AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, for anybody who doesn't like Renata and think Harry
is treated pretty unfairly in this book, I'm sorry. Really. But I wrote it
that way on purpose, he's never been a pampered prince and he's never going
to be, though I admit I'm a little extreme. And Renata gets worse. But have
you ever heard that song? Here's part of the lyrics: "and the sound of the
rain against my window pane/Is slowly driving me insane" Yeah. Kinda like
that. Renata is going to drive Harry a little crazy. My BF began to hate
Renata when I was writing this and said I'd be better off just stabbing
Harry with a knife and that that would be more merciful. But I had FUN
writing her character. Trust me, Harry doesn't hate her. ;-)
When Harry woke up the next morning he found Hedwig sitting patiently at the end of his bed with a letter. Then Harry saw the window was open. He wondered briefly who opened the window and then he went back to the letter.
Hey Harry,
Meet us in the locker room at 6 o'clock to discuss your
Quiditch probation.
The Controllers of Your Fate
Harry couldn't help being amused and annoyed at the same time. He had an idea about who the letter could be from: Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Madam Hooch were faculty members that were able to greatly influence how much he was allowed to play Quiditch, but he didn't think teachers had sent the letter. Although it'd be nice if people would actually start signing the letters they wrote him. He had a suspicion of which student or students had sent the letter, but he would have to wait until six o'clock for confirmation for his suspicions.
* * * That night Harry had a hard time finding his friends. He still hadn't located them by quarter to six when he left for the locker room. When he got there, his suspicions proved to be half-true.
Just as he had suspected, Renata was there, and Rory too; Harry hadn't anticipated the other two people, which was a surprise in itself.
"Ron, Hermione, what are you doing here?"
Hermione smiled, "The letter was signed 'Controllers of Your Fate' you honestly didn't think it would just be Rory and Renata, did you?"
"Well."
Ron laughed.
"What does Dumbledore have to say about this?"
"He agrees whole-heartedly."
"And laughed and talked about what a great idea this was."
Harry shook his head helplessly. "Then I give in. I surrender. What are the terms of negotiation?"
Renata drew a piece of paper out of her pocket. She began to read; " 'You have forfeited any and all rights and privileges associated with being team captain until such a time, if any, that the CGQ sees fit to return them to you.' "
" 'The CGQ'?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Council of Gryffindor Quiditch."
"So, basically the four of you?"
"And others."
"Like who?"
"Dumbledore, McGonagall, Claire, Dennis, Ginny, Daphne, Jeffery, and Collin."
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "And just how long has this council existed?"
"About a week. Now, shush and let me finish reading, 'All Capatain- rights will be transferred to an elected member of the Council. You will be responsible for setting up and cleaning the Quiditch equipment until said probation is over. In addition an apology must be made to the Council.' So what do you think? Oh, and you're suspended from all CGQ meetings until further notice."
"It's no worse than I deserve." In truth, he thought it was more than a little silly but it was fair considering how he'd acted.
"Good. Here comes the rest of the Council."
"Why?"
"Because they have to watch you sign this." Renata waved the parchment about an inch from his nose.
"Oh." He hadn't realized just how serious she'd been throughout her speech.
Hermione took out a quill and some ink and handed them to Harry.
As Harry skimmed the contract he heard Ron whisper something to someone. Harry signed it and looked up accusingly at him. He walked over and whispered to him as Renata walked away. "What was that about?"
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"Quiet. Renata's talking."
"First order of business, you, out." Renata pointed at Harry.
"What? Why?"
Ginny asked, "Didn't she tell you? You're suspended from CGQ meetings."
"But what about what I miss?"
"Any information we feel you need to know will be reported to you later. Out." Renata smiled.
Harry left and began wandering around outside. It wasn't long before most of his friends came out. Four people came out. "Where are the girls?"
"They aren't done talking yet. Discussing details."
"About what?"
"You're not allowed to know until the new Captain decides you are."
"Who's the new Captain?" He knew the answer as the words left his mouth.
"Renata. And here she is."
All the way back to the Tower Harry badgered Renata to tell him about the meeting. Finally, halfway there, she gave in.
"They elected me as the new captain."
"And?"
"And I'm very happy. I'll be devising new game strategies and different practice methods."
"So what kept you after?"
"That? You're not allowed to know. Not yet."
"When?"
"When I feel like telling you."
"And when will that be?"
"The next Gryffindor Quiditch game. It's not all that far away, the sixteenth of next month."
"That's not much time for practice."
"I know. But practicing four times a week and using the new strategies I've come up with, we've got a shot." They entered the common room and sat down near the fire.
"So, wait? You're making the practice four times a week. What if the team doesn't agree?"
"They do. We took a vote. And don't say you didn't have a say in the matter because, you don't get a vote and if you object, you can be replaced."
"How'd you get new strategies? You've been the Captain for less than an hour. I get it, you were planning a hostile takeover of the team the whole time."
"Yep."
He shook his head. Harry found some paper and began writing to Wood. Now he had to figure out how to word what he wanted to say.
Oliver,
I appreciate that you want to come to our game. This
season isn't exactly going perfect. It's a rebuilding year. Five
rookies on the team. Try not to be too shocked when you see us
play. It might not be what you expect. So don't be too
disappointed. I guess I'll see you soon.
Harry
Harry glanced over at Renata. She was curled up like a kitten in the chair opposite of him, asleep. He hadn't realized how late it had gotten. Harry went upstairs and brought back a spare blanket. The common room was nearly empty by now. He placed the blanket over her before going upstairs and changing into his pajamas. ************************************************************ November ended and December came and began to pass quickly. Harry and Ron played many games of wizard chess when he wasn't at Quiditch practice; Renata and Hermione were preoccupied with something else and hardly seemed to be around. When Harry did see them Hermione was doing homework and Renata was at Quiditch practice. Who knew when she got her homework done?
"Potter! Weasly! Stop talking or you'll both get detention. 25 points from Gryffindor." Snape glared at the boys and the Slytherins laughed.
When Snape was on the other side of the room Draco said, "You know, I'm taking bets, Potter. How badly do you think Gryffindor will do tomorrow? The smart money says 200 points at least. Granger? Potter? Weasly? Any bets?"
Hermione was the first to answer. "The boys aren't stupid enough to waste their money on silly bets."
Renata said, "Well, excuse me if they're not but I am. What's the running wager?"
"3 Sickles, against Gryffindor. Various points concerning how bad you'll lose."
Renata considered, "6 Sickles, saying that Gryffindor will win by 200."
Malfoy laughed. "You really want to lose your money."
"No. I intend to win. And then I will use my money to by presents for my friends, and just maybe if I win enough, I can buy you some brains and a little common sense."
Harry couldn't hear the rest of what they said but Renata whispered something to Malfoy.
He looked pleased.
"What was that about, Renata?"
"Nothing, Harry. Just a side bet."
"What was it?"
"I'll tell you after I win. Shut-up, here comes the grease ball."
"Detention!"
"Who?" Renata inquired, with utter innocence in her voice.
"Everyone!"
"Everyone? That's a little harsh," Renata remarked.
"Fine, no one has detention. Except you. Quadruple detention!"
When Snape walked away, Renata giggled, "Wow. For once his mood is fouler than his breath."
This may have been what made Snape assign twice as much homework as he said he would.
When they got out of class Renata and Ron hurried out to the hall but Harry said, "Hey, Hermione, can I talk to you a minute?"
"Sure, Harry. But I have to meet Renata soon."
"You're never around anymore."
"What are you talking about? Did you need help with your Transfiguration homework last night? I'm sorry, I can't believe I forgot."
"No. What I mean is that you're always either doing your homework or you disappear with Renata. What's going on? Ron and I have hardly seen you outside of class in weeks."
"It's a project we're working on. It's really important."
"But what is it?"
"I want to tell you, but I can't."
"Why not?" This hurt, Hermione was one of his best friends; she didn't usually keep secrets.
"Renata really wants to see your face when you find out. Trust me, you might not believe it when you see it. You'll find out soon though." **************************************************************
There was only an hour left before the game but Harry had to admit it, Renata had done a phenomenal job. Her new training program was fantastic. They might have a shot at winning.
She'd had them work and practice until they knew where every one of them would be at all times. She'd come up with new plays that worked specifically on the strengths and weaknesses of the players. One example of her training techniques was that she'd gotten a bag of soccer balls and had the team stand around the Beaters in a circle and pelt the balls at them. "Don't be afraid," she'd told them. "Just remember: it won't kill you. If you get hit just focus your anger or pain or whatever on smacking the ball right back! And if you don't get hit remember how much getting hit would hurt and focus those thoughts on hitting it back. Then think about the fact that everybody on this team is your friend and you don't want the ball to hit them." Another time she blindfolded the Chasers (on the ground) and had them walk around. She would yell, "Stop!" And the Chasers would have to try and figure out where everyone on the field was. Eventually they got good at it. They'd worked on the Chasers' throwing, catching, and passing too. They got better. They had a chance today.
Harry was pacing up and down in the locker room. Fifteen minutes until game time. Renata wasn't there yet and Hermione and Ron hadn't come by for their pre-game "good luck" speech. Five minutes later Ron showed up.
"Sorry. I was looking for Hermione. I can't find her anywhere."
"Oh."
"She better not be sitting with Anthony. She was supposed to wait for me. Anyway, good luck, Harry. Remember: this is Hufflepuff, you could be them in your sleep. They're pushovers. I take it back; you don't need luck. Bye."
In another five minutes Renata was there.
"Where were you? The game is in five minutes!"
"Chill, Harry. Remember your part of the training? Focus."
Harry remembered. His part of the new training had been to learn to not pay attention to what everyone else in the game was doing and to focus on his job: find the Snitch. While he played those were to be the three most important words.
"Okay, team. We are totally ready for this. We've been training not only longer and harder than Hufflepuff but we've been training smarter. They've got no clue as to what's in store for them. I want a good game. Your best. I'm not going to say we have to win but I know your personal best and I know that your best is better than theirs. So let's get out there and show Hufflepuff who's the boss!"
The team cheered. And looked really pumped when they went out onto the field.
"So where were you?" muttered Harry.
"You'll see," she grinned and cut in front him so she could go stand in front of Madam Hooch. Renata shook hands with Ernie Macmillan and wished him good luck; grinning all the while with a cocky confidence.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and everyone flew into the air. When Harry got to about forty feet he suddenly knew what Renata and Hermione's "project" was. Standing near one of the stands was a group of seven girls. Harry couldn't tell who they all were but he was pretty sure the one on the end was Hermione. They were standing in rather short skirts with matching blouses, holding scarlet and gold pompoms, and they were cheering. Harry could just make out the words.
One girl was leading, "Give me a W!"
The others followed. "W!"
"Give me an I!"
"I!"
"Give me an N!"
"N!"
"What's that spell?"
"Win! Gryffindor! Gryffindor! Go lions!"
"Fly, fight, win!"
"Fly, fight, win!" While repeating their cheer they performed a routine with their pompoms and after that they dropped the pompoms in favor of a pyramid.
Harry shook his head. Hermione had been right; he didn't believe it. He went back to looking for the elusive golden Snitch.
"Something amazing must have happened since their last match because Gryffindor is running the field! Ginny scores again. 20 points to nothing. Macmillan has the Quaffle, he shoots.he misses!" There was a groan from the general Hufflepuff population in the stands as well as the Slytherins who had bet with Malfoy against Gryffindor. "That was a great block by Renata. She's looking tired though. No! There's a Bludger coming at her hit by Hufflepuff! That's not legal! Somebody save her, she doesn't see it!"
What was she doing? Harry thought. How can she not see the Bludger? Suddenly Claire came hurtling at Renata and knocked the Bludger out of the way just in time. Collin was indignant. "That was close! But I've just been told Hufflepuff's move was completely legal. The Quaffle was near Renata when they hit the Bludger. Okay so fine. Hufflepuff's got the Quaffle.smooth move by my brother Dennis. Good going, Dennis! He's got the Quaffle.he passes to Jeffery.now it's back to Ginny.back to Dennis. What are they playing at? They score! 30 to 0. Renata, what did you do to your team? This is such a great change from the last game! And did anyone notice the cheerleaders? Whose idea were they? Back to the game. Nice shot at that Bludger by Daphne. Hit a Hufflepuff Chaser square in the arm. Still no sign of the Snitch. Gryffindor scores again! Wow! That was some shot! Did anyone see that shot? The Hufflepuff Keeper just can't keep up with this. Where's the Gryffindor Keeper?"
Harry looked and didn't see Renata anywhere. Then he spotted her. Down on the ground talking to the head cheerleader. Renata spotted everyone looking at her and casually flew back to the hoop intercepted a shot from Hufflepuff along the way and throwing it back out to Jeffery. Hufflepuff had waited too long for the shot. That's when Harry saw it. The Snitch. It wasn't far. Twenty feet below him and about twenty yards to the right.
It was unfortunate that at that moment the Snitch took off again and he was forced to chase it down field. And chase it he did. He blinded himself to everything but the Snitch he raced on. Finally he had it. It was in his hand. He screamed, "I got the Snitch! I got it! I got i-" that's when he hit the ground. Oops.
"In the last two minutes Gryffindor has scored again and Harry Potter caught the Snitch! Gryffindor wins two-hundred to zero. I don't see how any team has a chance against them. Ow! That looks like it hurt! Harry crashed into the ground. I can't tell if he landed on his head or not. Somebody go check."
Harry rolled over and sat up. Collin got it right, that hurt. But they won. Someone reached out a hand to help him up, Harry was standing by the time he realized who it was.
"Oliver. I-I-I forgot you were coming today."
"Good game, Harry. Didn't realize you weren't the Captain anymore. Who's she? She's good."
"Renata? Well, she transferred here last year from the States when her mum became the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I was sort of a jerk, I got a little Quiditch obsessed and-"
"Worse than me? I still remember how you felt about the early morning Saturday practices in the mud and rain."
"I think I was worse. The team did too."
"You can tell me all about it later. I spoke with Dumbledore. Do you want to come with me to the Three Broomsticks? I've arranged for a little reunion with the old team. The twins got time off work and all the girls are coming too."
"Could I bring Renata?"
"Sure. Love to meet her. Come on."
Harry went to get Renata. He found her waiting with Ron and Hermione. Hermione was wearing the cheerleading uniform.
"So what was all this?" he asked.
"Well," Renata replied. "Last time you asked if I was a cheerleader or a Quiditch player. I decided this time to take care of the Quiditch part and get someone else to fill in as cheerleaders. Right, Hermione?"
"Uh-huh."
"So, who was leading them down here?"
"Rory. Who would you expect? So what did Mr. Old-Captain over there think? I saw him talking to you."
"He wants to talk to you actually. He's got a reunion for the old team arranged in Hogsmeade and he said you could come."
"Alright."
"What about us?"
"I forgot to ask. He cleared me going with Dumbledore. I won't get in trouble."
"Don't worry, Harry. Neither will we. Have fun."
Renata called back over her shoulder, "Hermione? Could you collect my bet money from Malfoy for me? Thanks."
"So what was the side bet you were talking about?"
"I'll tell you later."
They approached Wood and began to walk to Hogsmeade as they spoke. "Oliver, this is Renata Delano. Renata, this is Oliver Wood."
"Pleased to meet you," he said shaking her hand.
"Good to meet you, too."
"You did a great job out there."
"Thanks, you should have seen the team Harry had to hand over." She laughed. "I'll tell you about I later. So what have you been doing with yourself? You graduated how long ago?"
"Three years ago."
"And?"
"Well, I'm still playing for Puddlemere United but I'm not on the reserve team anymore. I made the first string."
"Congratulations!" Harry said, and he meant it. He opened the door as they entered the Three Broomsticks.
Fred and George stood and shouted, "Three cheers for Gryffindor's finest non-Weasly players!"
Harry grinned.
"So how'd the game go?"
Wood smiled. "Gryffindor smashed Hufflepuff. 200 to nothing."
"We're impressed, Harry."
"Good work," said Angelina Johnson.
"It wasn't me. Renata's the team Captain. She really got the team motivated and taught the new guys how to play."
"And I started a cheerleading team," nodded Renata.
George asked, "And why didn't you bring them?"
"Oh, I offered to bring them. They were all for it until I mentioned that the two of you would be here. Then they said they'd rather hang out with the Gryffindor guys. Apparently they're cuter than you two."
"Oh, that hurts, Renata. Really it does," said Fred.
Wood laughed, "I'll get the three of us some drinks since the rest of you have yours."
"What about Rory?"
"Is she still in the States?"
"No. She's here on a student exchange program."
"You should have told her to come."
"She had to talk to the cheerleaders."
Harry tried to get the conversation back on track. "So what was the rest of the bet you made with Malfoy?"
"He lost, right? Please tell me that little creep lost," Katie Bell told her.
"Oh, he did. And he's going to regret it for a long while." Renata laughed.
"So tell us about the bet!" Alicia Spinnet asked.
"After Snape gave me quadruple detention on Friday, Malfoy started one of his speeches. This one was about bet he was collecting for how badly Gryffindor would lose. Last time it was by a hundred and fifty points. Wasn't it, Harry?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I said we weren't going to lose. He said the average bet was 3 Sickles that Gryffindor would lose by at least two hundred points. So I bet him 6 Sickles that we'd win by 200. In addition to that we made a little side bet. When Gryffindor won, I would get to shave 'Gryffindor' into the back of his head."
"And if you lost?"
"I'd have to get a much shorter haircut, I guess a crew cut or something, and I'd have 'Slytherin' shaved into the back of my head."
Wood came back to the table and set down the drinks. "So now, what about the power shift here? How did you become Captain?"
"Harry just didn't prepare the team for the first game, and then he said it was our fault when we lost. He didn't even get the Snitch when it was behind his head."
"And then?"
"Well after we lost the game I called a meeting, we suspended him. Then we drew up a contract. I have it if you want to read it." She took it out and as it was passed along the table there were a few chuckles.
"All this?"
"Yep. And we made him beg for forgiveness on his knees then gave him the option of a truth or dare before he could rejoin the team. You never picked, you know."
"And I'm not gonna. That was stupid."
"Then you have to stay on probation."
"What were the choices?" asked Fred.
"I'm not going to say the dare but the truth is just a little public apology at a Quiditch game."
"No way. I was embarrassed enough at the last game."
"You mean losing?" asked Wood. "Everyone loses sometimes."
"If it'd only been that!" Renata roared with laughter. "Harry lost his breakfast all over the field afterward, he got hit in the stomach by a Bludger."
The door opened and three more people came in.
"Hey, told you we'd make it," Ron said.
"Rory, hello," said the twins.
"Hermione!" Angelina greeted.
"Hi, Ron," the twins spared him a glance. "Why didn't you bring Ginny?"
"It's not like we left school by the front door, Fred. She couldn't come."
"So what's Malfoy saying?"
"He's so mad! What did you bet him?"
"He has to get his head shaved so the back says 'Gryffindor'. Pretty good, huh?"
"Yeah, I'll say, your best one yet," Rory remarked.
"What do you mean?"
"Back at the Angel's Academy not only did Ren have the best pranks, but the best bets, too."
"Has she ever lost a bet?"
"Well there was this one time."
"Don't talk about it, Rory," her eyes narrowed and she sounded serious.
"Why not? It's funny," she teased.
"It's embarrassing."
Harry snorted. "You've told enough embarrassing stories about me today. Tell it, Rory."
"Okay. This'll be fun." She smiled and her eyes shown with mischief. "You remember Dan, right? Well he bet Renata that she couldn't make the Quiditch team in her first year at the Academy. Hardly anyone ever does. It's been, I think, a little over a century and a half since anyone has. Well, of course she lost t he bet and didn't make the team until the next year."
"But I did talk to the Captain and he said I couldn't be on the team or the reserve team but I got him to let me show up to all the practices and practice with the team."
"Yeah, and in return you had to be the equipment manager."
Ron asked, "So what were the stakes?"
"Well, if Renata won, Dan would have to wear a sign around his neck until the end of the term that said 'Renata Delano is Queen of the World' in bright pink letters and he was going to have to color his hair neon pink."
"But she lost. What did she have to do?"
Rory grinned. "The girls in her dorm gave her a makeover and she had to keep it until Christmas break."
"A makeover?"
"They put makeup on my face and did my hair everyday. Very annoying."
"And if they snuck off campus to go to any nearby Muggle towns she had to wear a skirt or a dress instead of jeans."
"It was miserable."
"Aw, but you looked so cute," said Rory.
"Don't even go there. I got back at Dan and every person who thought it was funny that I had to change my appearance so much. The next time I made a bet with Dan, he lost and he did have to wear the sign. And color his hair."
"For how long?"
"A month."
Harry laughed, "I still can't really picture you walking around for that long with makeup and looking all girly. You don't really strike me as a girl-girl." Harry knew he shouldn't have said those last words, it was just too much.
"See, now you are both going to pay horribly." She said this with a smile but Harry could almost see the wheels of her mind working and plotting something awful.
"Fred? Don't we have to be back to work 3 minutes ago?"
"Yeah. You're right. We're late."
"Ron, Mum wants to know if you're coming home for Christmas. Harry, you're invited too."
"I don't know."
"Alright. Bye everyone." The twins walked out the doors; the joke- shop they were working at was just up the street.
Katie looked at her watch. "Is this the time? We have to leave too."
"We were going to have lunch with Penelope."
"It was nice seeing you all." The three girls Apperated away.
Wood stood up. "I'd better be going as well. Get back to the school soon and keep up the good games. I'll be back if I can." Wood disappeared.
"Well, I guess we should head back."
"Harry, you and Renata better go back the regular way. Dumbledore might be watching to make sure you come back."
"Right. See you in the Common Room." * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They got back to the Common Room and of course Ron and Hermione weren't there yet. They and Rory had to take a secret passageway back to the school and it took longer that way.
"Harry, I want to show you something before the others get back." Renata took a letter out of her pocket and sat down in one of the chairs. She looked almost meek as she told him, "You might want to sit down too. You aren't going to be happy about this. I know you won't be happy about it."
"What is it?"
"Here. Take it. Read it. Save yourself time and don't get mad until you've read the whole thing. The whole thing, mind you. It will save time later." She held out the letter for him to take and he immediately snatched it from her outstretched hand.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he read the letter.
November 11, 1996
Dear Renata,
As always it's good to hear from you, I only wish you'd
spoken about this sooner. This is a serious matter. I'm not
going to tell anyone but YOU SHOULD. People's lives hang in the
balance here, more than you know. And if THAT boy dies, well,
one wizard phrased it this way, "When HE dies all hell will
break lose." This is serious. I know you've never cared much
about destiny but it exists. If he dies there will be serious
and dangerous consequences, he's not supposed to die yet. Find
out who's threatening him and do it soon. I don't know how much
longer you have. The prophecies of old don't wait until the end
of the world to come true, you know. My advice to you is to try
and find out who is writing these threatening messages. Do it
however you can, if I were you and get someone to help. Several
someones. But be CAREFUL. This is dangerous. Whoever is writing
these messages isn't going to lie low for long and he probably
wouldn't have a problem killing anyone.
Love,
Mom
Harry wasn't angry per say, he was numb. He didn't know what to think. The first words that came out of his mouth were, "I told you not to say anything. To anybody."
"No, you didn't. You said you didn't want me to say anything to Dumbledore or any of the teachers here, or to Ron or Hermione. Those were your words. My mom's not a teacher here. Not anymore anyway. So what are you going to do? I suggest we make a list of suspects."
"Suspects?" he sputtered. "The entire Slytherin house. And I don't know who else."
"Snape?"
"I think he's on Dumbledore's side. Don't do anything, Renata, please. This is my business so stay out of it."
"Harry, you don't have one stinking scrap of control over what I do. I'm merely asking your opinion."
"Just stay out of my life."
"Tough luck. I'm here. And, I'm staying. I'll talk to you later. Don't forget our little chat." She took back the letter and got up. She headed toward the portrait. "Ron! Wait up, I want your help."
"With what?"
"Malfoy. He lost the bet. It's time he paid up. I've got a razor. You wanna pin his arms down?"
"Sure!"
"No hitting him though. That wasn't part of the deal." She performed a Calling Charm. "Excellent. He should be standing just outside the castle by the time we get there. Bye, Hermione."
They left and Harry couldn't hear anymore of what was being said. He didn't want to hear more.
Harry refused to talk to Renata for several days, nearly a week. But he couldn't help but laugh on Monday when he saw Malfoy in Potions. That had cost Gryffindor 10 points, but it was worth it.
When Harry woke up the next morning he found Hedwig sitting patiently at the end of his bed with a letter. Then Harry saw the window was open. He wondered briefly who opened the window and then he went back to the letter.
Hey Harry,
Meet us in the locker room at 6 o'clock to discuss your
Quiditch probation.
The Controllers of Your Fate
Harry couldn't help being amused and annoyed at the same time. He had an idea about who the letter could be from: Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Madam Hooch were faculty members that were able to greatly influence how much he was allowed to play Quiditch, but he didn't think teachers had sent the letter. Although it'd be nice if people would actually start signing the letters they wrote him. He had a suspicion of which student or students had sent the letter, but he would have to wait until six o'clock for confirmation for his suspicions.
* * * That night Harry had a hard time finding his friends. He still hadn't located them by quarter to six when he left for the locker room. When he got there, his suspicions proved to be half-true.
Just as he had suspected, Renata was there, and Rory too; Harry hadn't anticipated the other two people, which was a surprise in itself.
"Ron, Hermione, what are you doing here?"
Hermione smiled, "The letter was signed 'Controllers of Your Fate' you honestly didn't think it would just be Rory and Renata, did you?"
"Well."
Ron laughed.
"What does Dumbledore have to say about this?"
"He agrees whole-heartedly."
"And laughed and talked about what a great idea this was."
Harry shook his head helplessly. "Then I give in. I surrender. What are the terms of negotiation?"
Renata drew a piece of paper out of her pocket. She began to read; " 'You have forfeited any and all rights and privileges associated with being team captain until such a time, if any, that the CGQ sees fit to return them to you.' "
" 'The CGQ'?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Council of Gryffindor Quiditch."
"So, basically the four of you?"
"And others."
"Like who?"
"Dumbledore, McGonagall, Claire, Dennis, Ginny, Daphne, Jeffery, and Collin."
Harry shook his head in disbelief. "And just how long has this council existed?"
"About a week. Now, shush and let me finish reading, 'All Capatain- rights will be transferred to an elected member of the Council. You will be responsible for setting up and cleaning the Quiditch equipment until said probation is over. In addition an apology must be made to the Council.' So what do you think? Oh, and you're suspended from all CGQ meetings until further notice."
"It's no worse than I deserve." In truth, he thought it was more than a little silly but it was fair considering how he'd acted.
"Good. Here comes the rest of the Council."
"Why?"
"Because they have to watch you sign this." Renata waved the parchment about an inch from his nose.
"Oh." He hadn't realized just how serious she'd been throughout her speech.
Hermione took out a quill and some ink and handed them to Harry.
As Harry skimmed the contract he heard Ron whisper something to someone. Harry signed it and looked up accusingly at him. He walked over and whispered to him as Renata walked away. "What was that about?"
"Nothing."
"Liar."
"Quiet. Renata's talking."
"First order of business, you, out." Renata pointed at Harry.
"What? Why?"
Ginny asked, "Didn't she tell you? You're suspended from CGQ meetings."
"But what about what I miss?"
"Any information we feel you need to know will be reported to you later. Out." Renata smiled.
Harry left and began wandering around outside. It wasn't long before most of his friends came out. Four people came out. "Where are the girls?"
"They aren't done talking yet. Discussing details."
"About what?"
"You're not allowed to know until the new Captain decides you are."
"Who's the new Captain?" He knew the answer as the words left his mouth.
"Renata. And here she is."
All the way back to the Tower Harry badgered Renata to tell him about the meeting. Finally, halfway there, she gave in.
"They elected me as the new captain."
"And?"
"And I'm very happy. I'll be devising new game strategies and different practice methods."
"So what kept you after?"
"That? You're not allowed to know. Not yet."
"When?"
"When I feel like telling you."
"And when will that be?"
"The next Gryffindor Quiditch game. It's not all that far away, the sixteenth of next month."
"That's not much time for practice."
"I know. But practicing four times a week and using the new strategies I've come up with, we've got a shot." They entered the common room and sat down near the fire.
"So, wait? You're making the practice four times a week. What if the team doesn't agree?"
"They do. We took a vote. And don't say you didn't have a say in the matter because, you don't get a vote and if you object, you can be replaced."
"How'd you get new strategies? You've been the Captain for less than an hour. I get it, you were planning a hostile takeover of the team the whole time."
"Yep."
He shook his head. Harry found some paper and began writing to Wood. Now he had to figure out how to word what he wanted to say.
Oliver,
I appreciate that you want to come to our game. This
season isn't exactly going perfect. It's a rebuilding year. Five
rookies on the team. Try not to be too shocked when you see us
play. It might not be what you expect. So don't be too
disappointed. I guess I'll see you soon.
Harry
Harry glanced over at Renata. She was curled up like a kitten in the chair opposite of him, asleep. He hadn't realized how late it had gotten. Harry went upstairs and brought back a spare blanket. The common room was nearly empty by now. He placed the blanket over her before going upstairs and changing into his pajamas. ************************************************************ November ended and December came and began to pass quickly. Harry and Ron played many games of wizard chess when he wasn't at Quiditch practice; Renata and Hermione were preoccupied with something else and hardly seemed to be around. When Harry did see them Hermione was doing homework and Renata was at Quiditch practice. Who knew when she got her homework done?
"Potter! Weasly! Stop talking or you'll both get detention. 25 points from Gryffindor." Snape glared at the boys and the Slytherins laughed.
When Snape was on the other side of the room Draco said, "You know, I'm taking bets, Potter. How badly do you think Gryffindor will do tomorrow? The smart money says 200 points at least. Granger? Potter? Weasly? Any bets?"
Hermione was the first to answer. "The boys aren't stupid enough to waste their money on silly bets."
Renata said, "Well, excuse me if they're not but I am. What's the running wager?"
"3 Sickles, against Gryffindor. Various points concerning how bad you'll lose."
Renata considered, "6 Sickles, saying that Gryffindor will win by 200."
Malfoy laughed. "You really want to lose your money."
"No. I intend to win. And then I will use my money to by presents for my friends, and just maybe if I win enough, I can buy you some brains and a little common sense."
Harry couldn't hear the rest of what they said but Renata whispered something to Malfoy.
He looked pleased.
"What was that about, Renata?"
"Nothing, Harry. Just a side bet."
"What was it?"
"I'll tell you after I win. Shut-up, here comes the grease ball."
"Detention!"
"Who?" Renata inquired, with utter innocence in her voice.
"Everyone!"
"Everyone? That's a little harsh," Renata remarked.
"Fine, no one has detention. Except you. Quadruple detention!"
When Snape walked away, Renata giggled, "Wow. For once his mood is fouler than his breath."
This may have been what made Snape assign twice as much homework as he said he would.
When they got out of class Renata and Ron hurried out to the hall but Harry said, "Hey, Hermione, can I talk to you a minute?"
"Sure, Harry. But I have to meet Renata soon."
"You're never around anymore."
"What are you talking about? Did you need help with your Transfiguration homework last night? I'm sorry, I can't believe I forgot."
"No. What I mean is that you're always either doing your homework or you disappear with Renata. What's going on? Ron and I have hardly seen you outside of class in weeks."
"It's a project we're working on. It's really important."
"But what is it?"
"I want to tell you, but I can't."
"Why not?" This hurt, Hermione was one of his best friends; she didn't usually keep secrets.
"Renata really wants to see your face when you find out. Trust me, you might not believe it when you see it. You'll find out soon though." **************************************************************
There was only an hour left before the game but Harry had to admit it, Renata had done a phenomenal job. Her new training program was fantastic. They might have a shot at winning.
She'd had them work and practice until they knew where every one of them would be at all times. She'd come up with new plays that worked specifically on the strengths and weaknesses of the players. One example of her training techniques was that she'd gotten a bag of soccer balls and had the team stand around the Beaters in a circle and pelt the balls at them. "Don't be afraid," she'd told them. "Just remember: it won't kill you. If you get hit just focus your anger or pain or whatever on smacking the ball right back! And if you don't get hit remember how much getting hit would hurt and focus those thoughts on hitting it back. Then think about the fact that everybody on this team is your friend and you don't want the ball to hit them." Another time she blindfolded the Chasers (on the ground) and had them walk around. She would yell, "Stop!" And the Chasers would have to try and figure out where everyone on the field was. Eventually they got good at it. They'd worked on the Chasers' throwing, catching, and passing too. They got better. They had a chance today.
Harry was pacing up and down in the locker room. Fifteen minutes until game time. Renata wasn't there yet and Hermione and Ron hadn't come by for their pre-game "good luck" speech. Five minutes later Ron showed up.
"Sorry. I was looking for Hermione. I can't find her anywhere."
"Oh."
"She better not be sitting with Anthony. She was supposed to wait for me. Anyway, good luck, Harry. Remember: this is Hufflepuff, you could be them in your sleep. They're pushovers. I take it back; you don't need luck. Bye."
In another five minutes Renata was there.
"Where were you? The game is in five minutes!"
"Chill, Harry. Remember your part of the training? Focus."
Harry remembered. His part of the new training had been to learn to not pay attention to what everyone else in the game was doing and to focus on his job: find the Snitch. While he played those were to be the three most important words.
"Okay, team. We are totally ready for this. We've been training not only longer and harder than Hufflepuff but we've been training smarter. They've got no clue as to what's in store for them. I want a good game. Your best. I'm not going to say we have to win but I know your personal best and I know that your best is better than theirs. So let's get out there and show Hufflepuff who's the boss!"
The team cheered. And looked really pumped when they went out onto the field.
"So where were you?" muttered Harry.
"You'll see," she grinned and cut in front him so she could go stand in front of Madam Hooch. Renata shook hands with Ernie Macmillan and wished him good luck; grinning all the while with a cocky confidence.
Madam Hooch blew her whistle and everyone flew into the air. When Harry got to about forty feet he suddenly knew what Renata and Hermione's "project" was. Standing near one of the stands was a group of seven girls. Harry couldn't tell who they all were but he was pretty sure the one on the end was Hermione. They were standing in rather short skirts with matching blouses, holding scarlet and gold pompoms, and they were cheering. Harry could just make out the words.
One girl was leading, "Give me a W!"
The others followed. "W!"
"Give me an I!"
"I!"
"Give me an N!"
"N!"
"What's that spell?"
"Win! Gryffindor! Gryffindor! Go lions!"
"Fly, fight, win!"
"Fly, fight, win!" While repeating their cheer they performed a routine with their pompoms and after that they dropped the pompoms in favor of a pyramid.
Harry shook his head. Hermione had been right; he didn't believe it. He went back to looking for the elusive golden Snitch.
"Something amazing must have happened since their last match because Gryffindor is running the field! Ginny scores again. 20 points to nothing. Macmillan has the Quaffle, he shoots.he misses!" There was a groan from the general Hufflepuff population in the stands as well as the Slytherins who had bet with Malfoy against Gryffindor. "That was a great block by Renata. She's looking tired though. No! There's a Bludger coming at her hit by Hufflepuff! That's not legal! Somebody save her, she doesn't see it!"
What was she doing? Harry thought. How can she not see the Bludger? Suddenly Claire came hurtling at Renata and knocked the Bludger out of the way just in time. Collin was indignant. "That was close! But I've just been told Hufflepuff's move was completely legal. The Quaffle was near Renata when they hit the Bludger. Okay so fine. Hufflepuff's got the Quaffle.smooth move by my brother Dennis. Good going, Dennis! He's got the Quaffle.he passes to Jeffery.now it's back to Ginny.back to Dennis. What are they playing at? They score! 30 to 0. Renata, what did you do to your team? This is such a great change from the last game! And did anyone notice the cheerleaders? Whose idea were they? Back to the game. Nice shot at that Bludger by Daphne. Hit a Hufflepuff Chaser square in the arm. Still no sign of the Snitch. Gryffindor scores again! Wow! That was some shot! Did anyone see that shot? The Hufflepuff Keeper just can't keep up with this. Where's the Gryffindor Keeper?"
Harry looked and didn't see Renata anywhere. Then he spotted her. Down on the ground talking to the head cheerleader. Renata spotted everyone looking at her and casually flew back to the hoop intercepted a shot from Hufflepuff along the way and throwing it back out to Jeffery. Hufflepuff had waited too long for the shot. That's when Harry saw it. The Snitch. It wasn't far. Twenty feet below him and about twenty yards to the right.
It was unfortunate that at that moment the Snitch took off again and he was forced to chase it down field. And chase it he did. He blinded himself to everything but the Snitch he raced on. Finally he had it. It was in his hand. He screamed, "I got the Snitch! I got it! I got i-" that's when he hit the ground. Oops.
"In the last two minutes Gryffindor has scored again and Harry Potter caught the Snitch! Gryffindor wins two-hundred to zero. I don't see how any team has a chance against them. Ow! That looks like it hurt! Harry crashed into the ground. I can't tell if he landed on his head or not. Somebody go check."
Harry rolled over and sat up. Collin got it right, that hurt. But they won. Someone reached out a hand to help him up, Harry was standing by the time he realized who it was.
"Oliver. I-I-I forgot you were coming today."
"Good game, Harry. Didn't realize you weren't the Captain anymore. Who's she? She's good."
"Renata? Well, she transferred here last year from the States when her mum became the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. I was sort of a jerk, I got a little Quiditch obsessed and-"
"Worse than me? I still remember how you felt about the early morning Saturday practices in the mud and rain."
"I think I was worse. The team did too."
"You can tell me all about it later. I spoke with Dumbledore. Do you want to come with me to the Three Broomsticks? I've arranged for a little reunion with the old team. The twins got time off work and all the girls are coming too."
"Could I bring Renata?"
"Sure. Love to meet her. Come on."
Harry went to get Renata. He found her waiting with Ron and Hermione. Hermione was wearing the cheerleading uniform.
"So what was all this?" he asked.
"Well," Renata replied. "Last time you asked if I was a cheerleader or a Quiditch player. I decided this time to take care of the Quiditch part and get someone else to fill in as cheerleaders. Right, Hermione?"
"Uh-huh."
"So, who was leading them down here?"
"Rory. Who would you expect? So what did Mr. Old-Captain over there think? I saw him talking to you."
"He wants to talk to you actually. He's got a reunion for the old team arranged in Hogsmeade and he said you could come."
"Alright."
"What about us?"
"I forgot to ask. He cleared me going with Dumbledore. I won't get in trouble."
"Don't worry, Harry. Neither will we. Have fun."
Renata called back over her shoulder, "Hermione? Could you collect my bet money from Malfoy for me? Thanks."
"So what was the side bet you were talking about?"
"I'll tell you later."
They approached Wood and began to walk to Hogsmeade as they spoke. "Oliver, this is Renata Delano. Renata, this is Oliver Wood."
"Pleased to meet you," he said shaking her hand.
"Good to meet you, too."
"You did a great job out there."
"Thanks, you should have seen the team Harry had to hand over." She laughed. "I'll tell you about I later. So what have you been doing with yourself? You graduated how long ago?"
"Three years ago."
"And?"
"Well, I'm still playing for Puddlemere United but I'm not on the reserve team anymore. I made the first string."
"Congratulations!" Harry said, and he meant it. He opened the door as they entered the Three Broomsticks.
Fred and George stood and shouted, "Three cheers for Gryffindor's finest non-Weasly players!"
Harry grinned.
"So how'd the game go?"
Wood smiled. "Gryffindor smashed Hufflepuff. 200 to nothing."
"We're impressed, Harry."
"Good work," said Angelina Johnson.
"It wasn't me. Renata's the team Captain. She really got the team motivated and taught the new guys how to play."
"And I started a cheerleading team," nodded Renata.
George asked, "And why didn't you bring them?"
"Oh, I offered to bring them. They were all for it until I mentioned that the two of you would be here. Then they said they'd rather hang out with the Gryffindor guys. Apparently they're cuter than you two."
"Oh, that hurts, Renata. Really it does," said Fred.
Wood laughed, "I'll get the three of us some drinks since the rest of you have yours."
"What about Rory?"
"Is she still in the States?"
"No. She's here on a student exchange program."
"You should have told her to come."
"She had to talk to the cheerleaders."
Harry tried to get the conversation back on track. "So what was the rest of the bet you made with Malfoy?"
"He lost, right? Please tell me that little creep lost," Katie Bell told her.
"Oh, he did. And he's going to regret it for a long while." Renata laughed.
"So tell us about the bet!" Alicia Spinnet asked.
"After Snape gave me quadruple detention on Friday, Malfoy started one of his speeches. This one was about bet he was collecting for how badly Gryffindor would lose. Last time it was by a hundred and fifty points. Wasn't it, Harry?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I said we weren't going to lose. He said the average bet was 3 Sickles that Gryffindor would lose by at least two hundred points. So I bet him 6 Sickles that we'd win by 200. In addition to that we made a little side bet. When Gryffindor won, I would get to shave 'Gryffindor' into the back of his head."
"And if you lost?"
"I'd have to get a much shorter haircut, I guess a crew cut or something, and I'd have 'Slytherin' shaved into the back of my head."
Wood came back to the table and set down the drinks. "So now, what about the power shift here? How did you become Captain?"
"Harry just didn't prepare the team for the first game, and then he said it was our fault when we lost. He didn't even get the Snitch when it was behind his head."
"And then?"
"Well after we lost the game I called a meeting, we suspended him. Then we drew up a contract. I have it if you want to read it." She took it out and as it was passed along the table there were a few chuckles.
"All this?"
"Yep. And we made him beg for forgiveness on his knees then gave him the option of a truth or dare before he could rejoin the team. You never picked, you know."
"And I'm not gonna. That was stupid."
"Then you have to stay on probation."
"What were the choices?" asked Fred.
"I'm not going to say the dare but the truth is just a little public apology at a Quiditch game."
"No way. I was embarrassed enough at the last game."
"You mean losing?" asked Wood. "Everyone loses sometimes."
"If it'd only been that!" Renata roared with laughter. "Harry lost his breakfast all over the field afterward, he got hit in the stomach by a Bludger."
The door opened and three more people came in.
"Hey, told you we'd make it," Ron said.
"Rory, hello," said the twins.
"Hermione!" Angelina greeted.
"Hi, Ron," the twins spared him a glance. "Why didn't you bring Ginny?"
"It's not like we left school by the front door, Fred. She couldn't come."
"So what's Malfoy saying?"
"He's so mad! What did you bet him?"
"He has to get his head shaved so the back says 'Gryffindor'. Pretty good, huh?"
"Yeah, I'll say, your best one yet," Rory remarked.
"What do you mean?"
"Back at the Angel's Academy not only did Ren have the best pranks, but the best bets, too."
"Has she ever lost a bet?"
"Well there was this one time."
"Don't talk about it, Rory," her eyes narrowed and she sounded serious.
"Why not? It's funny," she teased.
"It's embarrassing."
Harry snorted. "You've told enough embarrassing stories about me today. Tell it, Rory."
"Okay. This'll be fun." She smiled and her eyes shown with mischief. "You remember Dan, right? Well he bet Renata that she couldn't make the Quiditch team in her first year at the Academy. Hardly anyone ever does. It's been, I think, a little over a century and a half since anyone has. Well, of course she lost t he bet and didn't make the team until the next year."
"But I did talk to the Captain and he said I couldn't be on the team or the reserve team but I got him to let me show up to all the practices and practice with the team."
"Yeah, and in return you had to be the equipment manager."
Ron asked, "So what were the stakes?"
"Well, if Renata won, Dan would have to wear a sign around his neck until the end of the term that said 'Renata Delano is Queen of the World' in bright pink letters and he was going to have to color his hair neon pink."
"But she lost. What did she have to do?"
Rory grinned. "The girls in her dorm gave her a makeover and she had to keep it until Christmas break."
"A makeover?"
"They put makeup on my face and did my hair everyday. Very annoying."
"And if they snuck off campus to go to any nearby Muggle towns she had to wear a skirt or a dress instead of jeans."
"It was miserable."
"Aw, but you looked so cute," said Rory.
"Don't even go there. I got back at Dan and every person who thought it was funny that I had to change my appearance so much. The next time I made a bet with Dan, he lost and he did have to wear the sign. And color his hair."
"For how long?"
"A month."
Harry laughed, "I still can't really picture you walking around for that long with makeup and looking all girly. You don't really strike me as a girl-girl." Harry knew he shouldn't have said those last words, it was just too much.
"See, now you are both going to pay horribly." She said this with a smile but Harry could almost see the wheels of her mind working and plotting something awful.
"Fred? Don't we have to be back to work 3 minutes ago?"
"Yeah. You're right. We're late."
"Ron, Mum wants to know if you're coming home for Christmas. Harry, you're invited too."
"I don't know."
"Alright. Bye everyone." The twins walked out the doors; the joke- shop they were working at was just up the street.
Katie looked at her watch. "Is this the time? We have to leave too."
"We were going to have lunch with Penelope."
"It was nice seeing you all." The three girls Apperated away.
Wood stood up. "I'd better be going as well. Get back to the school soon and keep up the good games. I'll be back if I can." Wood disappeared.
"Well, I guess we should head back."
"Harry, you and Renata better go back the regular way. Dumbledore might be watching to make sure you come back."
"Right. See you in the Common Room." * * * * * * * * * * * * *
They got back to the Common Room and of course Ron and Hermione weren't there yet. They and Rory had to take a secret passageway back to the school and it took longer that way.
"Harry, I want to show you something before the others get back." Renata took a letter out of her pocket and sat down in one of the chairs. She looked almost meek as she told him, "You might want to sit down too. You aren't going to be happy about this. I know you won't be happy about it."
"What is it?"
"Here. Take it. Read it. Save yourself time and don't get mad until you've read the whole thing. The whole thing, mind you. It will save time later." She held out the letter for him to take and he immediately snatched it from her outstretched hand.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he read the letter.
November 11, 1996
Dear Renata,
As always it's good to hear from you, I only wish you'd
spoken about this sooner. This is a serious matter. I'm not
going to tell anyone but YOU SHOULD. People's lives hang in the
balance here, more than you know. And if THAT boy dies, well,
one wizard phrased it this way, "When HE dies all hell will
break lose." This is serious. I know you've never cared much
about destiny but it exists. If he dies there will be serious
and dangerous consequences, he's not supposed to die yet. Find
out who's threatening him and do it soon. I don't know how much
longer you have. The prophecies of old don't wait until the end
of the world to come true, you know. My advice to you is to try
and find out who is writing these threatening messages. Do it
however you can, if I were you and get someone to help. Several
someones. But be CAREFUL. This is dangerous. Whoever is writing
these messages isn't going to lie low for long and he probably
wouldn't have a problem killing anyone.
Love,
Mom
Harry wasn't angry per say, he was numb. He didn't know what to think. The first words that came out of his mouth were, "I told you not to say anything. To anybody."
"No, you didn't. You said you didn't want me to say anything to Dumbledore or any of the teachers here, or to Ron or Hermione. Those were your words. My mom's not a teacher here. Not anymore anyway. So what are you going to do? I suggest we make a list of suspects."
"Suspects?" he sputtered. "The entire Slytherin house. And I don't know who else."
"Snape?"
"I think he's on Dumbledore's side. Don't do anything, Renata, please. This is my business so stay out of it."
"Harry, you don't have one stinking scrap of control over what I do. I'm merely asking your opinion."
"Just stay out of my life."
"Tough luck. I'm here. And, I'm staying. I'll talk to you later. Don't forget our little chat." She took back the letter and got up. She headed toward the portrait. "Ron! Wait up, I want your help."
"With what?"
"Malfoy. He lost the bet. It's time he paid up. I've got a razor. You wanna pin his arms down?"
"Sure!"
"No hitting him though. That wasn't part of the deal." She performed a Calling Charm. "Excellent. He should be standing just outside the castle by the time we get there. Bye, Hermione."
They left and Harry couldn't hear anymore of what was being said. He didn't want to hear more.
Harry refused to talk to Renata for several days, nearly a week. But he couldn't help but laugh on Monday when he saw Malfoy in Potions. That had cost Gryffindor 10 points, but it was worth it.
