Harry Potter and the New Life Chapter nineteen –errr, hmmmmmm is all I can say to this Chapter!
"James what were you up to last night, Mr Weasley came and waited over an hour but you never came down, but you were in bed this morning?"
They were sat having yet another of Dobby's extra fill up breakfast's in the dinning room, Harry was still a bit absent minded from his experience last night he never expected that to happen and he was wide awake the rest of the night.
"Err, I've bin thinking about practising Occumencey more. Last year I started learning with Snape but to be honest I never tried, I let my hate get in the way and Voldermort was able to control what I dreamt about. I won't let that happen again so I was meditating to learn how better to keep him out." George was thoughtful she had obviously heard about that before.
"I think that's a good idea. I would hate the idea of someone else been able to control my thoughts like that. Do you think he will try and continue those lessons this year again."
"Possibly, I was very angry at the end of last year with Dumbledore and started smashing his stuff. Because he was too frightened to teach me yet he felt it was imperative that I learn. I think he might try and teach me or at least have a hand in what Snape teaches me next year."
"You want to prove yourself to be stronger than they thought you could be." Harry was quiet and stopped eating.
"Yes I do. I also want to prove the same to the Dursley's, just how strong I am or can be. I want to look down on them and let them see that the more they tried to push me down the more I was able to fight back."
"Is that why you were looking at the home gym set in the paper before breakfast?"
"How did you know that?" Harry had, but he thought he was alone at the time.
"You left it open at that page. I figured you were more likely to be looking at a home gym set than a magical goat milking set!" Harry laughed.
"Yeah well I don't like been so skinny and unfit. I do seam to have a habit of needing to run fast in the opposite direction of big monsters. I mean besides, because of you I like looking well, better than before. I through out all my clothes and brought new, I could afford to do that before it's just, when Sirius died it was only then I decided to actualy bother taking any pride."
"I think it's a good thing, if it keeps you occupied then you won't drift into a depression over something you have no control over."
"I never thought you would say that." She smiled.
"Good it means I'm not yet predictable. If it wasn't for me keeping my self occupied with cleaning this place up then I wouldn't know what to do with myself. If I stop and think and brood over something I know it will make me upset, nervous and possibly even mad."
"I get that feeling. So you think it would be okay if I went shopping to day?"
"Course you go do what you have to, it's better to come to terms with things in your own way that try and bloke them out." She got up kissed him and went thought to the kitchen.
"Well if George thinks it's okay, I might as well give it ago."
Over then next two weeks Harry spent a lot of time by himself he felt, but George seemed to be encouraging him, every night he was having a go at the meditation and although he couldn't do anything he seemed to be able to hold his mind in a semi unconscious state for much longer. At least that was where he though he was, never quiet sure he wished his head came with a map some times it would make life much easier.
In the morning Harry and Dobby would look at something new in the set he had set up in another spare bedroom until after a week he could use everything and seemed to feel brighter and almost addicted to working up a sweat.
Recently though George had taken to watching him and Harry wasn't quiet sure how him sweating away in a vest would be appealing, but she came to see him all the same. He was actually quiet grateful for the company.
One after noon they were feeding and stroking Buckbeak when Harry noticed something in the corner of the attic that he hadn't before. Edging around Buckbeak's nest Harry went for a closer look and found it was a rack of dusty swords. Picking up two he found them very comfortable to handle and actually quiet beautiful.
Taking them down stairs Harry discovered that George was quiet comfortable holding one and swinging it around above her head.
"Do you know how to use one of them properly?"
"Course,' She stood on the table and swung it quiet violently around but seeming in perfect control.
'My mother was a very good swords women and since I was about six she taught me how to do the same. Not had one in a long time though. It wasn't approved of at school that I should be able to do such a manly thing."
"It wasn't? Please don't tell me that's another one of your cultural differences?"
"No it's my headmistress being a sexist bitch!" She jumped off the table and swung the handle round for Harry to take.
"I'm not that good, most I can do is stick the pointy end in the other person."
"Come on James your the one who wants to know how to look after yourself, and any way it's fun." She picked up another sword dusted it slightly and stood with one hand in the air clearly in a ready stance.
"Ok then you teach me how to do what you can and I will, well whatever you want."
"I'll hold you to that now try and stand like I am and lets see how useless you are." Harry attempted to stand like George but she moved too fast and although he swung with all his might he couldn't actually get anywhere near her.
"Lets face it I'm useless at this."
"No your not James you just need the proper lessen, you got the basic's just need to work on your technique now stand hear next to me and follow what I do."
She was determined to teach him and so every afternoon they practised for some reason on the table and George always beat him, but insisted Harry was getting better.
Harry thought he was too, he could block from most angles, he could concentrate on what she was doing and he could move quicker but he was never able to knock her down like she could.
One afternoon in sunny August Harry was just getting ready to have another go when Hedwig flew into the room from the attic and sat on his shoulder. There was a note from Ginny.
Dear Harry and George I've finally convinced mum and she's going to let me and Ron come stay for a bit provided I come back before going to Hogwarts.
We just got our school lists here and Ron is trying to think what to do so is probably going to do the same as you. We will be arriving Sunday some time in the afternoon so best be tidy as dad is coming to check on you again. Sorry he keeps coming by it's mum she doesn't like you living there by yourself with George and thinks you can't cope. Love Ginny P.S. Neville is on about meeting us in Diagon Ally soon as he's convinced his Gran that he will be okay.
Harry laughed telling George who was pleased that she was finally able to see Ginny again and that she may yet get to meet Neville. Telling Dobby he was expecting guests Harry and George started tidying up a bit before having a mini game of wrestling on the sofa ending up with Harry sat on George pinning her arms down above her head.
She stopped squirming and started grinning so Harry laying down decided he was going to tease for a bit. Kissing her face and neck he slowly worked his hands round her chest undoing the buttons on her pink shirt. Following her neck line his soft lips drifted down to her chest and started to slide her straps down off her shoulders, hoping she was as nervous as he was Harry's excitement seemed to be getting the better of him and he was wondering about attempting to undo that amazingly difficult bra of hers.
Just as he had rolled her over on to his lap and letting his hands roam up from her arse a loud popping noise from the next room signalled the Weasley's had arrived and were calling his name.
Jumping out his skin and as if he suddenly realising George was bordering on topless he quickly attempted her to do the buttons. Being less helpful than useful George stopped him.
"Don't worry you weren't doing anything wrong. Bloody annoying timing though hasn't he." Harry couldn't speak his mouth was too dry.
"Why don't you go through into the kitchen and get a drink and I will go this way and say hello? Now don't be so nervous, hopefully he will go soon and we can have a laugh with Ron and Ginny.
Doing as he was told Harry had soon got a grip on himself and was saying hello to the Weasley's and hugging Ginny along with George.
"Well good to see you well Harry." Mr Weasley commented in a jolly way like he did almost every other day like he hadn't seen Harry in several weeks.
"Yep I'm as well as we last saw you. Glad you two could come stop for a few days bin getting slightly bored and could do with some more people here." Harry replied trying to be friendly around Ron's dad but Ginny and George were already sniggering into the next room to sit down a gossip. Harry hoped Mr Weasley would go soon as he had got quiet accustomed to their been no older adults around even if Mrs Weasley hadn't got accustomed to not having older adults been around yet.
"Thanks for coming with us dad but you really didn't need to me and Ginny would have got here fine by ourselves besides we're only going to be away a few days." Ron said gesturing that his dad should take the next opportunity to leave but Mr Weasley either didn't notice or was ignoring him.
"Err, yes well your mother insisted I got you here safely and besides someone has to check up on Harry every now and then, check he's doing ok and all. Dumbledore's orders." His dad was now going red around the ears and Harry noticed smiling slightly at Ron who was rolling his eyes now behind his fathers back.
"We do okay, honestly, Mr Weasley, Dobby's cooking is brilliant and we definitely get a lot of it." Mr Weasley finally decided he couldn't find another excuse to stay any longer so left.
"I'm sorry about my dad always coming to see you but it's me mum who makes him. She thinks you can't cope and wish's you would just move in with us now." Ron explained looking around for his and Ginny's bag.
"Don't worry about it Ron, he's just trying to be watchful, and although your mum fusses an awful lot I am grateful, it's nice to know she's thinking about us. But I some how doubt both me and George would be welcome. What you looking for?" Harry asked looking at Ron hopelessly staring around.
"My bag I'm sure I brought it but if I haven't and have to go back mum won't let me return."
"Oh don't worry, you didn't forget Dobby's taken it upstairs to a room for you. He's dead useful like that, I just don't hope he doesn't run out of things to do." Harry lead Ron upstairs to a the room for him and he was amazed at what George had done, the place was barely recognisable.
"It's all George doing this she thinks it's fun, I help out when I can but Dobby's better than me at anything I can do."
"Well she's done a really good job here I had no idea this was what you were planning." He stopped at the bottom of the stairs looking up at the restored chandelier at the very top of several floors and the warm red on the walls.
"It needs stuff in it now, most the stuff is you know ready but it needs to be full to look better like your house." Ron's jaw dropped as they came to the first landing.
"I suppose, but it's much nicer than my house, the burro is pretty much held together with magic from my dad's crappy DIY skills. Nothing like this Harry. You've got a good home going here." He stopped to look at the magical golden lamps along every wall.
"Ron your house is full of people and all their happy memories this place is almost soul less, that's why I wanted you here to have some fun. Now this is your room I hope you like it, I'm afraid it was Dobby who fixed it for you." Ron was pleased with the large wooden four poster bed and dropping his coat on the bed and kicking off his shoes followed Harry to see some more rooms.
"Harry I've got a letter for you." Ron said pulling a letter out of his pocket as Harry pulled himself up on a bar put of habit.
"Who from?" He asked as Ron sat on a weight bench daring a weight to say 'pick me up! You weak girl'
"It came with our Hogwarts stuff it's your results and stuff for next year but I can't imagine why it came to mine when you clearly live here, surely he must know that." Harry dropped several foot to the ground from the bar he was absentmindly hanging from to sitting opposite Ron.
"I'm sure he does but I'm still very angry with him.' Seeing Ron's face as he passed the letter Harry quickly began. 'It's not that I hat him or anything I'm just really angry with the decisions he's be making on my behalf when I should get to know too." Ron understood this some how even if Harry didn't know how.
"My mum and dad want me to stay on at Hogwarts and do something useful but I'm not sure, my grades weren't exactly amazing in anything so I don't really know what I want to do."
"Best have a look how bad mine are because I did even less work than you, what with everything that happened." Harry opened the envelope and there it was his grades for last year and a form to fill in about what subjects are available and what grades are needed.
Harry read down the list; Transfiguration – Exceeds Expectations, Potions – Average, Charms – Outstanding, Care of magical creatures – Exceeds Expectations, Defence against the dark arts – Exceeds Expectations, Divination - Average "Well at least I didn't get a Troll" Ron added sounding quiet surprised
Harry frowned realising just how he had done, it looked like the reults weren't entirely based on the actual exams but more on what the teaches had graded them. "They didn't do it on purely exams because of what happened to the school been turned upside down so we got some leway there." Ron added hopefuly realiseing what Harry had been thinking. But to be honest he hadn't given a second though for his results since he was actually taking the exams and even then he wasn't to sure.
"You didn't do that well did you."
"I don't know what's well or not, what did you get?" Ron passed Harry his results and Harry passed his back.
At first glance Harry saw he had got almost the same marks as Ron but on closer inspection some of them were a bit worse.
"Err what do you think? They ain't too good are they."
"Not that bad Ron considering we were well you know...' Harry frownded again wishing he could make sense, wishing it would all become clear. 'What are you planning to do subjects wise, I was just going to do the same as you at least then it can't be that bad."
"That was my theory but mum hit the roof when I told her, said we weren't attached at the leg and I should make my own mind up. And just for the record Hermione got almost top marks in everything and can't think what she likes best."
"Sounds like her against all the odds she comes up top. Well I suppose we could do Care of Magical Creatures. I mean we didn't do that bad in that exam. Potions is off the list because I couldn't cope with Snape and you will probably loose so many Griffindore points and get so many detentions its not worth it."
"Good point lets see what else we only need four after all how hard can that be.' Ron thought for a moment. 'What about charms how well did you do in that?"
"I think we best put that down as a last resort or something with Transfiguration." Ron nodded in agreement.
"What about Defence against the dark arts. I know you don't have much look with the teachers there but you know your stuff and given half a chance you'd do well."
"Not to sure what if we get another one like Umbridge or Lockheart,"
"Not sure which was worse are you!" Ron laughed.
"No I'm not, I suppose if only we knew who the teacher was, you have to do it too or I won't."
"Okay then well we got two subjects and a possible third. Not to sure about Divinitation, was fun making up stuff but I don't think mum will approve, she says it's to wishy, washy and will never get me a job."
"Suppose doesn't leave much left though does it might have to be Transfiguration and Charms."
"Charms will be okay Harry, it goes well with Dark Arts stuff. And we could pester Lupin if we get stuck."
"Tonks said me mum was good at Charms, top of her class like Hermione so hopeful it will rub off on me and you too in some obsqure way."
"That's a big hope though isn't Harry." Ron answered sarcasticly.
"Hmm. I think that's it then, Care of Magical Creatures, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration."
"Well glad you reached the end I was getting totally lost, think we best try and swat up before term starts again like Hermione just in case." Harry laughed and followed Ron downstairs to Ginny and George who were still in the same spot chatting away.
"What are you so Happy about Ron?" Ginny asked turning to see them.
"Me and Harry have picked our subjects." Harry nodded in agreement and sat down opposite George.
"Wow what's mum going to say she's already chosen what your doing and was looking for the form when you left."
"Good job I swiped it before I left then isn't it." Ron said waving it out of his pocket for her to see.
"She's going to be angry especially if you two are doing the same subjects."
"She doesn't have to know what I'm doing so she won't know there the same." Harry added knowing full well that plan wouldn't last long with Mrs Weasley.
"Well what you wanna do then before dinner."
George and Ginny had already thought of something though. They wanted to sit and talk but failing that they were going to sit and talk and if they couldn't do that either they were going to sit and talk. Ron and Harry had a lot of choices really that consisted of doing stuff somewhere else until dinner was ready.
Eventually Ron decided he wanted to talk to Harry about Hermione quietly in the other room and Harry insisted on having a plate of sandwiches to much on before tea. Although Ron had initiated the conversation he didn't seam to know what he wanted to say.
"How is she any way Ron I haven't heard anything from her in a while?" Harry asked now starting his second plateful (magically refilling itself).
"Err, she seems a bit odd to tell you the truth, I get loads of letters from her these days and she tells me a lot of weird stuff, like she's tell me something but then always has to rush off and send the letter with the same ending." Harry was puzzled but decided he best not scoff or anything.
"Well what sort of stuff does she say in these letters."
"I can't remember everything because there's quiet a few of em, but once she told me how Krum had been sending her lots of letters demanding to know why she keeps fobbing him off but then she won't seem to tell me why she's fobbing him off in the first place."
"Err she talks to you about Krum?"
"No not about him just well that. Another time she told me about..." Ron stopped
"What?" "Well how she doesn't seam to think your yourself and well George and everything. I know you really like her and everything and want to spend a lot of time with her, I mean as the twins say who wouldn't but I think she thinks it's not the same any more, you'd rather spend time with her than with Hermione." "She said that to you!" "Yes to me, why are you surprised?" "I honestly don't know just seems odd really, she must know you would tell me." "Well maybe that's what she wanted. But it's true though you do seam to want to spend a lot of time with George these days." "Well if you hadn't noticed I do live with her but you two see me lots at Hogwarts, George won't be coming and I'll miss her so I'll need mad Ron and clever Hermy to have lots of fun with." "I'm not mad you're the Pot-head." "Again with the Pot-head, you been reading muggle comics or owt recently." "No. I don't read comics. I bin reading... I don't read you know that." Ron was right he didn't really read much at all. "Hermione was looking different the last time I saw her, did you notice? Harry asked starting a different topic in an attempt to find out what Ron really wanted to talk about. "I didn't notice she just looked like normal Hermione to me." And he shrugged but seamed to be going red behind the ears, Harry decided that was because it was really warm in here and before stating on a fifth plate of sandwiches pulled his jumper off letting Ron look at the now quiet healed scar even if it still was ugly looking. "That hurt still?" "What? Oh sometimes depends what I'm doing but it much better than it was. Stop changing the subject." "I wasn't you asked me if Hermione looked different and I said no. What's there more to say?" "What else was there in her letters you were going on about?" "She talks a lot about you actually always wanting to know how you were, but I couldn't work out why she didn't just write to you and ask how you were like I did." "Spose that is odd, why do you think there's something the matter with her?" "Well yeah she bin acting odd and I don't know why?" "Perhaps she's just odd in herself I mean, I odd now I suppose." "That's expected of you what with Sirius and everything but Hermione she's just I don't know." "Well when you work out what's different why don't you explain it to me then and I might have a bit more look understanding you." Harry got up and now having finished eight plates of sandwiches and was absolutely boiling carried the plate back to the kitchen. As he came back though Ron was still sat in that thoughtful way that meant he was arguing with himself weather to say anything or not. "What is it? I know you want to say something as your useless at hiding from me stuff, keep going red behind the ears." "No I'm not." Ron said hotly comforting Harry suspicions. "Well tell me then." "No you'd laugh at me." "Would I do a thing like that?" "Yes. But hmm. I think Hermione likes you." "Course she does she likes you two, were friends aren't we and done a lot of dodgy stuff together." "No I mean I think she really likes you and she doesn't like George coz she keeps taking you away from her." "Err, Ron you been drinking Hagrid's home brew recently coz your starting to sound weird and not in the normal Ron way." "Harry I was been serious." "So was I." "Well what do you think?" "I think I can't answer that weather it's true or not because I honestly believe it can't be coz she's my friend. I could never look at her like that just like you could never it'd wreck things and one of us will end up getting jealous like always." "Oh is that what you think." "Sure now shut up about it coz it just weird and far to confusing." "Oh okay. What you wanna do then?" "Wish we had a place like you do to play a bit of Quidditch." "Hmm. Fancy a game of chess." "Sure." They sat at the table playing chess but Harry felt Ron wasn't thinking straight as Harry seamed to be loosing at a slower pace than normal. Ron told Harry all about how the Quidditch season was going and how his team the Cannons were doing really well and what he was hoping would and wouldn't happen at Quidditch. Also was trying to convince Harry he wanted to teach the same stuff as last year but more advanced now. Harry to be honest needed some convincing from more than just Neville and Ron he wanted to know what the others thought of it before making a fool of him self.
At about six o'clock they sat down together with Dobby and Winky to a huge Sunday meal of all sorts of stuff just like at Hogwarts and Harry ate by far the most in his scraggy T-shirt while everyone else was sat in a jumper of some sort. "You alright Harry you look warm for some reason and I haven't a clue where you get the space to put all that food." Ginny asked as Harry started eating another plate of food and wafting his collar a bit to let some colder air around him.
Later after drinking a good few Butterbeer's and all four friends had sat laughing and joking particularly about George's first meeting with Snape and Moody, Harry decided it was time for him to go meditate/sleep kind of thing for a bit. It had been getting much longer these past few nights and once it was almost seven in the morning when he was crawling into bed wide awake with George. Thinking this was a sign it was working and plus he had much more energy these days, he ate more and played much harder on his gym set, to the extent that he was starting to look in to the mirror and feel proud of what he could see looking back.
On Monday morning while Harry was waiting for Ron to wake up he decided to do a few pull ups that seemed to end up before he knew it getting to seventy, eighty, ninety, a hundred he was so surprised he'd reached a hundred that he carried on going for a least twenty without thinking. Harry was feeling strangely empowered and was going to miss doing this when he went back to Hogwarts.
Now soaking wet with sweat Harry ripped his T-shirt off and through it on the floor starting to lift on the two ropes his body upside down. He heard the door open and close quietly and thinking it must be Dobby with a cold drink kept his eyes closed and held the position for a little longer before dropping and turning to the floor.
Putting his glasses back on Harry looked to see it wasn't Dobby at all it was George and Ginny who were smiling together at Harry and he couldn't think why. All he was doing was sweating away upside down, what was there different to look at him he was the same old skinny looking Harry. "See I told you didn't I." George said as Ginny couldn't seam to be able to take her eyes off Harry who was beginning to feel rather self conscious and put a fresh armless T-shirt. He'd given up on any with sleeves recently they just didn't seam to fit right.
"Are that's a shame, Ron's having breakfast if that's what your going to go do." "Oh goody food, I'm hungry again." Harry said passing George and Ginny who were both looking at him walk away to the landing but he faintly seemed to hear from George. "I'm going to miss that when he goes back to Hogwarts." "Poor you but lucky me." "Hmmm." They both said together as Harry passed out of hearing range on the stairs. Well me story's getting sweaty now soon he might even get some. But then he might not. Depends what sort of a mood I'm in later. Kay sez i should what do you think please review and tell me what you think.
"James what were you up to last night, Mr Weasley came and waited over an hour but you never came down, but you were in bed this morning?"
They were sat having yet another of Dobby's extra fill up breakfast's in the dinning room, Harry was still a bit absent minded from his experience last night he never expected that to happen and he was wide awake the rest of the night.
"Err, I've bin thinking about practising Occumencey more. Last year I started learning with Snape but to be honest I never tried, I let my hate get in the way and Voldermort was able to control what I dreamt about. I won't let that happen again so I was meditating to learn how better to keep him out." George was thoughtful she had obviously heard about that before.
"I think that's a good idea. I would hate the idea of someone else been able to control my thoughts like that. Do you think he will try and continue those lessons this year again."
"Possibly, I was very angry at the end of last year with Dumbledore and started smashing his stuff. Because he was too frightened to teach me yet he felt it was imperative that I learn. I think he might try and teach me or at least have a hand in what Snape teaches me next year."
"You want to prove yourself to be stronger than they thought you could be." Harry was quiet and stopped eating.
"Yes I do. I also want to prove the same to the Dursley's, just how strong I am or can be. I want to look down on them and let them see that the more they tried to push me down the more I was able to fight back."
"Is that why you were looking at the home gym set in the paper before breakfast?"
"How did you know that?" Harry had, but he thought he was alone at the time.
"You left it open at that page. I figured you were more likely to be looking at a home gym set than a magical goat milking set!" Harry laughed.
"Yeah well I don't like been so skinny and unfit. I do seam to have a habit of needing to run fast in the opposite direction of big monsters. I mean besides, because of you I like looking well, better than before. I through out all my clothes and brought new, I could afford to do that before it's just, when Sirius died it was only then I decided to actualy bother taking any pride."
"I think it's a good thing, if it keeps you occupied then you won't drift into a depression over something you have no control over."
"I never thought you would say that." She smiled.
"Good it means I'm not yet predictable. If it wasn't for me keeping my self occupied with cleaning this place up then I wouldn't know what to do with myself. If I stop and think and brood over something I know it will make me upset, nervous and possibly even mad."
"I get that feeling. So you think it would be okay if I went shopping to day?"
"Course you go do what you have to, it's better to come to terms with things in your own way that try and bloke them out." She got up kissed him and went thought to the kitchen.
"Well if George thinks it's okay, I might as well give it ago."
Over then next two weeks Harry spent a lot of time by himself he felt, but George seemed to be encouraging him, every night he was having a go at the meditation and although he couldn't do anything he seemed to be able to hold his mind in a semi unconscious state for much longer. At least that was where he though he was, never quiet sure he wished his head came with a map some times it would make life much easier.
In the morning Harry and Dobby would look at something new in the set he had set up in another spare bedroom until after a week he could use everything and seemed to feel brighter and almost addicted to working up a sweat.
Recently though George had taken to watching him and Harry wasn't quiet sure how him sweating away in a vest would be appealing, but she came to see him all the same. He was actually quiet grateful for the company.
One after noon they were feeding and stroking Buckbeak when Harry noticed something in the corner of the attic that he hadn't before. Edging around Buckbeak's nest Harry went for a closer look and found it was a rack of dusty swords. Picking up two he found them very comfortable to handle and actually quiet beautiful.
Taking them down stairs Harry discovered that George was quiet comfortable holding one and swinging it around above her head.
"Do you know how to use one of them properly?"
"Course,' She stood on the table and swung it quiet violently around but seeming in perfect control.
'My mother was a very good swords women and since I was about six she taught me how to do the same. Not had one in a long time though. It wasn't approved of at school that I should be able to do such a manly thing."
"It wasn't? Please don't tell me that's another one of your cultural differences?"
"No it's my headmistress being a sexist bitch!" She jumped off the table and swung the handle round for Harry to take.
"I'm not that good, most I can do is stick the pointy end in the other person."
"Come on James your the one who wants to know how to look after yourself, and any way it's fun." She picked up another sword dusted it slightly and stood with one hand in the air clearly in a ready stance.
"Ok then you teach me how to do what you can and I will, well whatever you want."
"I'll hold you to that now try and stand like I am and lets see how useless you are." Harry attempted to stand like George but she moved too fast and although he swung with all his might he couldn't actually get anywhere near her.
"Lets face it I'm useless at this."
"No your not James you just need the proper lessen, you got the basic's just need to work on your technique now stand hear next to me and follow what I do."
She was determined to teach him and so every afternoon they practised for some reason on the table and George always beat him, but insisted Harry was getting better.
Harry thought he was too, he could block from most angles, he could concentrate on what she was doing and he could move quicker but he was never able to knock her down like she could.
One afternoon in sunny August Harry was just getting ready to have another go when Hedwig flew into the room from the attic and sat on his shoulder. There was a note from Ginny.
Dear Harry and George I've finally convinced mum and she's going to let me and Ron come stay for a bit provided I come back before going to Hogwarts.
We just got our school lists here and Ron is trying to think what to do so is probably going to do the same as you. We will be arriving Sunday some time in the afternoon so best be tidy as dad is coming to check on you again. Sorry he keeps coming by it's mum she doesn't like you living there by yourself with George and thinks you can't cope. Love Ginny P.S. Neville is on about meeting us in Diagon Ally soon as he's convinced his Gran that he will be okay.
Harry laughed telling George who was pleased that she was finally able to see Ginny again and that she may yet get to meet Neville. Telling Dobby he was expecting guests Harry and George started tidying up a bit before having a mini game of wrestling on the sofa ending up with Harry sat on George pinning her arms down above her head.
She stopped squirming and started grinning so Harry laying down decided he was going to tease for a bit. Kissing her face and neck he slowly worked his hands round her chest undoing the buttons on her pink shirt. Following her neck line his soft lips drifted down to her chest and started to slide her straps down off her shoulders, hoping she was as nervous as he was Harry's excitement seemed to be getting the better of him and he was wondering about attempting to undo that amazingly difficult bra of hers.
Just as he had rolled her over on to his lap and letting his hands roam up from her arse a loud popping noise from the next room signalled the Weasley's had arrived and were calling his name.
Jumping out his skin and as if he suddenly realising George was bordering on topless he quickly attempted her to do the buttons. Being less helpful than useful George stopped him.
"Don't worry you weren't doing anything wrong. Bloody annoying timing though hasn't he." Harry couldn't speak his mouth was too dry.
"Why don't you go through into the kitchen and get a drink and I will go this way and say hello? Now don't be so nervous, hopefully he will go soon and we can have a laugh with Ron and Ginny.
Doing as he was told Harry had soon got a grip on himself and was saying hello to the Weasley's and hugging Ginny along with George.
"Well good to see you well Harry." Mr Weasley commented in a jolly way like he did almost every other day like he hadn't seen Harry in several weeks.
"Yep I'm as well as we last saw you. Glad you two could come stop for a few days bin getting slightly bored and could do with some more people here." Harry replied trying to be friendly around Ron's dad but Ginny and George were already sniggering into the next room to sit down a gossip. Harry hoped Mr Weasley would go soon as he had got quiet accustomed to their been no older adults around even if Mrs Weasley hadn't got accustomed to not having older adults been around yet.
"Thanks for coming with us dad but you really didn't need to me and Ginny would have got here fine by ourselves besides we're only going to be away a few days." Ron said gesturing that his dad should take the next opportunity to leave but Mr Weasley either didn't notice or was ignoring him.
"Err, yes well your mother insisted I got you here safely and besides someone has to check up on Harry every now and then, check he's doing ok and all. Dumbledore's orders." His dad was now going red around the ears and Harry noticed smiling slightly at Ron who was rolling his eyes now behind his fathers back.
"We do okay, honestly, Mr Weasley, Dobby's cooking is brilliant and we definitely get a lot of it." Mr Weasley finally decided he couldn't find another excuse to stay any longer so left.
"I'm sorry about my dad always coming to see you but it's me mum who makes him. She thinks you can't cope and wish's you would just move in with us now." Ron explained looking around for his and Ginny's bag.
"Don't worry about it Ron, he's just trying to be watchful, and although your mum fusses an awful lot I am grateful, it's nice to know she's thinking about us. But I some how doubt both me and George would be welcome. What you looking for?" Harry asked looking at Ron hopelessly staring around.
"My bag I'm sure I brought it but if I haven't and have to go back mum won't let me return."
"Oh don't worry, you didn't forget Dobby's taken it upstairs to a room for you. He's dead useful like that, I just don't hope he doesn't run out of things to do." Harry lead Ron upstairs to a the room for him and he was amazed at what George had done, the place was barely recognisable.
"It's all George doing this she thinks it's fun, I help out when I can but Dobby's better than me at anything I can do."
"Well she's done a really good job here I had no idea this was what you were planning." He stopped at the bottom of the stairs looking up at the restored chandelier at the very top of several floors and the warm red on the walls.
"It needs stuff in it now, most the stuff is you know ready but it needs to be full to look better like your house." Ron's jaw dropped as they came to the first landing.
"I suppose, but it's much nicer than my house, the burro is pretty much held together with magic from my dad's crappy DIY skills. Nothing like this Harry. You've got a good home going here." He stopped to look at the magical golden lamps along every wall.
"Ron your house is full of people and all their happy memories this place is almost soul less, that's why I wanted you here to have some fun. Now this is your room I hope you like it, I'm afraid it was Dobby who fixed it for you." Ron was pleased with the large wooden four poster bed and dropping his coat on the bed and kicking off his shoes followed Harry to see some more rooms.
"Harry I've got a letter for you." Ron said pulling a letter out of his pocket as Harry pulled himself up on a bar put of habit.
"Who from?" He asked as Ron sat on a weight bench daring a weight to say 'pick me up! You weak girl'
"It came with our Hogwarts stuff it's your results and stuff for next year but I can't imagine why it came to mine when you clearly live here, surely he must know that." Harry dropped several foot to the ground from the bar he was absentmindly hanging from to sitting opposite Ron.
"I'm sure he does but I'm still very angry with him.' Seeing Ron's face as he passed the letter Harry quickly began. 'It's not that I hat him or anything I'm just really angry with the decisions he's be making on my behalf when I should get to know too." Ron understood this some how even if Harry didn't know how.
"My mum and dad want me to stay on at Hogwarts and do something useful but I'm not sure, my grades weren't exactly amazing in anything so I don't really know what I want to do."
"Best have a look how bad mine are because I did even less work than you, what with everything that happened." Harry opened the envelope and there it was his grades for last year and a form to fill in about what subjects are available and what grades are needed.
Harry read down the list; Transfiguration – Exceeds Expectations, Potions – Average, Charms – Outstanding, Care of magical creatures – Exceeds Expectations, Defence against the dark arts – Exceeds Expectations, Divination - Average "Well at least I didn't get a Troll" Ron added sounding quiet surprised
Harry frowned realising just how he had done, it looked like the reults weren't entirely based on the actual exams but more on what the teaches had graded them. "They didn't do it on purely exams because of what happened to the school been turned upside down so we got some leway there." Ron added hopefuly realiseing what Harry had been thinking. But to be honest he hadn't given a second though for his results since he was actually taking the exams and even then he wasn't to sure.
"You didn't do that well did you."
"I don't know what's well or not, what did you get?" Ron passed Harry his results and Harry passed his back.
At first glance Harry saw he had got almost the same marks as Ron but on closer inspection some of them were a bit worse.
"Err what do you think? They ain't too good are they."
"Not that bad Ron considering we were well you know...' Harry frownded again wishing he could make sense, wishing it would all become clear. 'What are you planning to do subjects wise, I was just going to do the same as you at least then it can't be that bad."
"That was my theory but mum hit the roof when I told her, said we weren't attached at the leg and I should make my own mind up. And just for the record Hermione got almost top marks in everything and can't think what she likes best."
"Sounds like her against all the odds she comes up top. Well I suppose we could do Care of Magical Creatures. I mean we didn't do that bad in that exam. Potions is off the list because I couldn't cope with Snape and you will probably loose so many Griffindore points and get so many detentions its not worth it."
"Good point lets see what else we only need four after all how hard can that be.' Ron thought for a moment. 'What about charms how well did you do in that?"
"I think we best put that down as a last resort or something with Transfiguration." Ron nodded in agreement.
"What about Defence against the dark arts. I know you don't have much look with the teachers there but you know your stuff and given half a chance you'd do well."
"Not to sure what if we get another one like Umbridge or Lockheart,"
"Not sure which was worse are you!" Ron laughed.
"No I'm not, I suppose if only we knew who the teacher was, you have to do it too or I won't."
"Okay then well we got two subjects and a possible third. Not to sure about Divinitation, was fun making up stuff but I don't think mum will approve, she says it's to wishy, washy and will never get me a job."
"Suppose doesn't leave much left though does it might have to be Transfiguration and Charms."
"Charms will be okay Harry, it goes well with Dark Arts stuff. And we could pester Lupin if we get stuck."
"Tonks said me mum was good at Charms, top of her class like Hermione so hopeful it will rub off on me and you too in some obsqure way."
"That's a big hope though isn't Harry." Ron answered sarcasticly.
"Hmm. I think that's it then, Care of Magical Creatures, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Transfiguration."
"Well glad you reached the end I was getting totally lost, think we best try and swat up before term starts again like Hermione just in case." Harry laughed and followed Ron downstairs to Ginny and George who were still in the same spot chatting away.
"What are you so Happy about Ron?" Ginny asked turning to see them.
"Me and Harry have picked our subjects." Harry nodded in agreement and sat down opposite George.
"Wow what's mum going to say she's already chosen what your doing and was looking for the form when you left."
"Good job I swiped it before I left then isn't it." Ron said waving it out of his pocket for her to see.
"She's going to be angry especially if you two are doing the same subjects."
"She doesn't have to know what I'm doing so she won't know there the same." Harry added knowing full well that plan wouldn't last long with Mrs Weasley.
"Well what you wanna do then before dinner."
George and Ginny had already thought of something though. They wanted to sit and talk but failing that they were going to sit and talk and if they couldn't do that either they were going to sit and talk. Ron and Harry had a lot of choices really that consisted of doing stuff somewhere else until dinner was ready.
Eventually Ron decided he wanted to talk to Harry about Hermione quietly in the other room and Harry insisted on having a plate of sandwiches to much on before tea. Although Ron had initiated the conversation he didn't seam to know what he wanted to say.
"How is she any way Ron I haven't heard anything from her in a while?" Harry asked now starting his second plateful (magically refilling itself).
"Err, she seems a bit odd to tell you the truth, I get loads of letters from her these days and she tells me a lot of weird stuff, like she's tell me something but then always has to rush off and send the letter with the same ending." Harry was puzzled but decided he best not scoff or anything.
"Well what sort of stuff does she say in these letters."
"I can't remember everything because there's quiet a few of em, but once she told me how Krum had been sending her lots of letters demanding to know why she keeps fobbing him off but then she won't seem to tell me why she's fobbing him off in the first place."
"Err she talks to you about Krum?"
"No not about him just well that. Another time she told me about..." Ron stopped
"What?" "Well how she doesn't seam to think your yourself and well George and everything. I know you really like her and everything and want to spend a lot of time with her, I mean as the twins say who wouldn't but I think she thinks it's not the same any more, you'd rather spend time with her than with Hermione." "She said that to you!" "Yes to me, why are you surprised?" "I honestly don't know just seems odd really, she must know you would tell me." "Well maybe that's what she wanted. But it's true though you do seam to want to spend a lot of time with George these days." "Well if you hadn't noticed I do live with her but you two see me lots at Hogwarts, George won't be coming and I'll miss her so I'll need mad Ron and clever Hermy to have lots of fun with." "I'm not mad you're the Pot-head." "Again with the Pot-head, you been reading muggle comics or owt recently." "No. I don't read comics. I bin reading... I don't read you know that." Ron was right he didn't really read much at all. "Hermione was looking different the last time I saw her, did you notice? Harry asked starting a different topic in an attempt to find out what Ron really wanted to talk about. "I didn't notice she just looked like normal Hermione to me." And he shrugged but seamed to be going red behind the ears, Harry decided that was because it was really warm in here and before stating on a fifth plate of sandwiches pulled his jumper off letting Ron look at the now quiet healed scar even if it still was ugly looking. "That hurt still?" "What? Oh sometimes depends what I'm doing but it much better than it was. Stop changing the subject." "I wasn't you asked me if Hermione looked different and I said no. What's there more to say?" "What else was there in her letters you were going on about?" "She talks a lot about you actually always wanting to know how you were, but I couldn't work out why she didn't just write to you and ask how you were like I did." "Spose that is odd, why do you think there's something the matter with her?" "Well yeah she bin acting odd and I don't know why?" "Perhaps she's just odd in herself I mean, I odd now I suppose." "That's expected of you what with Sirius and everything but Hermione she's just I don't know." "Well when you work out what's different why don't you explain it to me then and I might have a bit more look understanding you." Harry got up and now having finished eight plates of sandwiches and was absolutely boiling carried the plate back to the kitchen. As he came back though Ron was still sat in that thoughtful way that meant he was arguing with himself weather to say anything or not. "What is it? I know you want to say something as your useless at hiding from me stuff, keep going red behind the ears." "No I'm not." Ron said hotly comforting Harry suspicions. "Well tell me then." "No you'd laugh at me." "Would I do a thing like that?" "Yes. But hmm. I think Hermione likes you." "Course she does she likes you two, were friends aren't we and done a lot of dodgy stuff together." "No I mean I think she really likes you and she doesn't like George coz she keeps taking you away from her." "Err, Ron you been drinking Hagrid's home brew recently coz your starting to sound weird and not in the normal Ron way." "Harry I was been serious." "So was I." "Well what do you think?" "I think I can't answer that weather it's true or not because I honestly believe it can't be coz she's my friend. I could never look at her like that just like you could never it'd wreck things and one of us will end up getting jealous like always." "Oh is that what you think." "Sure now shut up about it coz it just weird and far to confusing." "Oh okay. What you wanna do then?" "Wish we had a place like you do to play a bit of Quidditch." "Hmm. Fancy a game of chess." "Sure." They sat at the table playing chess but Harry felt Ron wasn't thinking straight as Harry seamed to be loosing at a slower pace than normal. Ron told Harry all about how the Quidditch season was going and how his team the Cannons were doing really well and what he was hoping would and wouldn't happen at Quidditch. Also was trying to convince Harry he wanted to teach the same stuff as last year but more advanced now. Harry to be honest needed some convincing from more than just Neville and Ron he wanted to know what the others thought of it before making a fool of him self.
At about six o'clock they sat down together with Dobby and Winky to a huge Sunday meal of all sorts of stuff just like at Hogwarts and Harry ate by far the most in his scraggy T-shirt while everyone else was sat in a jumper of some sort. "You alright Harry you look warm for some reason and I haven't a clue where you get the space to put all that food." Ginny asked as Harry started eating another plate of food and wafting his collar a bit to let some colder air around him.
Later after drinking a good few Butterbeer's and all four friends had sat laughing and joking particularly about George's first meeting with Snape and Moody, Harry decided it was time for him to go meditate/sleep kind of thing for a bit. It had been getting much longer these past few nights and once it was almost seven in the morning when he was crawling into bed wide awake with George. Thinking this was a sign it was working and plus he had much more energy these days, he ate more and played much harder on his gym set, to the extent that he was starting to look in to the mirror and feel proud of what he could see looking back.
On Monday morning while Harry was waiting for Ron to wake up he decided to do a few pull ups that seemed to end up before he knew it getting to seventy, eighty, ninety, a hundred he was so surprised he'd reached a hundred that he carried on going for a least twenty without thinking. Harry was feeling strangely empowered and was going to miss doing this when he went back to Hogwarts.
Now soaking wet with sweat Harry ripped his T-shirt off and through it on the floor starting to lift on the two ropes his body upside down. He heard the door open and close quietly and thinking it must be Dobby with a cold drink kept his eyes closed and held the position for a little longer before dropping and turning to the floor.
Putting his glasses back on Harry looked to see it wasn't Dobby at all it was George and Ginny who were smiling together at Harry and he couldn't think why. All he was doing was sweating away upside down, what was there different to look at him he was the same old skinny looking Harry. "See I told you didn't I." George said as Ginny couldn't seam to be able to take her eyes off Harry who was beginning to feel rather self conscious and put a fresh armless T-shirt. He'd given up on any with sleeves recently they just didn't seam to fit right.
"Are that's a shame, Ron's having breakfast if that's what your going to go do." "Oh goody food, I'm hungry again." Harry said passing George and Ginny who were both looking at him walk away to the landing but he faintly seemed to hear from George. "I'm going to miss that when he goes back to Hogwarts." "Poor you but lucky me." "Hmmm." They both said together as Harry passed out of hearing range on the stairs. Well me story's getting sweaty now soon he might even get some. But then he might not. Depends what sort of a mood I'm in later. Kay sez i should what do you think please review and tell me what you think.