A/N: I know what most of you are thinking, who is this person? Sorry about not updating earlier, but I am taking spring classes which are taking up a lot of my time. I thank all those who reviewed the last few chapters. Please continue to do so. Look at the end for the usual along with some more news. For now, on with the story. Enjoy. Please Review.
Chapter Nineteen: Quidditch and Plots
The world woke up the next day and Harry awoke with a smile on his face, for he had Quidditch tryouts. Elsewhere, Voldemort woke up with a similar though more sinister smile as he had had a dream the previous night.
"That's it, " he mused to himself. "It lies in Hogwarts." then he laughed maliciously.
Harry now fully awake and not really concentrating on Occluemacy fell back down clutching his scar. But before he could successfully close his mind he heard, "It lies in Hogwarts." He wondered exactly what lay in Hogwarts and what Voldemort wanted with it. He decided that he would have to talk to Dumbledore about it later today.
Harry headed downstairs and saw that no one was awake yet so he decided to go for a run and workout. It was about 6:00 a.m. so Filch could not get him in trouble if he tried. Harry had asked if there was a muggle type workout room in the castle and Dumbledore had been kind enough to suggest he use the room of requirement, as it would give him exactly what he needed. So for the last week Harry had settled into a nice routine. Get up early go for a run around the lake then go workout. By the time he was done everyone would be getting up for breakfast.
Tidus had indeed been correct about needing only 3 weeks to get back his normal shape. About the time that Harry returned to Hogwarts he was back to his strength he had acquired with Tidus. The fight and the hospital stay messed up his training, but today he noticed that he was just about back in top form. He was not the only one who noticed that he was looking different. Though Harry wore school robes most of the time a lot of the girls had noticed that he was taller and had broader shoulders. Hermione noticed his new attitude and his muscular shape but he never mentioned it so neither did she.
While Voldemort planned another evil scheme, Harry started his tryouts for two new chasers and two new beaters. The two from last year decided to quit. It was their O.W.L. year and they didn't want the extra pressure. Ron had practiced and was getting very good in goal. With some more practice he would be giving Oliver Wood a run for his money. The tryouts went well, and Ginny tried out for chaser it was obvious that that was where she belonged. Her boyfriend, Dean, also tried out and together they were unstoppable. The beaters went to third year students Jean and Scott who were twin brothers. They seemed to play a lot like Fred and George.
The weeks passed and soon their first match against Slytherin was upon them. Dumbledore had lengthened the season and included a playoff type end. After one particularly easy practice right before their match, Harry called for a meeting.
"Okay team, our first match is tomorrow and it is against the Slytherins. As you know they think that they are superior to us because they fly on Nimbus 2001's. They also think I fly on a Firebolt and Ron flies on a Comet Two Sixty, and that some of you fly on nothing better than a Cleansweep. Well they are horrifically wrong on all counts."
"What are you talking about Harry?" Katie asked.
"Well, Ron already knows one part of what I am talking about. First this must be kept a secret until we arrive for breakfast tomorrow together. For my birthday I received a custom made Lightning Bolt. It was built specifically for me and for the seeker position."
"Dude, that's awesome! There is no way that Malfoy can catch you on that. He can't even catch you on your Firebolt," Scott replied.
"Ah you are most correct, but that is not all. As you all know, I own a Firebolt and there is no reason to let it go to waste. I am giving it to my best friend and our keeper, Ron. So, happy early birthday Ron, and early Christmas for about the next ten years. Kidding! But, really, here you go mate."
"OH! No way! This can't be. Oh man thanks."
"Ha no problem Ron, though I must warn you that you had better perform like we all know you can tomorrow."
"No problem Harry, thanks."
As the team congratulated Ron on his new broom Harry spoke up again.
"Now I know that you all have your own brooms but I am giving the Gryffindor team new Firebolt's."
This was met with gasps and then mad cheering.
"Okay, now I have the brooms with me and I want all of you to go flying on them for a bit to get used to them before tomorrow. Then I want everyone to eat a big dinner and get to bed early. We will meet in the common room before breakfast and do what we have planned. Bring your broom with you."
Everybody cheered again and took to the air on their new brooms. Harry watched as he had left his broom in his trunk, but the team on their new brooms flew in perfect formation, and just had some fun. They landed and had a good dinner then Harry sent them all to bed. Harry went as well but had so much on his mind he did not go to sleep immediately.
Harry had talked to Dumbledore a month ago but they weren't any closer to solving the mystery. The previous month had been quiet for everyone. The teachers were a bit more relaxed on their homework as the N.E.W.T.'s were not until next year. Harry was actually doing better then Hermione in some of their classes, Hermione didn't mind the competition because Harry was in the library almost more than she was. Of course he wasn't always studying. He spent a good amount of time looking for a way to defeat Voldemort. He had, of course, failed to find one.
Harry was given permission to start Animagus training after Halloween, and Dumbledore had lengthened the Quidditch season to include a playoff. As usual, the first game would be Gryffindor against Slytherin. They would finish with a playoff run with the best team going against the worst team, one round elimination. But through it all, Harry and Dumbledore had no clue what Voldemort was looking for and they were getting worried. They had not heard any news from him for a while.
Harry awoke the next morning and headed down to the common room where the rest of the team was waiting along with Hermione and Sky. The two hated to fly but loved to watch the game and cheer on their friends. Harry had yet to tell them of his vision but figured he would tell them as soon as he found out more information.
"Okay team form up. We will scare those sneaky Slytherins right out of their Quidditch robes. Hermione, Sky, I would like you to enter first. The Slytherins will expect Ron and me to be with you. They will think we are scared and not show out of fear. The team will enter in our formation with everyone in two rows. I will lead you in and you know what to do from there. Got it?"
"YES SIR!" They replied in unison.
"Right, MOVE OUT!" He ordered with a snicker, and everyone snickered at his military tone.
They walked down the hall and encountered no one since everyone was at breakfast. They arrived at the Great Hall. Hermione and Sky entered quietly. They noticed a smirk on Malfoy's face as he saw the lack of Harry and Ron. He muttered to his teammates, "Must be too scared to show their faces." Their team laughed but was cut short by a sudden bang as the doors to the Great Hall burst open. The Hall was immediately silenced and everyone was looking at the doors. In walked Harry followed by the team in two lines of military precision. They marched with loud stomps of their feet in perfect unison that echoed off the walls. The hall was silent except for the sounds of their marching feet then they all halted as one. The brooms on their shoulders came swishing down and made one noise of hitting the floor. Whispers flew as people noticed the word Firebolt on every handle save for Harry's. People were going crazy as they saw it was a custom made broom. As one, the group left faced towards the Slytherins and the first row took two steps apart from each other. The back row stepped forward then they all went to parade rest with their brooms off to the side. Harry stepped forward and bellowed out in an impressive voice.
"NOW someone has told me that the Gryffindor Lions have a match against the Slytherin Snakes. I have also heard that these snakes think they are superior to my lions because of their brooms. Well I am here to issue a challenge. My lions against your snakes. Winner of today's match gets the losers brooms."
The team had been smart enough to shift the handles of the brooms so that they were not facing the Slytherins and the whispers had never made it to their table. Malfoy stood up.
"I have always wanted your Firebolt and since your team won't be able to score on their slower brooms, we accept."
As he finished, the team came back to attention and twisted their brooms around to show the name. Malfoy sank to his seat as he realized his team would be facing a team equipped with Firebolt's. Then if it was possible his face got even greener as he noticed Harry was no longer riding a Firebolt but a custom made broom.
The team got back into their original formation and did another left face. Harry headed to the front and they marched right back out of the hall. The Great Hall, except the Slytherins, burst into loud applause and cheering as the Gryffindors left. Snape had a scowl on his face while McGonagall had a sort of a smile on her face. The team went immediately to the Quidditch pitch where Dobby and Winky had gotten some food for them. They all ate a healthy yet small breakfast then took the remainder of time going over their game plan. The idea was to score as many goals as possible just in case Malfoy tried to do something. So even if Malfoy caught the snitch the Slytherins would not win. Before long they heard people scurrying to the stands and Harry gave his pep talk.
"Okay team, we are playing for brooms so they will do whatever they can to win. But we have the better brooms and more importantly better players. Now lets go out there and kick their..."
"Harry!!!"
"What?"
"Don't you use that kind of language."
"Yes Mione." The team was in hysterics by this point. "Okay let's go defeat them in the most humiliating way, but remember no cheating, leave that to them."
They all cheered and ran out to the gate to wait for the new announcer to call them out. They didn't have to wait long.
"And welcome to another season of Hogwarts Quidditch . I'm Spike Jordan, Lee's brother and replacement announcer. So on with the introductions. Today is the first match of the season between Slytherin and Gryffindor. In case you missed breakfast this morning the winner today will receive the losers brooms. So without further ado your Slytherin team: Crabbe and Goyle are the beaters. Blaize, Parkinson, and Bulstrone are the chasers. The keeper is Ken York and the seeker and captain is Draco Malfoy. Now for your Gryffindor Lions. New to Quidditch is Jean and Scott Evans as beaters, also Dean Thomas and Ginny Weasley will be joining Katie Bell as the chasers. Returning to keep is King Ronald Weasley and last, but certainly not least, returning to the pitch after being banned by the toadlike..."
"SPIKE! Get on with it," McGonagall yelled at him.
"Sorry professor just telling the truth. Anyway the captain and seeker Harry Potter!!!"
The crowd cheered and Madame Hooch came onto the pitch.
"Now I want a nice clean game from all of you. And the losers will be handing over their brooms. Captains, shake hands."
Malfoy and Harry stepped forward and shook hands, while attempting to break each others hand in the process. Then they mounted their brooms and a shrill whistle started the game.
"And they're off. Bell has the Quaffle, she zooms around Parkinson passes to Weasley who passes to Thomas, back to Bell, fakes to Weasley shoots and SCORES!! 10 to 0 Gryffindor."
Harry zoned out to pay attention at finding the snitch with Malfoy tailing him. They flew around for about 20 minutes and Harry heard Spike yell, "and Gryffindor leads 170 to 10." Harry was flying with a huge smile on his face. The team was already good, but when combined with the Firebolts, the Slytherins didn't have a prayer. Just then Malfoy dived and Harry saw a gold flash in front of him. Mentally cursing himself, Harry dived after Malfoy. He was gaining fast, 50 ft, and 25 ft, 10 ft, 5 ft, then level and he knocked into Malfoy at just the right time. They were battling neck and neck then Harry zoomed forward but Crabbe saw this and pelted a bludger straight at Harry. Even with all of his training with Tidus, it was still a close call. Harry managed to see the bludger and somersaulted off his broom and over the bludger landing on the still flying broom. Then he reached out and grabbed the golden snitch.
Harry turned around with the snitch in his hand and saw that Malfoy was on the ground holding his arm. The Gryffindor team swarmed Harry as soon as he landed. Spike was yelling "Gryffindor wins, 320 to 10, and what a play by seeker Harry Potter. Excellent goal tending by Ron Weasley. All in all a great effort by the lions." The Slytherin team landed and looked at Malfoy with disgust. They then started to walk off the field with their brooms but Dumbledore stopped them easily.
"Going somewhere?" he asked.
The team stopped and slumped their shoulders. Then turned around and defiantly dropped their brooms on the ground and walked off. Harry went over and presented the brooms to their new owners. Malfoy stood up and did something he would later regret but he walked over to Harry and handed him his broom. Then he walked off while the rest of the school celebrated the win by Gryffindor.
The party lasted well into the wee hours of the morning and Harry teamed up with Ron, Sky, and Hermione in helping sell Fred and George's new jokes. All through the party people would turn into canarys and sometimes headless. But their newest invention made a person would turn into the person they disliked the most. So it was with little surprise there were a lot of Snapes running around which brought a lot of laughter to the party. However, the laughter died as McGonagall swept inside just as someone turned into Snape.
"Severous?! What is the meaning of this?"
The room exploded into laughter and McGonagall looked at them bewildered until the Snape gag wore off and Neville returned to normal.
"Ah, I see we probably have Fred and George Weasley to thank for this."
There were many cheers and applause at their names. And even McGonagall had a slight smirk.
"Well knowing you all as I do, I will cast a silencing charm on this wing but please don't party for too much longer."
Everyone just stared at her as if she was some stranger. Harry spoke up.
"Um, are you feeling alright Professor?"
"Yes, I am. And while I don't necessarily approve of such behavior, I realize that you are not doing anything bad. So enjoy your party but do get some sleep."
"Oh, well, thanks Professor. Hey Ginny crank up the volume."
"Yes sir!" She replied and turned up the volume on the radio.
The party went far into the morning but eventually everyone hit the rack and slept in late. Meanwhile Voldemort was having another meeting, and he was not a happy camper.
He hissed out, "Why do I feel that you are not working hard enough? It has been well over a month and still we know nothing. Severous why have you not found out anything?"
Snape stepped forward. " I am sorry my lord, but the only thing I know is that Potter and Dumbledore are attempting to figure out what it is you are searching for. They have discovered, by means of Potter's scar, that you are looking for something that resides in Hogwarts. Fortunately though they do not know what."
"Very well Severous, you have done well, bring me Fudge."
"Yes my lord."
Snape disappeared out the door and brought back another black hooded figure who knelt down.
"Now Cornelius, you remember what happened the last time you failed me."
"Yes, my lord."
"Good I have a mission. My gut tells me that Potter knows where the torch is and I must find it. Therefore, since you are also an illegal Animagus like the fool Wormtail, I want you along with Dolores to follow him in school as another pet. I only want one of you to actually stay with him. Fudge, you can do that. Dolores will follow the others. If you find it, report back immediately. NOW GO!!"
"Yes my Lord," and he disapparated.
Fudge apparated on the outskirts of Hogsmeade and transformed into a snake. He slithered to Hogwarts and slithered inside. He knew that Harry had potions and it would be easier to hide in the dungeons than try to get inside the Gryffindor tower. So he slithered down to rest and wait. Meanwhile, Umbridge had also apparated to Hogsmeade and transformed into a brown toad. She hopped to Hogwarts and waited outside the Gryffindor tower.
Harry slept on, dreaming about Quidditch, with no clue that two death eaters were now inside the castle. However, it was too soon that he awoke and found himself at breakfast seated between Ron and Hermione.
"What class do we have first?" Ron asked.
"For goodness sake Ron, we have been going to school for over a month, why don't you learn the schedule." Hermione started.
"We have DADA." Harry interrupted.
"Thanks Harry." Ron replied while Hermione scowled at him and Sky chuckled to herself.
The four got up and went to DADA where Lupin was waiting. The class started and Lupin took roll.
"Okay, last time we were studying the Patronus spell and I must admit you have all done wonderfully. So today, we will have a bit of a duel using only the spells we have learned. Now I want you to partner up. Oh, Harry you are with me. We will go first."
"Great," Harry muttered to himself. Everyone began teaming up. Ron vs. Dean, Hermione vs. Sky, Malfoy vs. Crabbe.
"Okay then, Harry and I will duel first, then the pairs will go separately. You may only use the stunner spell, your shield and the disarming spell. I know this is not much but it will give us an idea of how your shield holds up against stunners. Also how you move around defensively and offensively. When the shield breaks, use Expelliarmus to get your opponents wand. So without further ado, Mr. Potter, with me please. The rest of you back up to the walls."
Everyone walked to the walls and stood. They had all seen Harry duel before but now he was going to duel against Lupin. The door creaked open and everyone turned to see Dumbledore come inside.
"Ah, Professor Dumbledore, I see you received my message."
"Indeed I did, Professor Lupin."
"So would you like to?"
"I think that I would. Shall we begin?"
"Begin what?" Harry asked.
"Well Harry, I feel that I would not be a very good match. We have seen you duel and I thought that perhaps between myself and Professor Dumbledore we can get you to actually use your shield."
Harry gulped at this prospect. While the class looked excited, as they had yet to see his shield. His friends had asked but he always refused to use the spell.
"Very well, shall we begin?" he asked.
"Yes on the count of three. One..two..three."
In a flash Harry shot a stunner at Lupin who dodged it and shot one back at him. Harry moved and, in anticipation of Dumbledore, shot another stunner at him. A black shield erupted around Dumbledore and absorbed the spell. Then Dumbledore shot two stunners at once and Harry jumped away from them but unfortunately Lupin shot two of his own and Harry could only dodge one. What happened next stunned everyone, including Dumbledore. Harry had to cast the shield spell and it engulfed the spell. The colors made everyone stop. Harry, seeing this, cast Expellarimus twice and caught both Dumbledore and Lupin's wand then lowered his shield and waited. Hermione was the first to utter words.
"Umm, Professors, what was that?"
"I don't know." Lupin stuttered out.
"I wonder Harry, if we can see that again." Dumbledore asked.
Harry sighed but reluctantly complied. He cast the spell and the shield came up. The colors were almost instantaneous and the class gave a loud gasp. They were muttering amongst themselves until Malfoy had a snide comment.
"What Potter, can't pick a color? Or are you too weak of a wizard to have one?"
"On the contrary there Mr. Malfoy, young Mr. Potter has the most powerful shield in existence," Dumbledore shot out.
"But sir, I thought that Black was the strongest shield?" Hermione questioned.
"Indeed it is believed to be so, but that is only because there has only been one person in existence to have those colors."
"And who was that?"
"Merlin. However, he did not have gold in it like Harry does. So I do not know if his is stronger or not."
"Sir, may I drop it now?" Harry asked.
"In one minute, I want to write the colors down. Let's see, red, blue, green, gold, black, silver, and white. Okay Harry, thank you, I can do some research and find out exactly what your shield can withstand."
"Okay class dismissed." Lupin said. "Next class we will continue."
Everyone walked out talking amongst themselves about the duel and the fact that Harry actually beat Dumbledore and Lupin in a duel. Malfoy walked out flanked by Crabbe and Goyle thinking, "The Dark Lord will reward me greatly for this new information."
A/N: So what did you think? Good? Well I have good news and bad news. I always want the bad news first, so I more than likely will not be updating for about a month as Trig is killing me. So when the class is over I will be free. Now the good news, I am almost done with chapter 20 and I have come to the conclusion that this story will be over in about 4 to 5 more chapters. Probably only 4 more. That may sound like a short story, but it is a build up for year seven, which I will write if I feel that people want to read it. Okay on to thanks for reviews from chapters 17 and 18.
Chapter 17
AthenaKitty: Can't say yet about fudge and the Malfoy's. Sorry but the bouncing ferret is done for this story, possibly in the next one. No one is going through the veil.
Final Hearts: It has been some time since the email and I have forgotten what it said, but glad you liked it.
Nasser Himura: Yeah they got off, but for how long???? Ah glad you like Sky, sorry you don't like Ron, but it looks like it will be those two in the end. Maybe???
Fallen Angel of Hell: Yep would not want to be Malfoy. Thanks
Wytil: Now that is a good idea, hmmm. Thanks
The Mystical Elf: Yes the duel was short, but then where would be the fun if Malfoy was automatically as strong as Harry? There will be a rematch, so stay tuned. Glad you liked it.
Swordmaster Mage: Glad you liked the duel, yes the law is back and Harry is legally an adult.
Anarual: Sure no problem, glad you like it.
Sillypaulie: Thanks glad you like it.
Smellycat-190: Thank you, sorry my grammar is not to good but my mom is helping me on chapter 19.
Samantha: There will be a few Slytherins as you already know, as for Malfoy see chapter 18. Azkaban, well we will have to see.
Crazley: I already addressed you and you know where I stand.
Kordolin: Thanks glad you liked it.
Izzy: I to already addressed you, but I still love reading your review. I appreciate it a lot. So even if you are the only one who reads it I will write a year 7.
CastusAlbusCor: Thanks for clearing that up for me. Glad you liked it.
Alanpatty07: Hey don't worry, just glad you enjoyed it. Sorry there was no dramatic end to the duel, but there will be a rematch so stay tuned.
Tansy1354: Thanks, glad you liked it.
TuxedoMac: A lot of people are angry that Malfoy got off, but don't worry he will get his. Glad you liked the duel and such.
Abdulatif: Thanks glad you liked it.
Rhyllen: Hey just glad you did, thanks for the compliments.
Mjk306: Thanks glad you liked it.
Gohan00: Thanks
Mikee: Ha you like Snape? I can't stand him, but that is the joy of Harry Potter. Glad you liked the chapter.
Chapter 18
Sambow24: Thanks glad you liked it.
AthenaKitty: What do you mean but Harry learning tact? Malfoy is fine, the potion is Wolfsbane, what Lupin uses for his transformation. No there will not be some sense, his scar maybe but only when Voldemort is around.
The Mystical Elf: Thanks glad you like it.
Nasser Himura: Thanks glad you like it, well now you know what is shield looks like.
CastusAlbusCor: Thanks glad you like it.
Fallen Angel of Hell: Thank you for telling me what a Mary Sue character is, I am glad that you like it.
Tuxedo Mac: Glad you liked it, thanks for the crazy flame J anyway, thanks for Fallen Angel of Hell I have found out what a Mary Sue is. It is an original female character that plays big roles.
Rhyllen: I am very glad that some people got my humor, and found it funny. Thanks.
Gaul1: Thanks, glad you liked it.
Mjk306: Thanks glad you like it.
Kordolin: Thanks here is the next one.
Andrea10: Indeed he was, glad you liked it.
The-gray-lord-of-disorder: I have been waiting for you to come along and say something. Well actually anyone. What I was going for was the original characters that would transform through the years and at the end, become what they once where. As for the ones you have not seen, it does not mean that Harry created them all. J I will leave it at that, but there is a reason why Ifrit has not been mentioned. Thanks for your review, looking forward to more.
Doughgurl2008: Hey we love questions, so lay them on me. Glad you like the story.
MioneGranger-is-life: Thanks glad you like it.
Kordolin: Alright I get the point, I will try and update faster.
Shinji-Higurashi: Thanks for letting me know that this is one of your 10 best. I appreciate that.
ArcAngel-O-Death: Thanks will do. Glad you liked it.
Thats all for know, as always please Review, and until next time.
Lord Of Darkness13