Chapter 17: Pitch and Toss
The next morning Harry woke well before Ron. Deciding not to wait for him, Harry got dressed and went down to breakfast. Hermione was already at the Gryffindor table, Neville next to her, asking for help on his transfiguration homework.
"No, Neville. Professor McGonagall would be able to tell if I helped you. It's in your text book, just look it up. Page ninety-seven." Hermione said, not looking up from her homework. She grabbed a piece of bacon and munched absently while finishing the final line on her parchment.
"Morning, Harry." greeted Dean, grabbing a roll from a plate near Neville's elbow. Came in rather late last night, didn't you?
"Yeah. Snape kept me late in detention." Harry said as way of explanation. Hermione looked up and gave a small nod.
"Are you excited about quidditch practice tonight, Harry?" asked Ginny, coming up behind Harry to join Dean at the table.
Hermione looked sharply at him. "I didn't know your ban had been lifted.
Harry shook his head, "Apparently it has been. We've got practice tonight. You're still on the team them, Ginny?" he asked, joining everyone at the table.
"Yeah. Angelina said she wants to try a few of us in different positions and possibliy have back-ups for a few positions. I'll be glad to have you back as seeker." Ginny said around a mouthful of eggs.
Ron joined them at the table a few moments later, just as the morning mail was arriving. He sat down, looking rather rumpled, and mumbled a hello to both Harry and Hermione. Harry noticed Hegwid sailing in from the rafters, two envelopes clutched in her talons. She deftly dropped them beside his plate, then landed herself on Harry's shoulder. Knowing she was looking for a handout, Harry grabbed two pieces of bacon from his plate and gave them to her. She gave a small hoot and took off, bacon dangling from her beak.
Harry turned the envelopes over. The first had Hagrid's untidy scrawl. The second looked to be from Remus. Harry was just about to open the first one, when Hermione shot out her hand and grabbed Harry's arm.
"Harry-the Wizengamot is going to hear the case for clearing Sirius' name!" she exclaimed, holding up the front page of the Daily Prophet.
Everyone around them went silent. Harry stared at Ron and Hermione. Ginny and Neville stared at Harry. Dean looked rather lost about the whole thing. Hermione broke the silence.
"But this is wonderful!" she cried, "We'll be able to clear Sirius' name. Everyone will know he wasn't a Death Eater."
Harry sat there, still stunned. Neville spoke next. "Do you think you'll be called to testify, Harry?
"Dunno." Harry mumbled. The whole thing was bothering him, though he wasn't exactly sure why. The rest of breakfast went by in a blur. Around the great hall, other students were reading the front page of the Daily Prophet. Most were expressing opinions of outrage. Harry found he couldn't summon the energy to be angry with them. After all, the last they knew was that Sirius had been trying to break in to Hogwarts to kill him, Harry.
He follow everyone out of the hall only after Ron and Ginny had tugged him out of his seat. He was deep in thought. He thought about what Remus had mentioned to him at headquarters during the summer, about certain things having to go to relatives. He wondered about the Order, what their reaction was.
Remus! Harry thought suddenly. That's probably what the letter is about. Hastily pulling the envelope from his bag, he stopped halfway ripping it open, when he realized Snape was standing over him, a nasty sneer on his lips.
Somehow, Hermione had managed to pull into his seat in potions without Harry being aware of it. Harry gulped. The entire class was staring at him. Sheepishly, he shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry." he mumbled. He was about to thrust the envelope back in his back, when Snape's voice stopped him.
"Ah, ah, Potter. Concealing a love letter? Tut, tut. Here, hand it to me." Snape cleared his throat, getting ready to read. Harry tried to signal to him not to start reading the letter, not knowing what Remus would have put in, but Snape ignored him.
"Harry," Snape began, "my dearest. I know it has been ages since we were last able to meet alone." Snape paused and raised one eyebrow. "I must see you again. Please write back when we could meet, my darling." The Slytherins were snickering. Harry looked wildly at Hermione, who didn't seem to understand.
Snape continued. "Yes, please say we can meet, sweet Harry. I await your answer." Snape folded the paper and ran two fingers along the fold. "Well, Mister Potter, it is indeed pleasant to see your fan club has only continued to grow. One more night's detention and a visit to the Headmaster should be adequate. Get moving, Potter.
Harry glared at Snape, but took the proffered piece of paper as he trounced out of the dungeons. Snape was worse than ever, Harry fumed on his way to Dumbledore's office.
The griffen opened for him automatically. He was still fuming when he heard the headmaster call him in. Harry grumpily sat down in the chair facing Dumbledore's desk and glared defiantly at the old wizard sitting behind it.
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled merrily. "Well, Harry. I admit I was not expecting you until this afternoon. But, perhaps it is for the best. I'm afraid I've been called away by the Wizengamot for the afternoon.
Harry's eyes flashed at this comment, but he did not say anything.
Dumbledore continued. "Now, what are you doing here? If my memory serves me properly, you should be sitting in the dungeons right now.
"Snape stole my letter and read it out loud for everyone and then accused me of receiving fan mail." Harry spat out.
"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore chided.
Harry didn't correct himself.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, but continued on, "Why would a letter cause so many problems for Professsor Snape? May I see the letter?
Harry fished the letter out from his back pocket and handed it to the headmaster. Dumbledore unfolded it and looked at it for a few seconds. "Ah." he said finally. "This is Remus' script, I believe?"
Harry nodded. Dumbledore tapped it once and handed it back to Harry. "Remus has cast a simple disillusionment spell on the content. When I first looked at it, it gave me a recipe for a lemon-scented hair shampoo. I believe, were you to take a look at it, Harry, you would find the words from Remus clearly in tact.
"So, what Snape read wasn't really there?" Harry asked, taking the parchment back from Dumbledore.
"No, no." he chuckled. "It was there, but only to Professor Snape. To you, dear boy, the true letter will reveal itself. I ask for a few more moments of you time, Harry, before I release you back to potions.
Harry shifted in his seat. He'd been thinking about what to tell Dumbledore and what not to tell him since he'd left the hospital wing last night. He still didn't want to say any more about the hallway.
"Now, Harry," began Dumbledore warmly, "last night you mentioned a hallway. Have you seen this hallway before?
Harry bit on his lip nervously and began talking, "I, I think I somehow must've had a dream or something. Or maybe it was a bad reaction to one of Professor Snape's memories. I've been improving."
"Yes, so Professor Snape informed me. I must say I'm quite pleased to hear that. However, Harry, I do not think this hallway was from Professor Snape's memory. Are you able to describe it to me?" Dumbledore said.
"Erm.." Harry stalled. "It was musty and dark, like the dungeons. And there wasn't much light. Actually, I think, picturing it now, it probably was the dungeons.
Dumbledore peered over his spectacles at Harry, throughtful, but said nothing. "Very well, then. You may return to class, Harry. And please let Professor Snape know your detention will be served with Hagrid.
"Sir?" Harry asked.
"My dear boy," said, Dumbledore, walking Harry to the door, "You have already seen enough of the dungeons, I feel, for the first week of classes. Getting out of doors would do you some good. Tonight, as I understand it, you have quidditch practice. That is excellent. Tomorrow night, you will serve detention with Hagrid.
Harry thanked Dumbledore and left his office. He made his way back slowly to the dungeons. As he stepped back inside the classroom, Snape noticed him, but, as he was in the middle of debating a potion with Hermione, didn't say anything.
Malfoy, on the other hand, was sitting near the door, "So, Potty, this just doesn't seem to be your year. What is that-your fourth detention so far? Tsk, tsk, Potter. And you don't even have quidditch to get you out this year. Pity.
Harry felt a smarmy smile creep on to his face. "I do so have quidditch, Malfoy. Seems when Umbridge went mad, the Ministry realized she'd been a bit hasty in some of her decrees. I'll see you out on the pitch." Harry said, turning towards the empty spot next to Hermione.
Snape had, by this time, taken five points from Hermione for correctly naming an alternate, more advanced version of the potion they were brewing, saying that she must be neglecting her current studies to have had time to read so far ahead in the text. Hermione had her head down, muttering furiously under her breath.
"Mister Potter," Snape said smoothly. "I trust your visit with the headmaster was satisfaactory?
"Oh yes, sir. I'm to serve detention tomorrow night with Hagrid. Thank you, sir." Harry added cheerfully, pulling out his cauldron and getting to work. The rest of the day passed by slowly by Harry's standards. Herbology was simple, Professor Sprout just having them plant Jeepers Creepers seedlings, being careful not to talk to loudly around the small plants in order not to scare them.
By the time dinner came around, the whole Gryffindor table was abuzz with the news that Harry would be allowed to fly again.
"Great, Harry!" congratulated Seamus, taking a seat next to Neville. "We'll smash Slythering for certain.
"Yeah, get them back for all the taunting last year," said Lee Jordan, taking a seat at Harry's right elbow. "McGonagall's agreed to let me take on an apprentice, seeing as this is my last year to announce." he informed them all.
"Who, Lee?" Ron asked.
"Hiya, Harry!" came Colin Creevey's voice from behind. Lee stood up, proudly putting an arm around Colin.
"Meet next year's quidditch announcer, ladies and gentlemen!" Lee announced dramatically. There were a few giggles and laughs before everyone realized Lee was serious. Everyone mumbled congratulations to Colin and went back to eating. Lee pulled Colin down a few seats and the two of them got to work in earnest.
Soon enough, it was time to head out to the pitch. Snape hadn't set a time for Harry's latest detention, given last night, so Harry didn't worry about incurring his wrath. Not much could bother him right now. It had been so long since he had last been on his Firebolt he was practically jumping with excitement.
He, Ron and Ginny trudged down to the pitch, the weather clear. Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet were already down on the field when they arrived. "Harry!" they exclaimed in unison.
"It is true, Ron wasn't lying." Angelina said with approval, giving Ron a happy look. Ron shrugged his shoulders and mounted his broom. Angelina gave whistle and had everyone in the air.
"All right, team, now, because of the personnel changes since last year, we need to shuffle things around. Harry, you're back to being Seeker. Ron, you proved yourself as Keeper." Ron turned bright pink, "and Katie, Alicia, and I will stay on a Chasers. I'd like to try out the rest of you as Beaters, and, possibly back-up Chasers. On my mark, we'll run a few tests. All right? Go." Angelina told them.
Harry immediately pulled the Firebolt up. It soared quickly around the pitch three or four times, before Harry realized he should probably pay attention to what was going on below. Below, the three seventh years had released the bludgers and were tossing the quaffle back and forth, testing the others for their prowness with the bats. Ginny was doing a fair job, Harry noticed. After a few more minutes, they switched, and Angelina, Alicia, and Katie took turns hitting the bludgers as the others tried to pass the quaffle and score on Ron.
Ron was doing a magnificent job of blocking the three goals. Ginny almost had him beat at one point, but Ron somehow managed to stop the quaffle inches before it dropped through the hoop. They continued on like this, switching off every few minutes for about an hour. During this, Harry kept zooming around the pitch. Angelina hadn't realeased the snitch this evening, telling Harry to simply get used to being back on a broom.
Harry was taking full advantage of her orders. The wind was flying through his hair. He felt great. He soared higher and higher, until he could just barely see the pitch below. Flying lower again, as the sunlight died away, Harry thought he spied someone sitting in the top of the bleachers.
Sirius? Harry thought, his throat suddenly tight. He thought back to when Sirius had come to watch him during Harry's third year. Shaking, Harry dove lower, trying make out the figure in the stands. Coming closer, Harry realized it wasn't Sirius. A smile broke out on his face. It was Remus.
Remus returned the smile. "What are you doing here, Remus?" Harry asked, landing roughly in the stands.
"Didn't you get my owl? " Remus asked, standing up to greet Harry. There was a an awkward moment where Harry didn't know it he should give Remus a hug or shake hands. They settled on grasping one anothers arms.
"Oh, yeah, I did, but I never got a chance to read it. Snape confiscated it first period, and then I got distracted." Harry told him. Remus motioned to the stairs. The two of them descended to ground-level. Harry told about the fan letter Snape had read.
Remus chuckled. "I am sorry for that, Harry. Though, I suppose Severus' face would have been a sight to see, thinking you were getting fan mail.
The rest of the Gryffindors were landing as Harry and Remus approached the centre of the pitch. Ron and Ginny came over immediately to Remus. The others hung back. Angelina stowed the bludgers and quaffle in the bin and came walking over.
"Professor Lupin." she greeted, including her head. "What are you doing here?
"I've come to see the headmaster, but I thought I'd see how my old house was shaping up for a new year of quidditch. I must say I'm rather impressed at the depth of talent you have here." Remus said.
Angelina beamed. "Thank you, sir. I have high hopes this year. We won the cup last year you know, against all odds, Harry here being banned and all. We'll be top of our game, that's for certain.
Remus nodded. The others felt uncomfortable with the praise, their heads down. Ginny turned to Remus as they began walking towards the castle. "Why are you here to see the headmaster, Moony?
Harry smiled as he saw Remus look up at the nickname. "I'm not quite sure. I know Dumbledore had a meeting today with the Wizengamot about Sirius' innocence. I assume it has something to do with that. I suppose, on some level, I'm a witness.
"So's Snape," Ron pointed out, "if you're talking about the Shrieking Shack and Pettigrew.
"Yes, a werewolf and a former Death Eater. Not very inspriing, I'm afraid," commencted Remus dryly. "Hopefully, with you, Hermione and Harry, coupled with Severus and myself, we'll be able to convince someone.
"Is the Ministry accepting that Sirius is de..behind the veil?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Remus answered truthfully. "Hopefully Dumbledore will be able to explain it to me. Ah, Headmaster." he said, looking up.
They had reached the main doors of Hogwarts, where Dumbledore was waiting, outlined by the yellow light from the Main Hall. "Good to see you, Remus. Children, I'm afraid I must steal him away from you. I trust you had a fulfilling practice? Good, good" he said, as they all nodded their heads, "Then may you finish your assignments this evening with plenty of time to spare. Good night."
The next morning Harry woke well before Ron. Deciding not to wait for him, Harry got dressed and went down to breakfast. Hermione was already at the Gryffindor table, Neville next to her, asking for help on his transfiguration homework.
"No, Neville. Professor McGonagall would be able to tell if I helped you. It's in your text book, just look it up. Page ninety-seven." Hermione said, not looking up from her homework. She grabbed a piece of bacon and munched absently while finishing the final line on her parchment.
"Morning, Harry." greeted Dean, grabbing a roll from a plate near Neville's elbow. Came in rather late last night, didn't you?
"Yeah. Snape kept me late in detention." Harry said as way of explanation. Hermione looked up and gave a small nod.
"Are you excited about quidditch practice tonight, Harry?" asked Ginny, coming up behind Harry to join Dean at the table.
Hermione looked sharply at him. "I didn't know your ban had been lifted.
Harry shook his head, "Apparently it has been. We've got practice tonight. You're still on the team them, Ginny?" he asked, joining everyone at the table.
"Yeah. Angelina said she wants to try a few of us in different positions and possibliy have back-ups for a few positions. I'll be glad to have you back as seeker." Ginny said around a mouthful of eggs.
Ron joined them at the table a few moments later, just as the morning mail was arriving. He sat down, looking rather rumpled, and mumbled a hello to both Harry and Hermione. Harry noticed Hegwid sailing in from the rafters, two envelopes clutched in her talons. She deftly dropped them beside his plate, then landed herself on Harry's shoulder. Knowing she was looking for a handout, Harry grabbed two pieces of bacon from his plate and gave them to her. She gave a small hoot and took off, bacon dangling from her beak.
Harry turned the envelopes over. The first had Hagrid's untidy scrawl. The second looked to be from Remus. Harry was just about to open the first one, when Hermione shot out her hand and grabbed Harry's arm.
"Harry-the Wizengamot is going to hear the case for clearing Sirius' name!" she exclaimed, holding up the front page of the Daily Prophet.
Everyone around them went silent. Harry stared at Ron and Hermione. Ginny and Neville stared at Harry. Dean looked rather lost about the whole thing. Hermione broke the silence.
"But this is wonderful!" she cried, "We'll be able to clear Sirius' name. Everyone will know he wasn't a Death Eater."
Harry sat there, still stunned. Neville spoke next. "Do you think you'll be called to testify, Harry?
"Dunno." Harry mumbled. The whole thing was bothering him, though he wasn't exactly sure why. The rest of breakfast went by in a blur. Around the great hall, other students were reading the front page of the Daily Prophet. Most were expressing opinions of outrage. Harry found he couldn't summon the energy to be angry with them. After all, the last they knew was that Sirius had been trying to break in to Hogwarts to kill him, Harry.
He follow everyone out of the hall only after Ron and Ginny had tugged him out of his seat. He was deep in thought. He thought about what Remus had mentioned to him at headquarters during the summer, about certain things having to go to relatives. He wondered about the Order, what their reaction was.
Remus! Harry thought suddenly. That's probably what the letter is about. Hastily pulling the envelope from his bag, he stopped halfway ripping it open, when he realized Snape was standing over him, a nasty sneer on his lips.
Somehow, Hermione had managed to pull into his seat in potions without Harry being aware of it. Harry gulped. The entire class was staring at him. Sheepishly, he shrugged his shoulders, "Sorry." he mumbled. He was about to thrust the envelope back in his back, when Snape's voice stopped him.
"Ah, ah, Potter. Concealing a love letter? Tut, tut. Here, hand it to me." Snape cleared his throat, getting ready to read. Harry tried to signal to him not to start reading the letter, not knowing what Remus would have put in, but Snape ignored him.
"Harry," Snape began, "my dearest. I know it has been ages since we were last able to meet alone." Snape paused and raised one eyebrow. "I must see you again. Please write back when we could meet, my darling." The Slytherins were snickering. Harry looked wildly at Hermione, who didn't seem to understand.
Snape continued. "Yes, please say we can meet, sweet Harry. I await your answer." Snape folded the paper and ran two fingers along the fold. "Well, Mister Potter, it is indeed pleasant to see your fan club has only continued to grow. One more night's detention and a visit to the Headmaster should be adequate. Get moving, Potter.
Harry glared at Snape, but took the proffered piece of paper as he trounced out of the dungeons. Snape was worse than ever, Harry fumed on his way to Dumbledore's office.
The griffen opened for him automatically. He was still fuming when he heard the headmaster call him in. Harry grumpily sat down in the chair facing Dumbledore's desk and glared defiantly at the old wizard sitting behind it.
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled merrily. "Well, Harry. I admit I was not expecting you until this afternoon. But, perhaps it is for the best. I'm afraid I've been called away by the Wizengamot for the afternoon.
Harry's eyes flashed at this comment, but he did not say anything.
Dumbledore continued. "Now, what are you doing here? If my memory serves me properly, you should be sitting in the dungeons right now.
"Snape stole my letter and read it out loud for everyone and then accused me of receiving fan mail." Harry spat out.
"Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore chided.
Harry didn't correct himself.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, but continued on, "Why would a letter cause so many problems for Professsor Snape? May I see the letter?
Harry fished the letter out from his back pocket and handed it to the headmaster. Dumbledore unfolded it and looked at it for a few seconds. "Ah." he said finally. "This is Remus' script, I believe?"
Harry nodded. Dumbledore tapped it once and handed it back to Harry. "Remus has cast a simple disillusionment spell on the content. When I first looked at it, it gave me a recipe for a lemon-scented hair shampoo. I believe, were you to take a look at it, Harry, you would find the words from Remus clearly in tact.
"So, what Snape read wasn't really there?" Harry asked, taking the parchment back from Dumbledore.
"No, no." he chuckled. "It was there, but only to Professor Snape. To you, dear boy, the true letter will reveal itself. I ask for a few more moments of you time, Harry, before I release you back to potions.
Harry shifted in his seat. He'd been thinking about what to tell Dumbledore and what not to tell him since he'd left the hospital wing last night. He still didn't want to say any more about the hallway.
"Now, Harry," began Dumbledore warmly, "last night you mentioned a hallway. Have you seen this hallway before?
Harry bit on his lip nervously and began talking, "I, I think I somehow must've had a dream or something. Or maybe it was a bad reaction to one of Professor Snape's memories. I've been improving."
"Yes, so Professor Snape informed me. I must say I'm quite pleased to hear that. However, Harry, I do not think this hallway was from Professor Snape's memory. Are you able to describe it to me?" Dumbledore said.
"Erm.." Harry stalled. "It was musty and dark, like the dungeons. And there wasn't much light. Actually, I think, picturing it now, it probably was the dungeons.
Dumbledore peered over his spectacles at Harry, throughtful, but said nothing. "Very well, then. You may return to class, Harry. And please let Professor Snape know your detention will be served with Hagrid.
"Sir?" Harry asked.
"My dear boy," said, Dumbledore, walking Harry to the door, "You have already seen enough of the dungeons, I feel, for the first week of classes. Getting out of doors would do you some good. Tonight, as I understand it, you have quidditch practice. That is excellent. Tomorrow night, you will serve detention with Hagrid.
Harry thanked Dumbledore and left his office. He made his way back slowly to the dungeons. As he stepped back inside the classroom, Snape noticed him, but, as he was in the middle of debating a potion with Hermione, didn't say anything.
Malfoy, on the other hand, was sitting near the door, "So, Potty, this just doesn't seem to be your year. What is that-your fourth detention so far? Tsk, tsk, Potter. And you don't even have quidditch to get you out this year. Pity.
Harry felt a smarmy smile creep on to his face. "I do so have quidditch, Malfoy. Seems when Umbridge went mad, the Ministry realized she'd been a bit hasty in some of her decrees. I'll see you out on the pitch." Harry said, turning towards the empty spot next to Hermione.
Snape had, by this time, taken five points from Hermione for correctly naming an alternate, more advanced version of the potion they were brewing, saying that she must be neglecting her current studies to have had time to read so far ahead in the text. Hermione had her head down, muttering furiously under her breath.
"Mister Potter," Snape said smoothly. "I trust your visit with the headmaster was satisfaactory?
"Oh yes, sir. I'm to serve detention tomorrow night with Hagrid. Thank you, sir." Harry added cheerfully, pulling out his cauldron and getting to work. The rest of the day passed by slowly by Harry's standards. Herbology was simple, Professor Sprout just having them plant Jeepers Creepers seedlings, being careful not to talk to loudly around the small plants in order not to scare them.
By the time dinner came around, the whole Gryffindor table was abuzz with the news that Harry would be allowed to fly again.
"Great, Harry!" congratulated Seamus, taking a seat next to Neville. "We'll smash Slythering for certain.
"Yeah, get them back for all the taunting last year," said Lee Jordan, taking a seat at Harry's right elbow. "McGonagall's agreed to let me take on an apprentice, seeing as this is my last year to announce." he informed them all.
"Who, Lee?" Ron asked.
"Hiya, Harry!" came Colin Creevey's voice from behind. Lee stood up, proudly putting an arm around Colin.
"Meet next year's quidditch announcer, ladies and gentlemen!" Lee announced dramatically. There were a few giggles and laughs before everyone realized Lee was serious. Everyone mumbled congratulations to Colin and went back to eating. Lee pulled Colin down a few seats and the two of them got to work in earnest.
Soon enough, it was time to head out to the pitch. Snape hadn't set a time for Harry's latest detention, given last night, so Harry didn't worry about incurring his wrath. Not much could bother him right now. It had been so long since he had last been on his Firebolt he was practically jumping with excitement.
He, Ron and Ginny trudged down to the pitch, the weather clear. Angelina Johnson, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet were already down on the field when they arrived. "Harry!" they exclaimed in unison.
"It is true, Ron wasn't lying." Angelina said with approval, giving Ron a happy look. Ron shrugged his shoulders and mounted his broom. Angelina gave whistle and had everyone in the air.
"All right, team, now, because of the personnel changes since last year, we need to shuffle things around. Harry, you're back to being Seeker. Ron, you proved yourself as Keeper." Ron turned bright pink, "and Katie, Alicia, and I will stay on a Chasers. I'd like to try out the rest of you as Beaters, and, possibly back-up Chasers. On my mark, we'll run a few tests. All right? Go." Angelina told them.
Harry immediately pulled the Firebolt up. It soared quickly around the pitch three or four times, before Harry realized he should probably pay attention to what was going on below. Below, the three seventh years had released the bludgers and were tossing the quaffle back and forth, testing the others for their prowness with the bats. Ginny was doing a fair job, Harry noticed. After a few more minutes, they switched, and Angelina, Alicia, and Katie took turns hitting the bludgers as the others tried to pass the quaffle and score on Ron.
Ron was doing a magnificent job of blocking the three goals. Ginny almost had him beat at one point, but Ron somehow managed to stop the quaffle inches before it dropped through the hoop. They continued on like this, switching off every few minutes for about an hour. During this, Harry kept zooming around the pitch. Angelina hadn't realeased the snitch this evening, telling Harry to simply get used to being back on a broom.
Harry was taking full advantage of her orders. The wind was flying through his hair. He felt great. He soared higher and higher, until he could just barely see the pitch below. Flying lower again, as the sunlight died away, Harry thought he spied someone sitting in the top of the bleachers.
Sirius? Harry thought, his throat suddenly tight. He thought back to when Sirius had come to watch him during Harry's third year. Shaking, Harry dove lower, trying make out the figure in the stands. Coming closer, Harry realized it wasn't Sirius. A smile broke out on his face. It was Remus.
Remus returned the smile. "What are you doing here, Remus?" Harry asked, landing roughly in the stands.
"Didn't you get my owl? " Remus asked, standing up to greet Harry. There was a an awkward moment where Harry didn't know it he should give Remus a hug or shake hands. They settled on grasping one anothers arms.
"Oh, yeah, I did, but I never got a chance to read it. Snape confiscated it first period, and then I got distracted." Harry told him. Remus motioned to the stairs. The two of them descended to ground-level. Harry told about the fan letter Snape had read.
Remus chuckled. "I am sorry for that, Harry. Though, I suppose Severus' face would have been a sight to see, thinking you were getting fan mail.
The rest of the Gryffindors were landing as Harry and Remus approached the centre of the pitch. Ron and Ginny came over immediately to Remus. The others hung back. Angelina stowed the bludgers and quaffle in the bin and came walking over.
"Professor Lupin." she greeted, including her head. "What are you doing here?
"I've come to see the headmaster, but I thought I'd see how my old house was shaping up for a new year of quidditch. I must say I'm rather impressed at the depth of talent you have here." Remus said.
Angelina beamed. "Thank you, sir. I have high hopes this year. We won the cup last year you know, against all odds, Harry here being banned and all. We'll be top of our game, that's for certain.
Remus nodded. The others felt uncomfortable with the praise, their heads down. Ginny turned to Remus as they began walking towards the castle. "Why are you here to see the headmaster, Moony?
Harry smiled as he saw Remus look up at the nickname. "I'm not quite sure. I know Dumbledore had a meeting today with the Wizengamot about Sirius' innocence. I assume it has something to do with that. I suppose, on some level, I'm a witness.
"So's Snape," Ron pointed out, "if you're talking about the Shrieking Shack and Pettigrew.
"Yes, a werewolf and a former Death Eater. Not very inspriing, I'm afraid," commencted Remus dryly. "Hopefully, with you, Hermione and Harry, coupled with Severus and myself, we'll be able to convince someone.
"Is the Ministry accepting that Sirius is de..behind the veil?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know," Remus answered truthfully. "Hopefully Dumbledore will be able to explain it to me. Ah, Headmaster." he said, looking up.
They had reached the main doors of Hogwarts, where Dumbledore was waiting, outlined by the yellow light from the Main Hall. "Good to see you, Remus. Children, I'm afraid I must steal him away from you. I trust you had a fulfilling practice? Good, good" he said, as they all nodded their heads, "Then may you finish your assignments this evening with plenty of time to spare. Good night."