Disclaimer: All Hail JKR! She who brought us HP and allows such a rich world of fanfic to arise. Three Cheers: Hip, hip, Hooray! Hip, hip, Hooray! Hip, hip, Hooray!

AN: I am not writing nearly as much as I thought I would. A big thanks to every fanfic author who manages to keep a consistent schedule of updates. I don't know how you do it, but I am grateful!
AN: I am currently trying a one-shot fanfic based on Lily and her actions between the time Dumbledore tells them the prophecy and when she dies. I have it completely outlined and about 7 scenes into writing it. Hope to post it in the near future.
AN: for this fic, I have a long-term outline, but the devil is in the details… So, here is the next installment! (Hopefully it will stitch the juggling into the story line, since juggling is what gave me the initial idea for the story!)

********Chapter 9********

Performance Enhancers

Harry thought the day had started pretty well. He and Neville were getting to know each other and even Wayne was starting to open up a bit. Justin, Ernest, and Zacharias were still acting a bit stand-offish, but seemed to be thawing a little. Harry could not understand what their issue was, but Draco said it was probably because of the whole Head of House thing.

Apparently the rule of thumb was, if you are not raised in a magical household with wizarding etiquette practically drilled into you from birth, when at all possible avoid Heads of House and heirs. While this behavior makes sense for them, it impeded Harry's plans for House Potter.

Leanne and Megan enjoyed watching Harry juggle, so they would beg for a performance each night in the common room. Harry had decided to indulge them as long as it didn't interfere with his studies. It seemed like a good way to break the ice within Hufflepuff. As long as they were concentrating on the juggling, they acted more naturally, forgetting his Head of House status for a bit. It also garnered attention from the upper years who used the juggling balls as target practice, attempting to hit them with color changing charms. One sixth year decided to get cute and hit one with a stinging jinx which knocked it out of the pattern. A loud chorus of "Bad show!" and "Boo!" accompanied the frowns of disapproval from everyone in the common room, except Harry. Harry knew someone would eventually attempt to interfere; he was just surprised it took so long.

Tonks continued to beg him to teach her, but he stuck to his original offer; if she would teach Harry to change like she did. She eventually explained it was an inherited ability and could not be taught. Harry looked very disappointed before adding, "Well, I would teach anyone in my family that wanted to learn."

The common room reacted to his casual remark in a major way. Had someone been quick enough, the speed of sound could have been measured by how fast conversations across the room ceased.

Tonks stood frozen, her brain revving to the max but seemingly unable to get in gear.

Harry smiled at her before giving her something to think about, "Obviously I would teach my wife, if she wanted to learn." His smile brightened as if he had just thought of something funny, "But who would want to marry me?"

Every female in the common room stopped breathing, eyes widening in a bewildering mix of emotions; from fear to anxiety to hope. The pause was as pregnant as a pause could get…

Tilting his head to the side, Harry looked Tonks in the eyes as he said, "Would you want to marry me?"

The color drained out of Tonk's face and hair, leaving her pale as a ghost, literally. As the seconds ticked by and Harry raised an eyebrow waiting for her answer, she became aware she was standing in the middle of the common room, with everyone watching her in total silence. A bright red blush exploded back into her face and hair as she turned and sprinted to the girl's dorms.

Harry turned to the room, "I guess that is a no".

Walking over to Cedric he put out his hand. Cedric shook his head before rising and heading for his room. A few minutes later he was back with a small leather bag and handed it to Harry. "I can't believe you did it…" Cedric plopped unceremoniously on the couch. "We have been trying for years to make her blush. No one has won that pool since she was a fourth year. Every year it keeps rolling over…" Cedric seemed lost in thought.

Harry smiled, taking the pouch, "It was a pleasure doing business with you!" before he headed off for bed.

Up in his dorm room, Harry thought about the incident. Winning the galleon pool was the least of his victories this evening. He had introduced the idea of marriage into House Potter. Harry smiled mischievously. That seed would blossom and pay dividends for many years to come, since he had no intention of making a decision for Lady Potter anytime soon. Still, it would increase interest in himself and thus would provide opportunities for his plan to bear fruit. Likewise he had proven himself up to a challenge, raising his reputation among the males in Hogwarts, once knowledge of his win became common knowledge. While Harry had not lived in Hogwarts long, he had already recognized the efficiency of the rumor mill. He would be surprised if everyone did not know by lunch tomorrow. But ultimately he had increased the value of his claim as Head of House Potter. Not that anyone could contest via a stronger claim, but there were those who would benefit by keeping Harry from claiming his rightful place in society. Sadly, it seemed Dumbledore was one of those, which is why Harry was moving very carefully.

Draco had been very helpful, presenting him with books on pureblood etiquette, pureblood history in England and France, oaths, rituals, various types of magical debts, and the duties and obligations of a Head of House. It was difficult reading, but Harry set aside no less than an hour each evening to read. These books helped Harry lay the foundations for his long term plans. The diary Draco provided was nothing short of brilliant! Harry could write to Draco and Draco could respond, all without anyone knowing they were talking to each other. This was important for Draco's plan to position Harry politically. Since Draco's plan increased the likelihood of success for Harry's plan, Harry was more than willing to play along. Distance was a problem for the diaries, so they could not write to each other while in their common rooms. However, when they were not close enough to communicate, the diaries would hold the message until they were within 30 feet of each other and then pass the comments along. With meals in the Great Hall and most classes together, it was a reasonable method of secure communication.

The morning after making Tonks blush, Ernest Macmillan decided to take Harry down a few pegs. Apparently Harry had made too good of an impression on the other Hufflepuffs, especially the first year girls. Some of the first and second year boys had decided Harry had an unfair advantage in winning the hearts of all those fair maidens. Ernest was willing to take the risk in setting Harry in his place, for the possible advantage of being seen as a leader among the younger males.

Too bad he decided to make his play in Charms.

After the class was seated, Professor Flitwick continued the previous day's lesson, the theory of charms and the theory of practical applications. With his back to the room, he walked along an elevated walkway in front of the chalkboard, drawing the movements the wand would make for all the first year charms, before turning and demonstrating for the class. He would go through the movements directly facing the class, then again turned sideways with his wand arm on display. Each spell was demonstrated three times each way. The incantations were not demonstrated. This class was strictly to demonstrate the poke, point, swish, rotate, and flick motions, all of which would be used in the first year charms.

Apparently Macmillan became bored and decided to make his play.

"Professor Flitwick" Ernest said, raising his hand.

Surprised at the interruption, but always eager for student interaction, the professor recognized Ernest and indicated he should speak.

"Professor would it be possible to impede our progress in wand motions unintentionally?"

The question would have gained immediate laughter in an older class, but few first years caught the risqué meaning. However, Flitwick noticed the smirk Ernest displayed and the eyes of other students glancing toward him as if in support.

"Indeed Mr. Macmillan. It is possible, although highly improbable. Do you have a hobby you think might be detrimental to your education this year?" Flitwick cocked and eyebrow and waited.

Smothered giggles were now heard, as the comments became a bit to blatant for even first years not to figure out there was something to laugh about, although no one was exactly certain what it was. Ernest still felt the sting of being the butt of a joke to his peers, but decided the best way to proceed was to push on through.

"Professor, Mr. Potter juggles, constantly. He spends up to an hour every night in our common room throwing balls in the air in different patterns. I am concerned it might be harming his ability to perform in the future."

This time the giggling was louder, as that was clearly a jab at Harry.

Harry raised his hand.

Professor Flitwick knew this could end poorly, but decided to see how much the young Lord Potter had learned. He acknowledged Harry and motioned for him to speak.

Harry stood and addressed Ernest, "The Most Ancient and Nobel House of Potter recognizes the interests of the House of Macmillan in this matter. Should my avocation prove to be a detriment to my duties and obligations as Head of the Most Ancient and Nobel House of Potter, I will of course desist."

Turning to fully face Ernest, "As a matter of some minor significance, it is noted Ernest Macmillan of the House of Macmillan has chosen to disrespect the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I formally request Mr. Macmillan either publicly apologize or a meeting to be scheduled with the Head of House Macmillan to facilitate the withdrawal, nullification, and penalties to be assessed for this breach of contract and withdrawal from long-standing agreements and treaties with the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter."

The longer Harry spoke, the whiter Ernest became until Professor Flitwick began to worry for his health.

Justin was sitting beside Ernest, as usual. He didn't understand all of what Harry was saying, but he knew it was important and NOT GOOD for his friend. Seeing his friend was not moving, Justin elbowed him hard enough to get his mind moving again.

That elbow was exactly what the doctor ordered as it got Ernest thinking again, instead of the previous circular train of thought which could be summed up most succinctly as "OhShitOhShitOhShit…"

Standing and facing Harry, Ernest began well… earnestly, "Lord Potter. Please accept my sincerest apologies for my poorly chosen words to address the Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter. It was not meant to indicate any desire of the House of Macmillan to withdraw from any accords between our Houses." Mr. Macmillan bowed his head respectfully and waited for Harry to reply.

"The Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter recognizes the apology of Ernest Macmillan of House Macmillan and accepts it in the spirit in which it is given." Then Harry sat down with a regal air, returning his attention to the front of the class and Professor Flitwick.

"Yes, well…" Filius began, "to address your concern Mr. Macmillan, most of the Master Duelists, myself included, have some avocation which improves their hand/eye dexterity. I recall a duelist who threw knives for relaxation. At ten feet, he could slice a playing card in two… edgewise. At thirty feet, he could pick which eye he wanted to hit. Knife throwing exercised what he needed to be a Master Duelist. Fortunately or not, depending on your perspective, his wife was not happy with decision to duel professionally. So, he and his relatives are living in very colorful wagons, traveling through Europe. Last I spoke to him, he was deliriously happy, awaiting his eighth child while teaching his eldest to throw a knife like daddy."

The professor continued, "Lord Potter, would you please come forward for a demonstration?"

Harry looked mildly surprised, but walked around the desks to stand before the diminutive professor.

"Lord Potter, may I call you Harry in class?"

Harry nodded once.

"Harry, did you watch the lesson so far?"

Harry nodded again.

"Of course you did. Did you understand the lesson?"

Harry took on a pensive look, examining the question for traps, but finding none, nodded again.

"Harry, would you please face the room. Take out your wand and as I call them out, show the wand movements for each charm."

Harry took his wand in hand and waited for the spells to be called.

Filius called out the charms in the order they were written on the chalkboard, left to right, "poke, point, swish, rotate, flick".

Harry performed each movement with perfection and a grace most would lack three years hence.

Draco raised his hand, causing Filius to call upon him.

"Sir, every child raised in a magical household would know the basic wand motions. That as a given, Lord Potter's performance is hardly exceptional. Perhaps a more rigorous example is possible?"

"Mr. Malfoy, while your initial comment has merit, I am somewhat unsure what you intend by 'a more rigorous example'?"

"Simple, Sir", Draco smiled evilly at Harry, "Show Lord Potter the wand movements for all the first year charms. Then test him to see if he can reproduce them."

"Mr. Malfoy, I hardly think…"

"I'll do it", Harry inserted himself smoothly into the conversation. "I enjoy a challenge and this seems appropriate, given the topic of conversation."

"Very well, Harry", the professor said, wondering if the young Lord had put his foot in it.

Professor Flitwick stood Harry at the front of the class and called for volunteers to act as controls. Draco, Daphne, and Blaise joined Harry as did Neville, and Ernest (at Harry's insistence).

Professor Flitwick then named a charm and demonstrated the wand movements for that charm three times while facing them. He then lined them up, Harry on one end, Draco on the other and was about to start when a familiar voice sounded from the rear of the class room. Everyone looked to find the Headmaster, but he was not seen at first, slowly fading into sight as the disillusionment was gradually dispelled. Not a very useful method to dispel the charm, but very dramatic when done before a group of first years.

"Professor Flitwick. Might I be the judge of this contest?"

"Of course Headmaster." Flitwick moved to the side to allow the Headmaster to run things.

"No, Filius. Please, take your place in the center, between Mr. Zabini and Mr. Macmillan."

Professor Flitwick moved as directed, turning to face the Headmaster.

"Students, you have a rare opportunity here. I do not believe all the wand movements for all first year charms have ever been demonstrated this early in the semester. Pay close attention so you may benefit from this largesse," the Headmaster intoned solemnly. "Professor Flitwick will be an excellent example and will be the standard the others should be judged against. Filius, proceed at 'student speed' if you will."

"Of course, Headmaster".

Dumbledore continued, "I have cast a teaching charm, with your professor as the standard. Each student will be judged against him. Minor deviations in wand movements will generate a bluish halo around the wand tip. More severe deviations will generate follow the colors of the rainbow, with the most severe deviations showing as a dark red. Wand motions which bear no resemblance to the required movements will generate a black halo. Deviations are cumulative, therefore by the end of the test, most of you should have a black halo around your wand tip. Are there any questions?"

No one said anything, so Dumbledore began. "I will call out the spells for the first year charms. Perform the wand motions within five seconds. After five seconds the next spell will be called. Now we begin."

"Levitation….., Light….., Beam Light….., Fire….., Softening….., Severing….., Locking….., Unlocking….., Mending…..".

"As you can see by the bluish halo around his wand tip, Lord Potter performed each wand movement almost perfectly. This is a truly impressive feat for a first year. However, given the difficulty of watching another juggler to learn his routines, what we have asked Harry to do is child's play." Dumbledore proclaimed with amusement.

"All but Lord Potter and Professor Flitwick, please return to your seat."

The other students carried their black halo'd wands back to their seats, except for Draco who had managed to keep an orange halo.

"Professor Flitwick, the spell is still active. Please stand behind Lord Potter and we shall do this again, in random order."

After five minutes of random calls for first year charms, Dumbledore called an end to the test. All noted Harry's wand tip now had a faint greenish halo.

"Harry's performance here is nothing short of impressive. Allow one more demonstration. Lord Potter. Please cast the light spell." Dumbledore asked.

Harry looked confused, but performed the wand movement perfectly.

Nothing happened.

Dumbledore smiled, "Ah, we need the incantation too. It is "Lumos". Try again."

Once more Harry performed the wand motion and added the incantation.

Nothing happened.

"Very good, Lord Potter. You may sit down now." Dumbledore said cheerfully.

As Harry was walking to his seat, Dumbledore explained. "Harry has a large advantage in being able to memorize hand/wand movements quickly. But without the underlying theory, it is worthless. I tell you this not to embarrass Harry, but to impress upon you that his advantage is not insurmountable. He will still have to study, learn, understand. The wand movements are just one piece of the puzzle that is magic."

"Filius, if you don't mind, may I have your class for the remainder of their time?"

"Of course, Headmaster."

"Everyone, pick up your materials and follow me", Albus walked to the doorway and waited until everyone was ready. "Walk with me. We are going to the sixth floor."

Many flights of stairs later, the Headmaster led them through a seldom used hallway before stopping before a wizarding portrait.

"This is Merlin." Dumbledore indicated the portrait with a grand arm gesture and regal tone.

The portrait showed a wizard in bright robes, much like the headmaster, walking the grounds of a large castle. Most amazing to every student, especially Harry, was the simple fact… Merlin was juggling! He completely ignored the students as he continued to move the brightly colored balls through their patterns, smiling like a child playing with his favorite toy.

Dumbledore huffed slightly, "This is a portrait of Merlin. You may wonder why it is not in the Ministry or a pureblood home or a vault deep in Gringotts. The answers are simple. To start with, the portrait refuses to stay in Gringotts. When it is placed there, Merlin leaves the portrait and wanders without bounds, potentially appearing in any magical portrait anywhere. As you can imagine, this caused some concern. So, not in Gringotts. Why not the Ministry? For the same reason it is not placed in a pureblood home. The portrait is not regal, formal or serious enough for politicians and 'stuffy old coots'. By the way, those are his words, not mine. Yes, he did talk to me… once. He told me I should learn to juggle, but I did not have time for it then and have not gotten around to it since. So, he quit talking to me."

"Harry, you seem to be upset. Is something wrong?" Dumbledore asked with grandfatherly concern.

"Sir, those patterns… they violate the laws of physics…"

"Well, Harry, it is a magical portrait." Dumbledore said condescendingly.

The other students giggled at Harry's discomfort.

Dumbledore waved them to silence. "Harry, I would like you to try juggling in front of Merlin's portrait."

Harry nodded numbly.

Taking three balls from his robes, he began a simple cascade.

The portrait of Merlin suddenly seemed to be very attentive and put away all but three balls and mimicked Harry's pattern. After a minute, Merlin added a fourth ball and moved into a two ball double fountain before moving back to a four ball cascade. Continuing the pattern, he smiled at Harry.

Ok, this was a game Harry was familiar with. Jugglers testing, taunting, and sometimes humiliating each other while establishing the pecking order. Since the previous patterns Harry had witnessed Merlin using were well beyond Harry's ability, this was not a challenge. It was a test to see if he was worthy. Well, as they used to say in the park, "Game on, muthaphucker!"

Harry took out a fourth ball, adding it to his cascade, then following Merlin's pattern. Before Merlin could add another, Harry added his last two (he only carried six routinely) balls and mentally prepared for his most difficult trick, as he fed the six through fountains, showers, and cascades. As he watched Merlin add two more balls and match him toss for toss, his smile increasing as the ball count grew.

Harry took a deep breath and entered his most difficult routine, a routine he had never tried with six balls and never in front of anyone, praying he would not embarrass himself in front of another juggler, even if it was just a portrait! As Harry caught each ball, he threw it to the ground between him and the wall, twisting his wrist as he threw to impart spin to the ball. Each ball would get a different amount of spin, hitting the floor and taking off at an angle to hit the wall, before bouncing back at Harry. Each spin was carefully calibrated to bring the ball back to Harry in a line, starting at his elbows, if his arms were held straight sideways, then his shoulders, then his eyes. As each pair came back, he would send it away again with more speed, building up to a blindingly fast level. Just as he feared he would start missing catches, he caught each ball in his hand, ending with three balls in each hand and sweat dripping from his face and robes. He felt as if he had run for miles.

No one made a sound as they stared in awe at the Boy-Who-Lived.

Then a sound came, clear and distinct. A slow clap.

Looking toward the sound, Harry saw Merlin looking at him and clapping, his smile growing. What happened next surprised everyone, even the Headmaster.

Merlin spoke to Harry, "You have potential. When you have free time, come see me. I will show you some routines that will amaze everyone… even Him." Then he pulled out three balls and started juggling as he walked out of the frame.

Dumbledore broke them from their silence, "It is time for your next class. Professor Flitwick, will you please escort them to their next classes."

"Of course, Headmaster." Flitwick was amazed also. He knew the painting was there and had often come by to look at it his first year teaching. But the portrait had never spoken to him. Even when he juggled in front of it. Although, in the interest of honesty, Filius had never tried anything beyond basic three and four ball cascades. Apparently that did not get Merlin's attention. But Harry, Harry was something else. Something amazing.

Flitwick kept his thoughts to himself as he escorted the students to the second floor.

Unnoticed amongst the excitement, Dumbledore had stayed in the hallway before the now empty portrait, considering what he had seen. It seemed Harry was unaware, but he had moved with inhuman grace and speed. His magic was clearly aiding him. But obviously Harry did not realize he was using magic, a little passive legilimency had ascertained that. Not only that, but the balls themselves were beginning to change, gaining an aura.

Dumbledore did not know what all this meant.

And he never liked not knowing…

AN: Ok, finally we have gotten our toe in the water of the main plot I envisioned when I started writing this! I hope you have enjoyed it.