Chapter 7
Young Marauder
After hurrying through the school, and onto the grounds, Harry and Ron chose to fly to the pitch rather than run. Mounting their brooms, and lifting into the air, Harry was surprised to see how many Gryffindor students had shown up, but was relieved to find Angelina, Katie, Fred, and George hovering above the field.
"Hey you four, what are you doing here?" Ron asked, he obviously had not expected this. "Well, it is our duty to help the two of you choose a winning team" Angelina answered smiling at the two, while Harry could easily pick out a mischievous gleam in the twins eyes.
"All right, this is how tryouts are going to go." Harry said as the time turned seven, and he turned to the gathered mass in front of him. "Today's tryouts as you know are to find three chasers. As you can see behind me we are lucky to have some of the old gang back to help in making this difficult decision, as well as the two best beaters in Hogwarts history to help create the true game effect by pounding you with bludgers." He laughed giving Fred and George an evil grin, and tossing the two their clubs.
Looking back at the group in front of him, Harry smiled as some of the younger students looked on totally petrified. "I will have Fred her protect, and George there attack" Harry finished as both Fred and George started shouting that he got their names wrong.
"So" Harry continued paying the two beaters no attention, I want you to break into groups of three, and practice throwing the quaffle around, when I call your group, Kick off the ground here, and fly the obstacle course I am about to put up. Now you will be scored on how well you communicate, fly, pass, handle your broom, and score. The three best will be chosen," He finished watching as the students begun to break off into groups of three.
Flying up to where the old team was still hovering, Harry asked them to help conjure a moving obstacle course, and with the combined minds of both Fred, and George, Harry wasn't surprised when one of the larger hoops grew teeth, and begun chasing Angelina around.
"You two" Harry said flying over to the twins, and laughing, It is about time to start, so will you please leave Angelina alone" he finished bumping their brooms with his hand sending the two in opposite directions, and returning to the students.
"Right, Dean, Neville, and Colin, your first" Harry said taking the quaffle and tossing it to Dean. Rising into the air next to Angelina, and Katie, Harry watched the three kick off, and the tryouts begun."
Harry watched in amusement as the group begun to make their way across the pitch. Tossing, and catching the quaffle it was clear that Dean was the better of the three, and Harry was happy to see he was easily able to dodge a rough bludger sent his way by George. Bye the time the group reached the goal, Harry had his mind set on Dean already, and the fact he scored on Ron 2/3 times he tried only solidified it.
"Thank you" Harry said flying over to the group, and blowing his whistle. 'That will be enough for now" He spoke to the three indicating the next group to begin, and taking his place next to Katie. Just then however a loud bang was heard from below, and upon looking down, Harry noticed a group of students dressed in green and silver hovering around a small group of first years.
"Slytherins" Harry shouted calling Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, and Katie over. "What do you think they want" He questioned watching as their leader Malfoy flew up to where they had huddled. "Your time is over potty, take those stupid classmates of yours, and leave the pitch" He laughed thrusting a piece of parchment into Harry's hand, slugging him at the same time.
"Malfoy, what are you on about?" Harry asked unrolling the parchment, and reading it out loud.
"I Severus Snape do hear bye give permission to the Slytherin team to use the quidditch pitch today. They will be holding tryouts for the keeper position, and there for the Gryffindor practice will have to be postponed to a later date." It finished, a Harry turned to a smug looking Malfoy.
"Shove off Malfoy, we have the pitch until two, and don't care if Professor Snape came out here himself, Gryffindor Tryouts will continue." He finished thrusting the letter back into Malfoy's hand. "I hoped you would say that Pot head" Malfoy taunted pulling his wand, and with what felt like lightening, Harry was struck in the back by something, and with his broom banished to the Gryffindor locker room, the next thing Harry knew he was falling.
Reacting just in time, Harry wandlessly placed a levitation charm over him, and landed on the soft grass like a cat, Harry turned to glare back at Malfoy who was doing a good job dodging the hexes, and curses sent his way by Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, and Katie
"You'll have to do better than that Malfoy" Harry shouted, pulling his wand, and muttering a incantation only loud enough that those close to him could here. Then next thing Malfoy knew he was being tied to the spare goal posts opposite Ron, and looking to his right, Malfoy quickly realized his team had suffered the same fate.
Summoning his broom, Harry had a hard time containing his laughter. High above the ground hung six Slytherins kicking, shouting, and cursing at Harry, while next to him close to fifty Gryffindors were rolling on the ground laughing at the scene in front of them. Kicking off the ground, Harry quickly flew to where his team waited him.
"Harry, this is p-p-priceless" George laughed flying over to the Slytherins, and throwing a few Hexes. Ron however looked much more calm, and with a wave of his wand a small storm was conjured over the Slytherin gits, and rain along with hail could be heard pummeling them.
'Well, we still have tryouts to continue" Harry shouted placing the sonorous spell over his voice, and gaining the attention of everyone, "Let us continue" he finished paying the Slytherins no more mind, but conjuring a small brick wall in front of them, so they could not see the tryouts. Over the next four Hours the tryouts continued, and by the time they were finished, three Gryffindors stood out, and a decision was made.
"Thank you all for coming" Harry shouted landing with the others and gazing over the crowd. "There are a lot of talented players here, but as you know only three positions. Ron, and I, with the help of Fred, George Katie, and Angelina have made our choices, and the three newest members of the Gryffindor team will be Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, and Tyler Jensen" Harry shouted summoning the three chosen over. Again thanking everyone for trying out, Harry reminded them that beater tryouts would be held Wednesday afternoon, before turning to Ron, Dean, Neville, and Tyler.
"Mr. Potter" came the sickening sound a voice behind him. "Attacking fellow students, I will see expulsion for this" came the laugh of none other than Severus Snape "Professor" Harry said turning around, and looking squarely into the eyes of the potion master. "What is it I can do for you" he finished speaking as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on, and oblivious to the fact 6 Slytherins hung fifty feet in the air bound to a quidditch goal post.
"You know exactly what it is I want," He finished pointing to the school. "I will meet you in the headmasters office, I am sure he will enjoy hearing this" Snape finished brandishing his wand, and blasting apart the brick wall in front of his students. Turning from his team, Harry cast a charm over Severus which said Severus stinks blink in a neon green, and walking over to the newest member of the Gryffindor team, along with the old as them to clear off the remaining obstacles, and told them he would meet up with them later.
"Now Potter" came the shout of Professor Snape who had managed to get ride of the small storm, and was working on bringing his students down. Doing as he was told, Harry made his way through the school, and upon reaching the statue of the phoenix; Harry said the password and entered.
"Lemon Drops" Harry said being told the password earlier by Sirius. Walking up the stairs, Harry knocked softly, only to enter and find Sirius, and Professor McGonagall at the front desk, discussing him. "Ah Harry, just the student we wished to talk to" Dumbledore said conjuring up a chair for Harry, and motioning for him to sit. "How is it you knew to come" he asked, curious as to why the 16 year old had shown up right as he was to send Sirius to get him.
"Mr. Potter is here by my commands" came the cruel, and bitter voice of Professor Snape, along with him came the smug, looking, yet soaked Slytherin Malfoy. "Potter was caught attacking his fellow students, and this time must be expelled." The potions master practically shouted glaring at Harry.
"Now, now Severus, surly their must be two sides of this story." Dumbledore spoke conjuring up two more seats, and motioning for both Draco, and Snape take a seat, why don't you tell me what happened" he asked politely, and Draco burst into explanation. "And then he attacked me and the rest of my team, banishing our brooms and wands. All of this unprovoked" Malfoy shouted, and Harry spit out the water he had just drank.
"Oh really Malfoy" Harry spoke, curving his tongue as not to show his disgust. "Why in the world would I attack you?" he asked politely sending a mental picture to Dumbledore, Sirius, and McGonagall at the same time, picturing the Slytherins bound to the hoop while rain and Hail poured down around just them.
Sirius, who was the first to receive it, burst out laughing, only to stop as Dumbledore held up a hand. "Very well Severus, thank you for informing us, but as you know it is up to the head of Gryffindor house to determine the punishment, and as you are not he." Dumbledore finished turning to McGonagall.
"50 points from Gryffindor" Professor McGonagall spoke studying her student "As well as detention with me every evening for two weeks" she finished all the while Harry looking down defeated. Severus smiling as if he had just won the Triwizarding tournament, and accepted the punishment took Draco and left. Harry distinctively heard Malfoy mutter something about getting him back, but paid it no attention, but instead turned to McGonagall.
'Professor" Harry spoke, as calm as could muster, "50 points, do you want us to loose the house cup?" he asked, unable to hold back the hurt. "Not at all Harry, I took the points to appease professor Snape, as I am sure he would have argued it had I not. As for the detentions, well we were just discussing how I could get you alone more often to work on your transformation, and this opportunity gives us a perfect disguise" she finished smiling.
"But still, 50 points, my house is going to hate me. I did the same thing in my first year, and no one spoke to me for a week." He finished still looking defeated. "If it helps Harry, I will reward them back during class, and If what you shared with us mentally I am sure Mr. Creevey could help in explaining the nature of why you lost the points" McGonagall finished excusing Harry, and letting him know his first detention would be Monday night at 8:00. Getting up from his chair, Harry nodded his understanding, and left to meet up with his friends in the great hall.
When he entered he heard the hall laughing hysterically, and seeing a picture of what happened earlier that morning inflated, and hovering in the middle of the hall, Harry forgot about the lost points, and instead took a seat next to Ron, who was standing and bowing to the amusement of the students.
With a flick of Professor Snape's wand the image disappeared, but seconds later, the hall broke into fits of laughter again as the words Severus Stinks begun to shine from Professor Snape's cloak, Harry couldn't help but laugh along with the other students as Snape begun to shout through the hall, only to storm directly up to Harry.
"Wand Potter, Now" he shouted as Harry gladly handed the potion master his wand. "Priori Incantatio" Snape shouted aiming his wand at Harry's. With a sudden glow, Harry's wand immeted a soft light, and when the words accio broom were recognized, Professor Snape thrust the wand back into Harry's hand, and stormed out of the hall.
"Deletrius" Harry spoke once the wand was back in his hand causing the image to vanish, turning back to his friends, Harry laughed along with them, and when he finally had control over his laughter, Harry piled his plate, and ate a healthy lunch.
That night in the common Room, Ron finally brought up the previous day's events, Harry was glad that it had remained silent about it since lunch, and was regretting telling the trio he lost as many points as he did, and that he had two weeks detention, but was excited about learning more about Anamagi.
"Well, two weeks detention with McGonagall, and I lost 50 points" Harry said as an answer to Ron's question. "But I would have to say after lunch today that it is well worth it" Harry finished lying down on the couch, and placing his head on Cho's lap. Cho, who had been reading a book looked down, and smiling kindly at her boyfriend, she returned to her book, and next thing Harry knew he was waking up the following morning at 4:00
"Ugh" He grunted getting out of bed, and turning off the alarm. "Remind me to tell the others that Sunday is sleep in day" he said out loud thinking that he was alone. Just then however the lights in the room came up as Cho fired flames into the small fireplace, startling Harry.
"Good morning sleepy head" Cho said as Harry spun on the spot. Cho smiled warmly as the look of fear in Harry's eyes passed, and instead one of happiness appeared. "Good morning sweetheart" he answered plopping back onto his four-poster, and pulling the covers over his head.
"Oh no you don't" Cho said pulling the covers back, and firing some water from her wand at Harry. Jumping out of his soaked bed, Harry made a mental note never to sleep in again, and changing quickly, the two made their way into the dueling arena where Ron, and Hermione were already busy fighting with wooden swords.
"Well" Harry said pulling out his sword, are you up to a morning duel?" He asked kissing his girlfriend, and watching her pull her sword as well. "Well to be honest no" she replied walking over to Hermione, and handing her lightning, the name she had given it. "I was thinking more aerobic today" she answered while Harry took her lead handing Ron Excalibur. "Here mate, try this" he said handing his sword over as well, and following his girlfriend up to the higher portion of the stairs. The next thing Harry knew Cho had begun to jog, and catching up, the two proceeded to jog circles around the upper bowl of the arena until Harry's watch signified it had turned six.
"Do... You.... Run.... Often?" Harry asked as he and Cho made their way down to where Ron, and Hermione sat resting from their intense training. "Every Day" Cho answered laughing at how out of breath Harry seemed to be, and picking up her sword from where Hermione had set it down.
"Great, Harry replied sarcastically, and picking his up as well, turned to Cho expecting her to examine it rather that continue training. Ducking just as the Blade of Cho's sword approached him, Harry rolled away from the group, only to come up with his sword in defending position.
"Wow" he shouted as Cho perused, and the sound of steel against steel could be heard. He had not expected her to attack, and being that he was off guard, Cho had the advantage. Ducking the third serious of attacks from Cho, and sliding to the side, Harry finally gained the leverage he needed. And thrusting his sword to the side Harry dodged a slash from Cho's sword, only to smack her butt with the flat surface of Excalibur.
"You thought you had me their didn't you" He asked as Cho bowed to him admitting defeat. Smiling at his girlfriend, Harry also bowed, only to reach out, and pull Cho into him. "Next time warm me before you attack, you almost took my head off" He said kissing her softly, only to pull apart at the sounds of clapping coming from above them. Looking up, Harry could make out three men clothed in red robes, and realizing them as Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore, the group of four waited for the three to reach the bottom.
"It seems we are interrupting something" Sirius laughed walking down to the four, and both Harry and Cho blushed. "It's not what you think" Harry said thinking that all Sirius saw was his kiss, and not the training. "Harry, Sirius laughed walking over and pulling his godson into a tight embrace. "We have been here for close to an hour now, and I assure you it is exactly what I think" he finished smiling at the shocked look on those around him. It was then however that Harry noticed the robes.
"Sirius, what are you wearing?" Harry asked noticing how Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore were all wearing the same thing. "These are the new robes for members of the order of phoenix Harry" Remus answered coming over, and showing off the clothing, "Well, at least those that will be participating in fighting that is" he finished pulling from a box he had carried with him, and handing Ron, Hermione, Cho, and Harry red robes as well. "I figured that it would help identify those in our group easier." He finished looking to Harry for approval.
"Remus this is a great Idea" Harry said reading his stray thoughts, and reassuring his friend that this was in fact needed. Pulling his set on, Harry was surprised at how little they weighed, and attaching his chest strap with scabbard for his sword over top, Harry placed his sword away, and tied on the cloak that would cover it.
"I would say these work great" Harry said seeing that it fit perfectly. Pulling out his wand, Harry muttered a few small incantations, and when the emblem of a golden phoenix appeared on the left chest of each robe, along with the backs of the cloaks. The group was satisfied, and that is when Dumbledore became incredibly serious.
After hurrying through the school, and onto the grounds, Harry and Ron chose to fly to the pitch rather than run. Mounting their brooms, and lifting into the air, Harry was surprised to see how many Gryffindor students had shown up, but was relieved to find Angelina, Katie, Fred, and George hovering above the field.
"Hey you four, what are you doing here?" Ron asked, he obviously had not expected this. "Well, it is our duty to help the two of you choose a winning team" Angelina answered smiling at the two, while Harry could easily pick out a mischievous gleam in the twins eyes.
"All right, this is how tryouts are going to go." Harry said as the time turned seven, and he turned to the gathered mass in front of him. "Today's tryouts as you know are to find three chasers. As you can see behind me we are lucky to have some of the old gang back to help in making this difficult decision, as well as the two best beaters in Hogwarts history to help create the true game effect by pounding you with bludgers." He laughed giving Fred and George an evil grin, and tossing the two their clubs.
Looking back at the group in front of him, Harry smiled as some of the younger students looked on totally petrified. "I will have Fred her protect, and George there attack" Harry finished as both Fred and George started shouting that he got their names wrong.
"So" Harry continued paying the two beaters no attention, I want you to break into groups of three, and practice throwing the quaffle around, when I call your group, Kick off the ground here, and fly the obstacle course I am about to put up. Now you will be scored on how well you communicate, fly, pass, handle your broom, and score. The three best will be chosen," He finished watching as the students begun to break off into groups of three.
Flying up to where the old team was still hovering, Harry asked them to help conjure a moving obstacle course, and with the combined minds of both Fred, and George, Harry wasn't surprised when one of the larger hoops grew teeth, and begun chasing Angelina around.
"You two" Harry said flying over to the twins, and laughing, It is about time to start, so will you please leave Angelina alone" he finished bumping their brooms with his hand sending the two in opposite directions, and returning to the students.
"Right, Dean, Neville, and Colin, your first" Harry said taking the quaffle and tossing it to Dean. Rising into the air next to Angelina, and Katie, Harry watched the three kick off, and the tryouts begun."
Harry watched in amusement as the group begun to make their way across the pitch. Tossing, and catching the quaffle it was clear that Dean was the better of the three, and Harry was happy to see he was easily able to dodge a rough bludger sent his way by George. Bye the time the group reached the goal, Harry had his mind set on Dean already, and the fact he scored on Ron 2/3 times he tried only solidified it.
"Thank you" Harry said flying over to the group, and blowing his whistle. 'That will be enough for now" He spoke to the three indicating the next group to begin, and taking his place next to Katie. Just then however a loud bang was heard from below, and upon looking down, Harry noticed a group of students dressed in green and silver hovering around a small group of first years.
"Slytherins" Harry shouted calling Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, and Katie over. "What do you think they want" He questioned watching as their leader Malfoy flew up to where they had huddled. "Your time is over potty, take those stupid classmates of yours, and leave the pitch" He laughed thrusting a piece of parchment into Harry's hand, slugging him at the same time.
"Malfoy, what are you on about?" Harry asked unrolling the parchment, and reading it out loud.
"I Severus Snape do hear bye give permission to the Slytherin team to use the quidditch pitch today. They will be holding tryouts for the keeper position, and there for the Gryffindor practice will have to be postponed to a later date." It finished, a Harry turned to a smug looking Malfoy.
"Shove off Malfoy, we have the pitch until two, and don't care if Professor Snape came out here himself, Gryffindor Tryouts will continue." He finished thrusting the letter back into Malfoy's hand. "I hoped you would say that Pot head" Malfoy taunted pulling his wand, and with what felt like lightening, Harry was struck in the back by something, and with his broom banished to the Gryffindor locker room, the next thing Harry knew he was falling.
Reacting just in time, Harry wandlessly placed a levitation charm over him, and landed on the soft grass like a cat, Harry turned to glare back at Malfoy who was doing a good job dodging the hexes, and curses sent his way by Ron, Fred, George, Angelina, and Katie
"You'll have to do better than that Malfoy" Harry shouted, pulling his wand, and muttering a incantation only loud enough that those close to him could here. Then next thing Malfoy knew he was being tied to the spare goal posts opposite Ron, and looking to his right, Malfoy quickly realized his team had suffered the same fate.
Summoning his broom, Harry had a hard time containing his laughter. High above the ground hung six Slytherins kicking, shouting, and cursing at Harry, while next to him close to fifty Gryffindors were rolling on the ground laughing at the scene in front of them. Kicking off the ground, Harry quickly flew to where his team waited him.
"Harry, this is p-p-priceless" George laughed flying over to the Slytherins, and throwing a few Hexes. Ron however looked much more calm, and with a wave of his wand a small storm was conjured over the Slytherin gits, and rain along with hail could be heard pummeling them.
'Well, we still have tryouts to continue" Harry shouted placing the sonorous spell over his voice, and gaining the attention of everyone, "Let us continue" he finished paying the Slytherins no more mind, but conjuring a small brick wall in front of them, so they could not see the tryouts. Over the next four Hours the tryouts continued, and by the time they were finished, three Gryffindors stood out, and a decision was made.
"Thank you all for coming" Harry shouted landing with the others and gazing over the crowd. "There are a lot of talented players here, but as you know only three positions. Ron, and I, with the help of Fred, George Katie, and Angelina have made our choices, and the three newest members of the Gryffindor team will be Dean Thomas, Neville Longbottom, and Tyler Jensen" Harry shouted summoning the three chosen over. Again thanking everyone for trying out, Harry reminded them that beater tryouts would be held Wednesday afternoon, before turning to Ron, Dean, Neville, and Tyler.
"Mr. Potter" came the sickening sound a voice behind him. "Attacking fellow students, I will see expulsion for this" came the laugh of none other than Severus Snape "Professor" Harry said turning around, and looking squarely into the eyes of the potion master. "What is it I can do for you" he finished speaking as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on, and oblivious to the fact 6 Slytherins hung fifty feet in the air bound to a quidditch goal post.
"You know exactly what it is I want," He finished pointing to the school. "I will meet you in the headmasters office, I am sure he will enjoy hearing this" Snape finished brandishing his wand, and blasting apart the brick wall in front of his students. Turning from his team, Harry cast a charm over Severus which said Severus stinks blink in a neon green, and walking over to the newest member of the Gryffindor team, along with the old as them to clear off the remaining obstacles, and told them he would meet up with them later.
"Now Potter" came the shout of Professor Snape who had managed to get ride of the small storm, and was working on bringing his students down. Doing as he was told, Harry made his way through the school, and upon reaching the statue of the phoenix; Harry said the password and entered.
"Lemon Drops" Harry said being told the password earlier by Sirius. Walking up the stairs, Harry knocked softly, only to enter and find Sirius, and Professor McGonagall at the front desk, discussing him. "Ah Harry, just the student we wished to talk to" Dumbledore said conjuring up a chair for Harry, and motioning for him to sit. "How is it you knew to come" he asked, curious as to why the 16 year old had shown up right as he was to send Sirius to get him.
"Mr. Potter is here by my commands" came the cruel, and bitter voice of Professor Snape, along with him came the smug, looking, yet soaked Slytherin Malfoy. "Potter was caught attacking his fellow students, and this time must be expelled." The potions master practically shouted glaring at Harry.
"Now, now Severus, surly their must be two sides of this story." Dumbledore spoke conjuring up two more seats, and motioning for both Draco, and Snape take a seat, why don't you tell me what happened" he asked politely, and Draco burst into explanation. "And then he attacked me and the rest of my team, banishing our brooms and wands. All of this unprovoked" Malfoy shouted, and Harry spit out the water he had just drank.
"Oh really Malfoy" Harry spoke, curving his tongue as not to show his disgust. "Why in the world would I attack you?" he asked politely sending a mental picture to Dumbledore, Sirius, and McGonagall at the same time, picturing the Slytherins bound to the hoop while rain and Hail poured down around just them.
Sirius, who was the first to receive it, burst out laughing, only to stop as Dumbledore held up a hand. "Very well Severus, thank you for informing us, but as you know it is up to the head of Gryffindor house to determine the punishment, and as you are not he." Dumbledore finished turning to McGonagall.
"50 points from Gryffindor" Professor McGonagall spoke studying her student "As well as detention with me every evening for two weeks" she finished all the while Harry looking down defeated. Severus smiling as if he had just won the Triwizarding tournament, and accepted the punishment took Draco and left. Harry distinctively heard Malfoy mutter something about getting him back, but paid it no attention, but instead turned to McGonagall.
'Professor" Harry spoke, as calm as could muster, "50 points, do you want us to loose the house cup?" he asked, unable to hold back the hurt. "Not at all Harry, I took the points to appease professor Snape, as I am sure he would have argued it had I not. As for the detentions, well we were just discussing how I could get you alone more often to work on your transformation, and this opportunity gives us a perfect disguise" she finished smiling.
"But still, 50 points, my house is going to hate me. I did the same thing in my first year, and no one spoke to me for a week." He finished still looking defeated. "If it helps Harry, I will reward them back during class, and If what you shared with us mentally I am sure Mr. Creevey could help in explaining the nature of why you lost the points" McGonagall finished excusing Harry, and letting him know his first detention would be Monday night at 8:00. Getting up from his chair, Harry nodded his understanding, and left to meet up with his friends in the great hall.
When he entered he heard the hall laughing hysterically, and seeing a picture of what happened earlier that morning inflated, and hovering in the middle of the hall, Harry forgot about the lost points, and instead took a seat next to Ron, who was standing and bowing to the amusement of the students.
With a flick of Professor Snape's wand the image disappeared, but seconds later, the hall broke into fits of laughter again as the words Severus Stinks begun to shine from Professor Snape's cloak, Harry couldn't help but laugh along with the other students as Snape begun to shout through the hall, only to storm directly up to Harry.
"Wand Potter, Now" he shouted as Harry gladly handed the potion master his wand. "Priori Incantatio" Snape shouted aiming his wand at Harry's. With a sudden glow, Harry's wand immeted a soft light, and when the words accio broom were recognized, Professor Snape thrust the wand back into Harry's hand, and stormed out of the hall.
"Deletrius" Harry spoke once the wand was back in his hand causing the image to vanish, turning back to his friends, Harry laughed along with them, and when he finally had control over his laughter, Harry piled his plate, and ate a healthy lunch.
That night in the common Room, Ron finally brought up the previous day's events, Harry was glad that it had remained silent about it since lunch, and was regretting telling the trio he lost as many points as he did, and that he had two weeks detention, but was excited about learning more about Anamagi.
"Well, two weeks detention with McGonagall, and I lost 50 points" Harry said as an answer to Ron's question. "But I would have to say after lunch today that it is well worth it" Harry finished lying down on the couch, and placing his head on Cho's lap. Cho, who had been reading a book looked down, and smiling kindly at her boyfriend, she returned to her book, and next thing Harry knew he was waking up the following morning at 4:00
"Ugh" He grunted getting out of bed, and turning off the alarm. "Remind me to tell the others that Sunday is sleep in day" he said out loud thinking that he was alone. Just then however the lights in the room came up as Cho fired flames into the small fireplace, startling Harry.
"Good morning sleepy head" Cho said as Harry spun on the spot. Cho smiled warmly as the look of fear in Harry's eyes passed, and instead one of happiness appeared. "Good morning sweetheart" he answered plopping back onto his four-poster, and pulling the covers over his head.
"Oh no you don't" Cho said pulling the covers back, and firing some water from her wand at Harry. Jumping out of his soaked bed, Harry made a mental note never to sleep in again, and changing quickly, the two made their way into the dueling arena where Ron, and Hermione were already busy fighting with wooden swords.
"Well" Harry said pulling out his sword, are you up to a morning duel?" He asked kissing his girlfriend, and watching her pull her sword as well. "Well to be honest no" she replied walking over to Hermione, and handing her lightning, the name she had given it. "I was thinking more aerobic today" she answered while Harry took her lead handing Ron Excalibur. "Here mate, try this" he said handing his sword over as well, and following his girlfriend up to the higher portion of the stairs. The next thing Harry knew Cho had begun to jog, and catching up, the two proceeded to jog circles around the upper bowl of the arena until Harry's watch signified it had turned six.
"Do... You.... Run.... Often?" Harry asked as he and Cho made their way down to where Ron, and Hermione sat resting from their intense training. "Every Day" Cho answered laughing at how out of breath Harry seemed to be, and picking up her sword from where Hermione had set it down.
"Great, Harry replied sarcastically, and picking his up as well, turned to Cho expecting her to examine it rather that continue training. Ducking just as the Blade of Cho's sword approached him, Harry rolled away from the group, only to come up with his sword in defending position.
"Wow" he shouted as Cho perused, and the sound of steel against steel could be heard. He had not expected her to attack, and being that he was off guard, Cho had the advantage. Ducking the third serious of attacks from Cho, and sliding to the side, Harry finally gained the leverage he needed. And thrusting his sword to the side Harry dodged a slash from Cho's sword, only to smack her butt with the flat surface of Excalibur.
"You thought you had me their didn't you" He asked as Cho bowed to him admitting defeat. Smiling at his girlfriend, Harry also bowed, only to reach out, and pull Cho into him. "Next time warm me before you attack, you almost took my head off" He said kissing her softly, only to pull apart at the sounds of clapping coming from above them. Looking up, Harry could make out three men clothed in red robes, and realizing them as Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore, the group of four waited for the three to reach the bottom.
"It seems we are interrupting something" Sirius laughed walking down to the four, and both Harry and Cho blushed. "It's not what you think" Harry said thinking that all Sirius saw was his kiss, and not the training. "Harry, Sirius laughed walking over and pulling his godson into a tight embrace. "We have been here for close to an hour now, and I assure you it is exactly what I think" he finished smiling at the shocked look on those around him. It was then however that Harry noticed the robes.
"Sirius, what are you wearing?" Harry asked noticing how Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore were all wearing the same thing. "These are the new robes for members of the order of phoenix Harry" Remus answered coming over, and showing off the clothing, "Well, at least those that will be participating in fighting that is" he finished pulling from a box he had carried with him, and handing Ron, Hermione, Cho, and Harry red robes as well. "I figured that it would help identify those in our group easier." He finished looking to Harry for approval.
"Remus this is a great Idea" Harry said reading his stray thoughts, and reassuring his friend that this was in fact needed. Pulling his set on, Harry was surprised at how little they weighed, and attaching his chest strap with scabbard for his sword over top, Harry placed his sword away, and tied on the cloak that would cover it.
"I would say these work great" Harry said seeing that it fit perfectly. Pulling out his wand, Harry muttered a few small incantations, and when the emblem of a golden phoenix appeared on the left chest of each robe, along with the backs of the cloaks. The group was satisfied, and that is when Dumbledore became incredibly serious.