Chapter 4- Is It A Bird, Is it a Plane, Or is Ron on a Broomstick?
(Disclaimer- I don't own anyone as that would be very very wrong. However I have invented some new characters to do my bidding, but they are up for sale or stealing. Please don't sue me. It would be a cruel and unusual punishment.)
Harry lay in bed restlessly, cursing Dean, Seamus, Neville, and Ron who had
been asleep for an hour. He crept out quietly, and went downstairs to the common room, which was still quite warm, although everyone had left it hours ago. He didn't know why he had come down, except that he couldn't stand being in his room any longer, listening to Neville snore, and Ron muttering vague threats involving dreadlocks and hats.
He squatted down in on the sofa, looking at the assorted tricks and games left on the table by Fred and George. No one ever dared to take them, as Fred and George could be vengeful, as Dennis Creevey found when he dared to borrow one, and ended up turning yellow and moulting for several days. Harry giggled guiltily at the image of Dennis acting like nothing was wrong, whilst being stalked by Mrs Norris for hours.
Harry gazed around the empty room, and retrieved the spoon he had "borrowed" furtively from the table. He had practised in the common room for a while, but been unable to lift it again. He stared at a picture of Ron hugging Pigwedgeon, that George was blackmailing him with, lying on the table. He tried to lift it, but nothing happened. He concentrated fully on it, and forgot he was sitting on a fake wand, and it was 1.00am at night, and he was staring vengefully at a sickening picture of owl love. It moved slightly, then lifted. He pushed it further into the air, and moved it forwards. The hair on the back of Harry's neck stood up, as he pushed it around. It was an eerie feeling. Once he had it in the air, it was not difficult to keep it there. He dropped it with a shiver at the blissful expression on both Ron and Pig's faces, and concentrated on the heavier book beside it.
Unfortunately, it took him 20 minutes to get it to rise; then again it was easy to manoeuvre around the room. "HARRY!" said a shocked voice. He dropped it suddenly, as his concentration was broken, smashing a figurine of Snape in a dress left over form Neville's glory days. He turned to see Ginny at the bottom of the Girls Staircase. She was dressed for bed in a long T-shirt that said "Ignore me at your peril", and she looked startled to have seen Harry staring wondrously at a floating copy of "Little Women".
"What on earth…" she said. "I can explain… I was just trying to get the book to move, when it um… moved" said Harry worried.
"Just like that?" she said dubiously. "Well…yeah" said Harry, shrugging his shoulders with a look that said "Gosh-don't-the-strangest things-happen-for-no reason" "Really" she said with a wry smile. She came over to him, and sat down on the sofa. Harry felt very silly as he stuck the book hastily under the pillow, and smiled back widely. They continued to chat, as Ginny made him tell her "every teeny detail". He found it surprisingly easy to talk to her, and discovered a hilarious subtle sense of humour he didn't know she had. Although to be honest, it was not like they had ever really spoken before. He also found her attractive, which didn't help matters, as he desperately tried to sound intelligent and witty, yet managing to only talk about how draughty the corridors got at this time of year.
They talked for an hour, until he realised the time, and stood up. "It's 2.30, we better go…um back to bed, and er… get some sleep" he said frantically coughing slightly. She went smiled again, and left the room, after giving him a slight backward glance.
(Earlier that night in the Girls Bedroom)Hermione's Point of View
Lavender, Parvati and Sarah were having a girly discussion, Hermione was trying not to take no notice of any of them, but found herself being constantly dragged into the conversation, all sitting in a circle on Lavender's bed, all against her will and better judgement. All she had learnt from past girly discussions were to avoid contact with Millicent Bulstrode, who was "vicious", and various advantages of facial creams and deep pore cleansing. Today was to be no exception, however, over the last 10 minutes the discussion had taken an unusual and unnerving twist:
Lavender giggled, "Okay, if you had too or you DIED, kiss Snape (everyone shuddered) or run around the school naked, which would you do?
Parvati first (necessary action) mimed being sick, then spluttered "Run naked…(calming down slowly) Okay.. Sarah, if you had too or you DIED, kiss Neville Longbottom, or Professor Twitflick, what would you do?"
Sarah considered for a moment, "Neville. He can be quite sweet when he isn't saying or doing anything." There was ridiculous chanting of "You fancy Nev-ille" for quite a few minutes, Sarah blushed and denied everything loudly. Hermione groaned, this was not exactly nice, fun, big or clever.
Sarah smiled, "Okay Hermione, if you had too, (here she paused and smiled grimly) kiss Harry or Ron or DIE, which?" All the girls shrieked like banshees at this, declaring it both unfair and cruel, though all insisting she answer.
Hermione blushed scarlet, and pretended to consider before giving her immediate answer, "Harry… I think… not that I like him."
All the girls shared meaningful looks before the chanting continued. Hermione gave them all evil looks before leaving the holy circle, hoping fervently noise didn't travel. "Oh come on Herm, it's only a joke! I mean, we all would pick Harry anyway, because he's better looking and popular and stuff, it doesn't mean anything. Not that Ron isn't nice or anything… but well, he is not exactly…you know, besides he has been acting really weird lately, telling really dodge jokes and stuff" said Lavender hurriedly (nosy ringleader.)
Hermione smiled, and joined back in the joking, although hoping that Sarah had been telling the truth as well, as Neville WAS sweet, and obviously liked her too. Not that she was in a position to sort other people's love lives out, while hers was still non-existent, unless you count Krum's irritating love letters, and Ron's pervy antics.
(At breakfast the next morning, post-happy hour and chanting)
They all sat around the breakfast table, all too traumatised from the previous night's experiences to talk, all but Ron. Ron was still test-driving his new "hard & saucy" image. Well he was trying, but he was abandoning the vehicle due to much ridicule (mostly from Fred and George.) Harry and Ginny spent the time giving each other furtive looks across the table, both pretending to be interested in their breakfast if anyone glanced their way. Hermione did not miss the glances between them, and felt something inside her twist painfully.
Dumbledore interrupted their meal, waving into the room a new guest. "Before you continue with what looks like a good breakfast, I would like to introduce our new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, Miss Chrasta, she will be replacing Professor Moody, who is leaving for a well earned holiday. I trust you will all make her feel welcome". Miss Chrasta was leaning against the wall, and stepped forward when named. She was moderately young, about the same age as Snape, who was not present that morning strangely. She had brown hair twisted up in a bun at the back of her head, and piercing blue eyes. She looked strict, Harry thought uncertainly, but changed his mind when she smiled, as it lightened up her face and made her look quite pretty. At least the other teachers thoughts so, as he caught Professor Flitwick straightening his bow tie and taking his elbow out of the butter dish. Snape stormed in, looking disgruntled, but stopped quite suddenly at the sight of someone new sitting in his chair. Everyone in the hall went deathly silent and leaned in, desperate to hear the conversation. "Oh, I'm sorry, have I taken your seat, I will move, Professor Snape is it?" she said pleasantly, smiling as she stood up. "Um…Severus" he replied in a choked voice, as he blushed slightly, while motioning her to stay put as he grabbed another chair and sat down.
Fred and George exchanged shocked glances as the whole hall was heard to murmur "Severus??" in surprised and mocking whispers. Snape gave them a dark look that managed to cover the whole hall. Ron nudged Harry "Wonder what's going to happen there? I mean, does Snape actually you know… like her?" Harry frowned and shook his head "Oh definitely not, it's more probable he owes her money or something". They all agreed, preferring to believe this flimsy excuse rather than accept that Snape is a normal person. The breakfast continued in this manner for quite some time before everyone grabbed their things and left for the first lesson. Of course, only Hermione seemed to know what this was, and managed to direct them to the new D.A.D.A room.
(Guess where they are now- yes, the DADA room, nothing gets by you does it?)
The class sat silently at their desks, while their new teacher began to patrol the classroom, all on their best behaviour, with their wands out on view. The Slytherins had been paired with the Gryffindors for most lessons this year, to the disappointment of both.
" My name is Professor Chrasta. You may call me Professor Chrasta. I do not approve of nicknames, so do not give me one. I will be teaching you extremely testing spells over the next year and do not expect anyone to give anything less than their best. Clear? In return, you should all become far more skilled, both in technique but also in imaginative fighting, the Leg-Locker is not a respected mode of fighting" she said firmly, (all eyes turned towards Draco Malfoy sitting innocently in the back row.)
"Now today we will be examining the Petructo Noim spell, which casts an extremely brief protective barrier around you. This however, is difficult to produce, and can be smashed by a more powerful wizard, or by a powerful spell. It also lasts a short time, so is not advised for heavy duelling. But however, it can be useful in blocking for those with swift reflexes. I shall be pairing you up myself, but I will perhaps allow you to choose shortly if I have good results."
The class sat slightly stunned. She had effectively silenced them without a harsh word spoken, or threat delivered. She chose Neville to help her hand out sheets of paper, with a short list of spells written on them. "These are the spells you may test on each other to test the Petructo Noim shield." The Slytherins all looked downcast. Hermione whispered to Harry "She's really clever. You could tell there would have been riots otherwise." He nodded and she instinctively moved towards him, hoping this would encourage a pairing.
Unfortunately, Professor Chrasta seemed to have a knack of picking pairs who would not talk. Hermione found herself with Neville who looked glum, and Harry with Draco. "So… I guess that we should get on" suggested Harry after a minute of silence. "I guess. I shall try the shield first if you like" said Draco slightly put-out. Harry could tell that Draco was finding it difficult to except no one was interested in their dialogue. They worked quickly, Harry surprised to find Draco a good partner, as he picked up the idea quickly, each developing a good routine. Harry found it quite easy to get the hang of the spell, although Draco found it more difficult. They practised tirelessly for half an hour, both forgetting to hate each other long enough to get the work done. It was a strange feeling of teamwork that he had never expected Harry thought, as he silently helped Draco, and joined in the slight cheering when he mastered it. The cheering only lasted a few seconds, stopping when they remembered they disliked each other intensely, but still…. it happened.
Professor Chrasta watched the class quietly, pleased they were working well. Her sharp eyes scanned the room, analysing the students. Neville was working steadily, but had not got the hang of it yet. Not that he wasn't talented, she thought questioningly, but that he had no confidence. One worth watching certainly, perhaps it had not been wise putting him with such a capable member of the class.
Hermione Granger was certainly good, but seemed to lack something, her spell would not be very strong. She also spent most of her time watching Harry Potter, a fact which amused her, as the boy certainly had no idea he was the object of the girl's affection.
Harry, he was certainly one to watch. He had picked up the spell startling quickly, and had been helping his partner for most of the lesson. She had heard good things about his progress, she decided that she would ask the headmaster if she may take him in hand, subtly so as to cause no trouble with the other students of course.
Draco Malfoy looked pleased to be helped, although obviously surprised it was coming from Harry. She had been told by Madam Hooch there had been an ongoing feud between them for years, through a mixture of bad luck and jealously. She hoped that pairing them might reconcile some differences. She found nothing remarkable in the other students as yet, although they were worth watching, as often it was the quieter students who could surprise you.
(Later that very same day in the Hall, around about lunchtime)
Everyone sat around the table, waiting for Fred and George to come back from their "highly mysterious business". Harry had a sneaking suspicion it would be about the keeper trials, something he already knew, but the rest of the house eagerly awaited their return.
"Did you see the announcement Harry" said George, as he rushed in to sit beside Harry.
"Alicia has announced Quittitch trials tomorrow to find the new keeper. Luckily it is just one place to fill, next year you are going to have to replace Alicia, Angelina, Katie Bell and us" said Fred smugly.
"Oh... well I suppose there will be lots of people, does she want any help with the trials" said Harry, noticing all the heads turning on the Gryffindor table, all with the same interested and dreamy expression.
"I suppose, though of course we will be there to help- the Dream Team. "Fred and George will sort it", that's what we told her, but she wants to be there as well. Though why she wouldn't trust us, I don't know" said George indignantly.
Harry eyed their suspiciously filled pockets, and too-innocent grins, and remarked wisely "I cannot think either, you must be really hurt".
Ron looked up from his plate, which he had been eyeing feverishly since the conversation began, "I may try out I think, I mean I am old enough and stuff, and can fly". Fred and George looked at each other with unreadable expressions on their faces, although Harry could have sworn he saw alarm cross them briefly, "Yeah, sounds good, though of course we will have to see everyone and not play favourites."
Ron smiled excitedly, and left the table muttering about going for some practice. Harry caught Ginny looking at them with cautious interest also, and he moved over so she could sit next to him, ignoring Fred and George's darkening gaze.
"Are you going to come and watch Ginny" he asked, thinking that perhaps a short demonstration could be a good idea.
"Of course not, I'm going to try out!" she said devilishly. Harry felt both worried and excited. She would be going up against Ron, who really needed to get on the team as he had been upset over the "stupid prefect thing". Yet, on the other hand, Harry immediately foresaw him and Ginny on the team together.. spending time together... practising together. The choice was extremely difficult. She smiled at him again, and he decided that Ron would just have to wait and see, as it would not be fair to try to influence the decision. "Well, I have got to go, I suppose" she said shyly, looking at him expectantly. "Um... yes, so have I" he said with the feeling he should be trying harder to bowl her over with his charm.
"Well, I will see you tomorrow, or perhaps in Hogsmeade on Saturday as well?" she said. Harry immediately resolved to spend the whole weekend in Hogsmeade.
"Yes I suppose you might, I usually go to The Three Broomsticks at around 1.00pm" he said nochanlantly. "So do I" she answered swiftly, blushing. "We might run into each other then" he said looking at his fork with unusual interest. "Yes probably, although I wouldn't be with friends" she said looking at her feet. "Neither would I, probably be on my own totally, on the table by the fireplace" he said, amazed at his own manly daring. "Hmm..." she answered, then leaned over and kissed him on the cheek, then got up and walked away, before anyone but Harry knew what had happened.
He touched his cheek briefly, smiling madly. He left the room with a touch of swagger, unable to mask his pride at obviously winning Ginny over with his curious charm. His girl, Ginny. Had quite a nice ring about it, he thought wonderingly. He reached the Fat Lady's portrait, and paled slightly as it immediately swung open. The Fat Lady suddenly woke from her daze and started squawking, "How on earth did you open the door young man?" she demanded.
"It... was open already ma'am" he stuttered, as he climbed through, deaf to her mutterings about old age and forgetfulness. Harry ran up his stairs worried, how could the door have opened? They were protected by a powerful magical barrier to stop people physically forcing them open. He shook his head violently, trying to repress the thoughts. He pushed a hand through his hair, glad he no longer needed his glasses. He winced, remembering Professor McGonagall's tart remarks on how magic should not be used for vanity, ignoring Hermione's hand rushing to cover her mouth.
He decided he should go to Dumbledore, but felt worried that he might be labelled some kind of freak, Snape would surely find it humorous that Harry could levitate cutlery, but fail to make a perfect Colour Potion.
(The Quittitch Trials- the future keeper hoping to be spotted.)
"Oh this is ridiculous!" muttered George to Harry as Dennis Creevey came back for his fifth trial go. Harry nodded sympathetically, trying to keep the grin off his face as Dennis sailed out of the pitch as his broom started chasing a butterfly. So far, if the keeper was out there he was obviously hiding his appearance with useless flying. Nearly everyone had been through the trials now, and no one had been very good at all. "Dean Thomas is probably our best bet" said Fred, watching the boy flying without the desperate win-or-die expression the rest sported.
Suddenly Harry saw Ron saunter onto the pitch, carrying his new Nimbus 2001 he won in a fancy dress competition over the holiday's. Ron had dressed as a Blast Ended-Screwt, but they had thought he was a squirrel and given him first prize, Ron hadn't bothered to correct them. Ron vaulted onto his broom, which wobbled slightly with the effort, and flew around the pitch. Fred and George started trying to knock balls through the hoops, but Ron was having way too much fun posing in front of the year, that he pretty much ignored his brothers, and started adopting the Superman position and flying around very fast. Harry groaned, he had hoped Ron would take the trials seriously, even though his rivals consisted of the likes of Dennis Creevey and Neville Longbottom.
Ginny came onto the pitch a second later, dressed in Quidditch robes, although they were much too big for her, suggesting that perhaps some pilfering had been going on behind the scenes. "What the hell are you doing here!" said Fred surprised, eyeing her with obvious distaste and doubt.
"I thought I would try out, I heard you needed a keeper, and I am a good flier" said Ginny stubbornly, although Harry alone noticed how her face looked pinched and upset by how brothers' rudeness. He winced as they sniggered slightly, and said abruptly "Why are you laughing? We need a keeper and she is offering, she is really good, and it's not like we have anyone better on offer".
He didn't notice Ron, who had returned from his lap of honour, but caught his angry glance. "Why do you care so much Harry" muttered George sullenly, as she intercepted the look of pleased surprise sent between him and Ginny.
"Because I am on the team too, and I say she should try out, what is wrong with you guys?" said Harry stubbornly.
"She doesn't have a broom" said Ron suddenly, turning away and clutching his tightly. Harry stared at Ron, shocked that Ron was acting so jealously. Just because he was trying out didn't mean he had to be nasty to her, and Fred and George were acting like a possessive father.
"Here Ginny, use mine" said Harry, handing her his Firebolt with only a momentary inward wince. She smiled, and Fred and George relaxed slightly, although Harry felt them watching him as he turned away.
(That evening in busy common room that never stops....um... doing stuff)
"I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!" squealed Lavender, hugging Ginny "You really got in". Hermione held back from the fray, watching Ron slink into the room, feeling a trifle annoyed that Harry had gone off to see Dumbledore and forgotten how Ron might be feeling. On the other hand, it did mean he was unable to congratulate Ginny, which was a shame. A real pity. She sighed, Harry was never going to notice her whilst Ron kept trying to monopolise her attention all the time. Perhaps if she had a word with Ron? Ginny twirled around in her new house team robes, and Colin Creevey took a picture, looking at her with love sick eyes. Hermione felt irritated for herself for getting so jealous, it was not like it really mattered to her whether she went out with Harry. As long as he just stayed single that would be enough for her to be totally content. If he would Just Stay Single. Almost.
(In Dumbledore's Office... so very very solemn)
"Harry, I know about your new abilities" said Dumbledore slowly, turning to face Harry. Harry looked a little shocked but said nothing. Dumbledore winced inwardly at the trusting look on his face, he hated having to guard the truth, but he really had no other choice. Harry must be trained, as they all needed him now more than ever. He knew that Harry would want to fight Voldemort, and that when that happened, harry was their best chance to defeat him. If, he could learn.
"Harry, you have a rare gift, you can channel the energy around you, to control everything around you. However, there is.... not always the ability to harness all of your power, you may have to stop where you are now, if you will not improve."
Harry looked stunned, "But, I... am only balancing cutlery, that is hardly a gift. I don't see how...".
Dumbledore frowned a little "It may be more than that, soon you could.... well all you need to know is that you can push this further. How far, I don't know, your predecessors never lived up to the expectations of everyone around them. However if you allow me to train you, you could be great. Already you should be finding your lessons easier, the classes that seemed difficult become remedial."
Harry shrugged a little, remembering his easy grasp of the new spell in D.A.D.A. "How, how is it I am the one, why would I not want you to train me?" he said questioningly at Dumbledore, who realised his slip. "Well, it may be harder... if you knew, but you do not need to know quite yet. However we must start your training. If you are to become great it will require constant practice and focus."
Harry frowned, and he said with a hint of anger "Why aren't you telling me the whole truth. What is wrong with my... ability. Can't I learn on my own?". "NO" said Dumbledore forcefully, then he calmed down slightly to add "It would be too... difficult to leave you to struggle yourself. You will train with me everyday between 6 and 7, and you will learn. You will start properly this weekend. I advise you not to make any plans". Harry stared at him wordlessly, then nodded and stumbled out of the room.
Dumbledore sighed, he hated lying to Harry, but it was the only way. Harry must learn, for the sake of everyone he cared about, because this might save them form Voldemort. He had talent, but how much? Dumbledore mused quietly, wondering just how far he could push Harry's limits, what Harry was hiding within himself.
I am deeply apologetic it has taken so long to write, as I have been doing my G.C.S.E's, and have had no time to call my own. Still… holidays are now here so expect very swift writing. However I love getting reviews and suggestions. Here is the normal info:
Quick Sneaky Peek Does Harry go to The Three Broomsticks anyway? What happens when he looses his temper? Does Ron feel betrayed by Harry? Colin Creevey had conversation with brother Dennis on his love for Ginny…..