is a place of learning and such objects do not belong here."
"She can't be serious!" an older boy said a little loudly from down the table.
He wasn't the only one to say anything.
"Quiet down," McGonagall said loudly.
"Finally, I would like to announce some good news," she told them. The hall still sounded disgruntled or surprised. "There are a few rule changes around Hogsmeade and privileges to those of older years. Starting in two weeks from now, those third-year and up shall be allowed to go into Hogsmeade every three weeks, with guardian permission and if you meet the criteria that will be posted in your common rooms. If you do not, you will not be allowed to leave the castle."
"You will find that having proper grades and completed assignment shall be a must. Hogsmeade trips are a privilege. A few trips shall be organized for younger years around Christmas and Easter."
This had many around the hall talking. "We had to wait for third-year," Tracey whinged from beside her.
McGonagall talked over the hall. "Those seventeen and older, will be allowed to sign out whenever they want after classes or any weekend, as long as they meet the criteria. Otherwise, your acceptance to attend means you follow the rules of Hogwarts. If you don't want to follow the rules, the door is over there."
There was a mix of shock and happiness.
"I have four more months," Eugene complained.
"I won't be able to until next year," Thomas supplied.
"Two weeks," Westley said smugly.
"Also, there will be a few new clubs. Madam Hooch has agreed to a fun Quidditch league this year. With how much the pitch will be used, it will be run one Sunday a month. Schedules will be made for teams and the fun league."
The hall was full of noise. "Daph, you should try out."
She just shook her head. Daphne loved flying, and would like to be a chaser, but it wasn't appropriate.
"Yes, let me get through the last few announcements and then I will release you to your common room," she said, getting only a small amount of murmuring. "Professor Flitwick will be running a dueling club and Professor Sprout is looking for volunteers to expand the greenhouses and to look at winter crops."
The hall was talking so much that McGonagall seemed to give up, a small smile coming to her face. "I am glad to see there is much enthusiasm. Before I let you go, I want to make one final announcement. Quiet everyone," she called out. It took a few minutes before the hall quieted down. "Yes, some very fun and exciting news. The last bit is a little more serious."
"As you attend your Defence Against the Dark Arts class this year, or if you are not taking the class I recommend you stop by at least once, you will notice a new addition to our creature collection," she said.
Daphne immediately looked towards Harry. He had not wanted any recognition aside from the plaque that was affixed to the wall. He never wanted to have attention drawn to him. Harry looked at the Headmistress, a stricken look on his face for a moment. Ginevra Weasley was sitting nearby and she went white as a sheet. Hermione whispered something to Harry and he took a few deep breaths before taking a more even face.
"Not long ago there was a rumor about the Heir of Slytherin and his monster. I can confirm the monster was a basilisk and it was slain in a place under this school," she said.
The hall was again loud with talk. Many looked towards Harry, some in fear, some in awe. "He killed a basilisk," Eugene said in disbelief behind her.
"Yes, it was a basilisk. The goblins of Gringotts were able to preserve its skeleton and you will see it in the DADA rooms. One of our own was able to slay the beast and dispatch the one that was using it. For saving the school from an incredible danger, The Governors, Professor and myself would like to present Mr. Harry Potter with a special award to the school," she said proudly, looking towards her Harry.
He took a deep breath and then stood. He stood tall, his shoulders back and looking like he could have wielded Gryffindor's sword. After seeing him handle some of the weapons this summer, she didn't have to imagine him doing what he had. There was applause and cheering, mostly from the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. She applauded, as did most around her, and many at the far end of the table. In the center, many just glared at her boyfriend. The Ravenclaws were a more of a mix. She didn't miss that fear passed over many faces.
Harry walked up and shook her hand. A flash went off and she caught a boy in Gryffindor robes with a camera.
"I have also been informed that Mr. Potter will be receiving a Order of Merlin, First class, at a ceremony over Christmas Holidays at the Ministry," she said before asking him to stay up there.
"The school would also like to recognize those that helped him solve the mystery and ran to help him. Would Mr. Ronald Weasley and Ms. Hermione Granger please join us up here." Up until that point, the red head looked a little sourly at Harry until his name was called. Hermione looked shocked, then acceptance as she registered what was said. Ron stood, a huge smile on his face. It was more of a strut to the front.
"Hermione looks shocked," Tracey whispered to her.
"Weasley looks like a peacock," she muttered back. The Gryffindor table was cheering loudly and Ron looked smug and happy. Hermione looked flustered.
Westley uttered, "Weren't they only second years when that happened?"
She felt a swelling of pride in Harry.
"Yes, they were," Tracey responded.
"Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley will also be joining him, to be presented with Orders of Merlin, third class, for their support of Mr. Potter's actions." There was more applause and cheering.
"That is the last of my announcements. You are all excused and are expected to be in your common rooms within the next fifteen minutes for your House meetings," McGonagall said as the three walked back to their table, many crowding them.
Daphne shared a significant look with Tracey, and then Blaise as they got up. Maybe this year was not going to be as bad as they thought. If the wards were that protective, and Harry was as feared or revered as she now suspected, most of her fears were now alleviated.
-oOo-
September 3, 1994
Hogwarts, Scotland
"Harry, hold up," Ron called after him.
Harry had his brooms slung over his shoulders with his arms up and was heading down to the pitch with Neville. Dean and Seamus were to meet them there and he was going to let the girls borrow his Nimbus 2000. Ron caught up to them, his Cleansweep 11 in his hands. "Are you going down to the pitch?"
"Does it look like we are?" Harry asked back and started to walk again.
"Well, that is what I thought. Can you believe we got those awards yesterday and we are getting Orders of Merlin in December?" Ron said, his face still beaming. "I mean, it's not like we didn't deserve them, but, Special Awards to Hogwarts."
It was about all Ron had talked about for the last thirty-six hours and Harry was getting annoyed. Shrugging he just kept walking.
Ron looked like he wanted to say something, but didn't seem to know how to say it. After a moment, he grabbed Harry's arm and Harry spun to look at him. "You didn't write this summer."
"Neither did you," Harry replied.
Ron winced. "You know I don't like to write."
Harry shrugged and Neville gave him a look. "I thought it was you that wanted us to be friends again?" Harry put to him.
"I thought we all did," Ron frowned.
"We need to get down to the pitch. You going to practice Keeper?"
Ron's frown didn't leave his face. "Yeah. You know that is what I like."
Harry nodded and they started down the hall towards the practice field and then the pitch. "Tracey and Daphne want to go to the library tomorrow to finish that assignment for Mr. Wilkes," Neville told him.
"Professor Babbling has agreed to test me in the morning. I can join you all after that or after lunch," Harry replied.
"You really are transferring to Runes?" Ron put to him.
"Yeah," Harry replied.
"Are you going over the homework from the summer tomorrow?" Ron asked
"You are welcome to come along after lunch," Neville told Ron. Ron nodded.
"We can figure it out down at the pitch," said Harry.
"Greengrass and the others are going to join us?" Ron asked.
"You have an issue with that?" Neville challenged.
Ron shook his head. "You have said they are your friends. I will trust them."
"Daphne and Tracey are more than friends, Ron," Harry reminded him. Neville and Harry had been the subjects of a few talks, and teases, from the others in their dorm. Seamus looked a little jealous and had mentioned how good Greengrass and Davis looked. Ron was acting much more mature than Harry ever remembered.
"It just seems odd you are both doing the old courting traditions," Ron told them.
"You know about them?" Harry asked surprised.
"Mum has tried to teach us. Now that Aunt Muriel knows Granddad Prewitt wanted someone to inherit the Wizengamot seat and he never fully threw mum out of the family, she spent a lot of the summer going over her old training with us," Ron told them.
"The Prewitts still have a seat?" Neville asked surprised. Harry had wondered what Houses Amelia had been talking about Dumbledore messing with.
Ron scuffed the floor as he walked. "It will be the Weasley's now. Bill has been offered the seat, but he doesn't want to come back to England yet. He likes being a Curse Breaker."
"What about Charlie?" Harry asked.
Ron shrugged. "No idea. He loves his dragons."
Harry made a face. "Not Percy?"
Ron's face screwed up more than Harry's. "Mum and dad can't inherit, according to the will. If Bill and Charlie don't want it, it might go to Percy. Uhg, I wonder if that was what dad and mum were arguing about the night before we got on the Express?"
"Percy is already a git. Imagine him in Wizengamot robes? He'll strut like rutting hippogryph," Neville commented and they all chuckled.
They walked out into the air and Harry took in a deep breath. Being outside was so much better than being stuck in the castle. He didn't miss a pair of Aurors turn to them. Amelia had a dozen of them stationed around the school. Harry caught sight of Susan, Hannah, Daphne, Tracey and Hermione before them. There were a few others heading down to the pitch too. As they walked through the gates, Ron nudged Harry.
"Yeah?" he asked.
He cast a look towards Neville before moving in a little closer. "Mum said Ginny and I have accounts with the goblins for proceeds from the basilisk. Did you do that?"
Harry shrugged, which wasn't very effective with the two brooms over his shoulders. "You ran down with me. Did your mum tell you how much?"
"No, but she allowed me to buy this new broom," he told Harry, hefting the Cleansweep 11. "She allowed Ginny to get a new Nimbus 2000."
"Why didn't you?"
"The Cleansweeps are better for the Keepers," Ron answered. Harry suspected it was more to do with Ron's upbringing. As much as he was jealous of Harry and others, Ron knew the value of a galleon and probably felt guilty to spend the extra hundred and fifty galleons it would have cost for the Nimbus. "How much did we all get?"
"A lot," Harry told him. "I don't know the exact figures. We negotiated with the goblins to give you and everyone directly affected a cut of the sales. Amelia is handling all that," he lied to Ron. He felt a little guilty. Harry didn't like to lie, but Neville didn't need to know all the details, though he probably had a good idea of the amount of money they were talking about. The goblins were still auctioning off parts, and the last statement was that Harry had already earned over half-a-million galleons, meaning Ron and them had earned over twenty-thousand themselves.
Ron nodded. "Thanks," Ron said.
Harry looked at Ron. Since last Christmas, Ron had seemed to mature. The special award last night seemed to be wearing off, though Harry suspected Ron would preen about it for weeks still. "You earned it," Harry told him. As much as Harry still had his issues with Ron, he knew Ron would have run into the Chamber of Secrets with him if the cave hadn't collapsed.
Ron nodded. "Is Bones trying out for a team," Ron asked.
Harry looked to the group before them. Daphne had noticed them now and the girls were waiting for them. Susan had a broom. Harry recognized a Nimbus 2001. He raised an eyebrow at his cousin. "You fly?" he asked as he came up to her.
Susan grinned. "Hannah's brother has been working with me all summer. He was a Chaser for Hufflepuff for four years," Susan told him.
"And you hid this from us all summer? Is that why you went over her house so much?"
Susan looked a little smug. "You aren't the only one with secrets," she teased. "Besides, Hannah is my best mate."
Neville and Hermione snorted while Hannah gave a conspiratorial smirk. "Best prat, is more like it," Daphne said low enough for them all to hear, but not drift out of the group.
"I am not!" Hannah exclaimed.
Hermione laughed now. "You only think that because she was on you and Harry all summer."
Daphne didn't look impressed, but came over to him. "You catch that snitch," she told him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
He had a stupid grin on his face. "Are you flying today? I brought my Nimbus down for you."
Daphne looked to think about it for a moment. "I really shouldn't."
Tracey nudged her, having come over to Neville. "You really should," Tracey told her before rolling her eyes at Daphne's pointed look.
"Just go up for a little bit," Hermione pressed.
"You don't have to play. I can just fly around the pitch for a bit with you," Harry offered. Harry took the brooms off his shoulders and held out the Nimbus 2000 for her. "I need you to at least hold it. I can't fly with two brooms."
She nodded after a moment. "I'll hold it for you."
"Where is Millicent?"
"She went to the library with Blaise, Astoria and her friends," she told him.
Harry gave her a searching look. "Did anyone say anything else to you?"
"No. Many of them are trying to consider how serious McGonagall was about her threat for Dark objects," she answered.
Harry snorted. "Amelia made sure Susan and I didn't have anything bad. I think the Headmistress is very serious."
"Are you two coming?" Ron called out. The group had moved towards the pitch.
"You should use that," Harry told her, as she took his now free arm. She was acting far more proper than she had over the summer, but now they didn't have to separate if they didn't want to.
"Perhaps," Daphne said.
"Daph, you are a good flyer. I know Slytherin may not let a girl play, but you could play in the new fun league," he told her.
She seemed to be thinking. "Maybe. I would have to ask father," she said.
"Go flying with me anyways today," he pressed, his eyes pleading with her. He would write to Lord Greengrass himself.
She gave him a sidelong glance. "Isn't it the girl that is supposed to look like that?"
"Is it working?" he questioned cheekily.
She rolled her eyes. "I will fly with my boyfriend for a few," she gave in after a moment.
Harry flashed her a huge smile and she rewarded him with one she only seemed to reserve for him before her face went more blank. When they made it to the pitch, there was a larger group there than he expected. Roger had come down with the other two Ravenclaw chasers. His beaters and goal keep had graduated last year and Cho was nowhere to be seen.
Diggory and his Keeper, a girl named Dorothy Timbers, were walking over to Susan and their group. The entire Gryffindor team was on the pitch, along with Ginny, Dean and Seamus. "Apparently we weren't the only ones thinking about practicing," Seamus said in a disgruntled way.
"Does it matter?" Harry challenged him.
Seamus looked at him and shrugged. "Not really."
"Go have fun. I'll fly with you afterwards," Daphne told him, before giving him another kiss on his cheek. Daphne moved to Hannah, Hermione and Tracey.
Roger smirked at him and Harry gave him a warning glare. As they were huddling together to decide what was going on, Ernie and Justin came down with their brooms. "What are we doing, Captain," Justin asked Diggory.
"I am flying and practicing. I'm not Captain yet. Sprout said the Heads-of-House are waiting to see what happens with the school tryouts next weekend," Diggory told them.
"Can we just play around? I want to try out for the Badgers this year," Susan spoke up.
"Who here is trying out for the school team?" Roger put in.
"We are," both Fred and George said at the same time.
"I want to," Katie put in.
"Alicia and I are going to stay on the Gryffindor team. We need someone to give a good showing," Angelina pipped up.
"Figure I'll stay on Gryffindor too," Harry put in.
"Over my dead body," Roger stated. "As much as it pains me to say, you are the best seeker in the school, Potter."
"Come on, Harrikins," said George.
"You can't leave us hanging," added Fred.
Diggory snorted. "I can't argue with Davis. I plan to put my name into the tournament, so if I can't be Seeker, you are the next best thing."
"He is better than that," the three Gryffindor chasers glared at Diggory. "Plus, it gives everyone else a chance without Potter on our team."
Diggory just laughed and held up his hands in submission.
"So, we going to just talk or are we going to play?" Ron asked.
"Play," Roger replied.
Soon it was a slightly unconventional game with the chasers switching out from time to time to fill in for the other Beaters. Harry was surprised to see Angelina and Roger helping the others and giving sound advice between plays or setting up practice runs.
Ron was doing as well as Timbers, after he worked out a few jitters at the start.
It didn't distract Harry from his job though. Diggory and him had already gone after the snitch twice, Harry only missing it the second time from a well-placed bludger from Ginny. She gave him a shy smile before flying off to support the chasers around Roger.
"Bloody hell, Potte! Do you have any fear?" Diggory asked as they came back up into their search pattern. Harry had gone into a steep dive to start the last chase.
"I like to fly," Harry answered cheekily.
"Damned Gryffindor," Diggory replied with a smile. "Where did you learn that move?"
"Watching Krum at the World Cup."
Diggory's smile didn't lessen. "You do that against Durmstrang or Beauxbatons, they won't know what hit them. That was a professional move. I didn't think you could get better."
Harry returned the smile. "I've been able to fly this summer."
Diggory nodded, and then indicated the stands. "You have a fan watching you."
Harry looked over to see Daphne and Hermione looking up at him. Tracey and Neville were talking with each other. He noticed Blaise, Millicent and others had joined them. There was actually quite a few people in the stands now, including Professor Flitwick, the Headmistress and Madam Hooch.
Harry waved towards Daphne, who waived back.
Diggory laughed. "A little smitten, are you?"
"Something like that," Harry replied before turning back to the field. "You ready to end this?" Harry asked.
"I'm not letting you get it this time," Diggory told him.
"Well, there it is," Harry said, pointing towards the goal posts Ron was defending and he took off.
"Bloody hell!" Diggory yelled and tried to catch him.
Less than a minute later, he was releasing the practice snitch. "Again," he asked Diggory.
Diggory looked at his watch. "There is still two hours before dinner."
Harry grinned and flew back up. He was learning as Diggory walked him through a few search and disruption plays Harry had not seen before and Wood had not mentioned.
It was about quarter to four when he finally landed in the stands next to Daphne. They had played for almost two hours. When he landed, Hermione huffed at him. "Do you have to be so reckless? It's not like it's a real game."
Daphne rolled her eyes before trying to straighten her face. Harry had a feeling they had been discussing this for a bit. "I didn't see anything wrong with how he was playing."
Hermione huffed again. "That's because you like Quidditch."
"Perhaps," Daphne said.
"Granger, Potter was only doing what a good Seeker should," Blaise put in.
She cast Blaise the same hard look she had Daphne. "Not you too!"
"I thought you supported Slytherin?" Tracey asked.
Blaise gave her a look. "I support Potter going for the Hogwarts team. You think I want to see Slytherin lose again?"
Harry just laughed at them. Most were starting to leave now that the show was over. "You still want to go flying?" Harry hopefully asked her.
Her eyes were lit with anticipation. "Because you asked," she told him.
Daphne was in a long skirt and her cloak, but she mounted his broom easily and he took off after her. They did a few circuits around the pitch, with a few others that hadn't played with them doing the same. When she pressed his Nimbus faster, Harry replied with a laugh and kept pace with her on his Firebolt. It was like the times they had done this at her house over the summer.
"Follow me," he yelled at her after a few minutes and ducked down towards the pitch. It was an easy dive for him, but probably pushed her more than she was used too. She followed and after a few, he leveled towards the center of the pitch. She came up next to him, a smile breaking her mask. "You really should play for the fun league," said Harry.
Her smile fell some. "It is not proper for someone of my class..."
"Daph," he interrupted her.
She looked at him. He liked her brown eyes with the green traces. They seemed more vibrant whenever she flew. "I am doing all I can to be a proper Scion, but we all want to break some of those traditions, right?"
Her eyes just looked at him. It was a few long seconds before she replied, "Warrington would never allow a girl on the team," she told him. Harry quirked an eyebrow. He hadn't realized she would like to be on the Slytherin team.
"Then do the fun matches. I may be able to convince Angie, Alicia and Katie to show you how to play Chaser. Or you can ask Roger," he suggested to her.
She still looked at him for a long few seconds. "Would you teach me to play Seeker? I don't think I can be as aggressive as you need to be to play Chaser."
He gave her a broad smile and hovered closer. "I think you can do what you want," he said earnestly, thinking of the sparring matches they had had over the summer. She wasn't as physical as Susan or Hermione, but she could give a good blow and take one.
Daphne's expression was serious as she moved to be touching him. "I want to try being a Seeker."
"If that is what you want. You've already been doing some of the practice moves."
"What will mother and father say when they find out?" she asked worriedly, a very un-Daphne like response.
"You tell them your boyfriend convinced you and let me face your father," he offered.
She giggled. "I see that going over well."
He shrugged. "It was your father that said we should change things. Besides, he did agree to our Courtship and must have known what I am like?"
"True," she admitted.
"I am also your intended. I will write your father and let him know," Harry assured her.
Her eyes were appreciative. "You would do that?"
"I think it my responsibility, as a proper Scion, you know," he gave his lopsided grin to her.
She leaned over peck him on his lips. "Thank you." She then gave him a little bit of a longer kiss until his stomach growled. She giggled again. "We should go get that graphorn fed."
"As my lady wishes," he replied cheekily, earning him a grin before they went back to the ground and she adopted more of her icy façade. Harry hated that she felt she had to do that. He did the same though, and offered his arm. The rest of their group had waited for them and they all walked back up to the school together.