Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Harry Potter, I'm not making money with this story, etc.
Ron had other things to think about the next morning than Hermione's becoming a prefect. The students had their class schedules in hand no more than a second when several hundred owls flew through the window and began dropping letters and packages onto their owner's plates. Harry scanned the mass of owls, searching for Hedwig, and not seeing her, he tried not to worry. The last time he had heard from Sirius was over a month ago, on his birthday. He knew Sirius was still working for Dumbledore, setting plans for defense against Lord Voldemort, but over the summer Sirius had sent letter by Hedwig every two weeks. Harry shook the anxiety from his head and turned his attention to Fred and George who had joined them at the table.
"We got an owl from Mum and Dad." George handed Ron the letter and Harry looked over Ron's shoulder as he read it aloud to Ginny.
Dear kids,
Your father and I will be out of the country for a few weeks. If an emergency comes up and you need to reach us, Percy has agreed to loan you his owl, who knows where to find us. Just let Percy know by way of Pigwidgeon. We'll be back home in less than a month. Work hard, we'll miss you kids.
Fred and George – Stay out of trouble!
Mum
"What do you reckon Mum and Dad are doing?" Ron asked, looking puzzled by the letter.
"Who knows." Fred shrugged as he and George stood up. "Oh Harry, McGonagall called a team meeting for tonight at seven. We're meeting in the locker rooms." Fred added over his shoulder as the twins headed for the front hall. Harry nodded, waved goodbye to Ginny who followed her brothers out of the Great Hall, and turned back to his friends. Hermione had a frustrated look on her face.
"Honestly Ron," she shook her head, "don't you remember at the end of last year?"
"Remember what?" Ron's voice rose with anger.
Hermione sighed and deliberately lowered her voice as she noticed Malfoy walking by the Gryffindor table. "Remember when Harry was in the hospital wing? Right after Fudge stormed out? Your mother told Dumbledore he could count on them for something. They've got to be working for Dumbledore!"
"Oh yeah…" Ron said thoughtfully, the anger draining from his face.
"C'mon," Harry jerked his head towards the door, "We've got Care of Magical Creatures."
Harry had been looking forward to their first Care of Magical Creatures lesson so he could get a chance to talk to Hagrid, who had been scarce all summer. Harry knew Dumbledore had given Hagrid a job over the summer, most likely something to do with Voldemort's return, but Harry wanted to know what. Unfortunately, Harry didn't get to talk to Hagrid until the lesson was over.
"Harry!" Hagrid boomed, "How was yer summer?"
"All right." Harry replied. "How was yours?"
"Busy." Hagrid glanced down at Harry and added, "And don't even think of askin' what I was doin', cause I ain't tellin'!"
We'll see, thought Harry. Hagrid had, more than once, let some important information slip to the three of them; all Harry had to do was wait till Hagrid was a little less protective of his information.
After lunch, Harry and Ron sat through a rather boring and unbearable Divination class. Professor Trelawney's classroom was as hot and dizzying as ever and Professor Trelawney announced they would start the term with numerology, in Harry's opinion, the worst part of divination, because the numbers reminded him of his Muggle maths class. Harry was very surprised, however, to find he managed to make it through the entire lesson without Professor Trelawney predicting his death. Ron was just as shocked as Harry.
"Do you think she feeling all right?" Ron asked, glancing back at Trelawney's classroom in amazement. "That's the first time in two years that's happened!"
Harry shrugged. All through dinner the only thing on Harry's mind was Quidditch and the team meeting with Professor McGonagall.
Finally, at a quarter till seven, Harry left the Gryffindor common room and, joined by his teammates, headed down to the Quidditch locker rooms. Professor McGonagall was already there when the team arrived, so they quickly took seats on the benches, looking expectantly at McGonagall.
"Let's get started, since I know you want to win the House Cup as much as I do this year." McGonagall gave the team as much of a smile they had ever seen from her. "We've got just over a month until our first match and we need to find a Keeper. I want all of you to keep your eyes out for anyone you think will help this team. I've asked Madam Hooch for her input on any quality flyers from her classes; she'll be getting back to me soon. In the meantime, starting next week, you have practices twice a week. And this year's captain will be Angelina Johnson." McGonagall finished and left the locker room. Angelina blushed as her fellow chasers Katie and Alicia hugged her in congratulations. Harry, Fred and George congratulated Angelina on their way back up to the castle. When they all reached the Gryffindor common room, Angelina turned to the rest of the team. "Remember to keep an eye out for anyone who might be a possibility." she told them. Harry, Fred and George nodded and headed towards Ron, Hermione and Ginny sitting on the far side of the room. "I was kinda hoping it would be one of us." George whispered, "but McGonagall probably thinks we'd try to bewitch the Bludgers or something. Like we'd really do anything to ruin our chances at Quidditch." George muttered but Fred shrugged. "Nah…too much responsibility. Angelina'll be a good captain. At least she knows what she's doing." George rolled his eyes and Harry laughed. Harry knew Fred and Angelina had gone to the Yule Ball together last year, but he had been concentrating so much on the Tournament, he didn't know what had happened after that. Before he got the chance to ask, Ron jumped up.
"How'd it go?" asked Ron.
"Angelina's the new captain," George told him. "And we're supposed to be looking for possibilities for Keeper."
"Oliver had to be a Keeper. If you guys needed anyone but a Keeper…" Ron trailed off. Harry knew Ron wanted to play for the House team, but numerous Quidditch practices at the Burrow proved that Ron was not cut out for a Keeper. He could play both Seeker and Chaser well, but like his brothers, was best as a Beater.
"Wait till next year." George told Ron, who nodded.
R/R!