Chapter 4: A Familiar Annoyance.
He and Malfoy were already halfway back to the school before Harry thought of apologizing to Hagrid and by then it was already to late. He told himself it was an accident and this made him feel better, besides Quidditch season would be starting soon. Harry and Malfoy's friendship caused a stir in Gryffindor with oh's, awe's, and quick glances handed out readily, especially when the famous Harry Potter sat down at the Slytherin dinner table. Professor McGonagall however, pulled Harry aside and told him how proud she was that they had put their differences to rest.
(Harry was unanimously voted in as the new captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team during 5th year.)
The first Quidditch practice was terrible and extremely boring without the Weasley twins Fred and George to crack jokes. Harry make the team practice speed drills for hours but was continually frustrated with the two new members that were the twins' replacements, a slightly overweight very sturdy looking girl and none other than Colin Creevey. So all practice was "How's this Harry? Is this better Harry? How'm I doing Harry? We're gonna crush everyone this year Harry." It almost drove him crazy!
"Colin, shut your trap, and concentrate on keeping the bludger from cracking my skull open!"
Finally it was over and Harry got cleaned up and went to the Great Hall and met up with Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle who where waiting for him by the door.
"So, how's the team this year, Potter?" Asked Goyle
"Terrible, I can't get those overweight heifers to do anything. No offense, Goyle." Harry said looking at Goyle's extended round midsection.
"None taken."
"Slytherin is going to have a easy time winning the Team Cup this year." Harry said to Malfoy as they took their seats at the Slytherin table. They started talking about the incident in Potions class where Ron caused 50 pts to be taken away from Gryffindor and than another 50 from Hermione for defending him.
"They just don't know how to keep their oversized mouths shut." Harry said just loud enough so that Ron and Hermione would be able to hear.
"Good evening everyone." Dumbledore exclaimed in a cheerful voice. "Just wanted to remind everyone to remember to sign the pamphlets indicating that you will be staying here for the holidays, thank you. Now let's get to eating."
"Finally, I thought he'd never quit." Harry said as the food appeared; Malfoy agreed.
Harry saw that Ron and Hermione were going to say something but Professor McGonagall came and took them to her office.
"Serves them right, whatever they did."
Harry received a letter from Sirius telling him how he was overjoyed that he would be coming for Christmas. Harry couldn't wait either, it was the first year he didn't have to put his name on that list.
The next day, after a very good Potions class, Harry was asked to stay after.
"Mr. Potter, I've been considering your request you made awhile back, perhaps it would be acceptable to begin our practices over Christmas break… I assume you'll be staying as usual…"
"Yes, that would be excellent Professor Snape, thank you so much."
Harry went to the owlery that night and wrote to Sirius, telling him how sorry he was that he couldn't come home for Christmas.