Of Powers and Quidditch

"Welcome to Swords and Archery, I am Professor Potter," James told Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Jamie, and Daniel, the only people in the class, "But please call me James, I know you six to well for formalities."

There was a wildly enthusiastic applause, rebounding off the walls and shaking the tables.

"Swords consists of fighting with knives, daggers, sabers and swords." James continued after the six teens quieted, "And Archery includes bow and arrow, spears, and lances. That is why we need to meet on the grounds from now on, so pack up your stuff and meet me there in ten minutes."

"That was an okay lesson, but I wish I were a better shot," Hermione complained, as she and Ron walked to lunch.

" 'Mione, 'Mione, 'Mione," Ron shook his head, "Your the best shot of all of us, and it was the first day too!"

"Humph," Hermione snorted but her eyes sparkled at the compliment.

They entered the Great Hall. They sat down at the Gryffindor table and ate in silence, their eyes locked together.

Their serenity was suddenly broken by, who else, but Malfoy, "Why, if it isn't Weasel and the mudblood. Enjoying your new title Granger? No matter what titles Fate gives you, you'll always be a mudblood, daughter of lowly, stinking, Muggle dentists."

Ron's wand flashed sparks as it suddenly appeared in his hand, but his anger was no where near the intensity of Hermione's. "Don't you dare insult my parents, Malfoy!" she screamed, throwing up her hand, such power coursing through her veins that she fell backwards after releasing all the magic she could muster, which is quite a lot.

When the dust cleared Malfoy had landed, unconscious, right in front of Hagrid. "Fifty points from Gryffindor, Hermione. One of yeh carry that'n up to the Hospital Wing," he said, gesturing at Crabbe and Goyle.

Hagrid walked over to Hermione and whispered in her ear, "Twenty-five points to Gryffindor for standing up to 'im, twenty-five for that great wandless magic, and fifty for not blowing up at me like that."

Hermione smiled and thanked him profusely. Suddenly the rest of her friends burst through the doors, demanding an explanation, having seen the points change in the giant hour-glass that rested inside of the library. They listened with rapt attention (with much laughing and clapping) and congratulated Hermione on finally putting Malfoy in his place. As the Great Hall filled up, Hermione related her story many times until everyone finally let her finish her lunch. Then the Six headed off to their Charms class, but when they got their they were turned aside by Professor Flitwick saying, "You're professors, all of you! You're dismissed from my class, so long as you do well on the exams, or you're back in here, next year!"

There was a loud chorus of, "Thank you, Professor!" and the teens quickly left to enjoy an extra free period.

This happened until the only classes the Six had to take were Potions, Healing, and Swords and Archery, which was immediately split into two different classes at Dumbledore's request.

"D'you get the feeling they are just clearing our schedule for more difficult classes?" Ron had asked them a week later while they were out by the lake.

"Probably," came the answer from everyone.

"I had expected this for Harry and I, because we are heirs, so you four might be heirs too!" Hermione had told them after Ron had asked her his questions.

"Cool," Daniel had answered, "We could have amazing powers too!"

"Wonder why the Sorting Hat is telling us our powers now," Jamie said, thoughtfully.

"Who knows, but I've got Potions homework," Ron said, "Harry I need your help in the library." Ron dragged Harry from the lake edge up toward the castle.

"Hogsmede this weekend," Ron hinted to Harry as soon as they reached the castle.

Harry blushed, "I know, I'm gonna ask her when I give her the birthday present I got for her."

"What'd you get her?"

Harry blushed even harder, and muttered something quietly.

"What'd you say?" Ron asked, mockingly.

"Nimbus two thousand and thirty, is what I said."

Harry walked up to the beautiful red head that was standing inside the Great Hall, "Uh, Ginny?"

"Yes, Harry?" Ginny asked turning to face him.

"Happy Birthday!" Harry said holding up the wrapped broom

"Oh, Harry," Ginny exclaimed when she opened the package, "I've wanted this since it came out!"

"You're welcome, Ginny," Harry said taking a deep breath, "D'youwanttogotoHogsmedewithme?" Harry asked Ginny so fast that it came out run together.

"What?"

It was several moments before Harry got his voice under control, "I said, d'you want to go to Hogsmede with me?"

"As a friend?" Ginny asked looking him in the eyes.

"No… more as a date." Harry answered looking down at the floor and blushed.

"Oh, Harry! I'd love to!"

"Really?"

"No Harry," Ginny answered, sarcastically, "I just said that to annoy all my brothers. Of course I'd love to, you dunce."

If it had been possible Harry would have blushed harder.

Ginny turned as if to go then suddenly spun around and kissed Harry on the cheek, "Thanks for the broom!" Ginny said cheerfully and walked out of the hall toward the dormitories.

Harry touched his cheek, "Wow," he breathed.

Ron caught up with Harry on a staircase, "Who's been kissing you?"

Harry looked at him, deep in thought, and muttered, "Your sister," then continued up the stairs.

"So I'm assuming you have a date."

"Yep."

The next day Harry held Quidditch try outs and, much to the surprise of everyone, the knot of people to try out was about twenty people, a lot less than what they had expected.

"Great job, Hermione!" Ron had told her. For some reason he seemed truly happy at the low number of try outs.

"What'd I do?" Hermione had asked him, confused.

"Your little "power display" kept all the bad players away. These people are everyone that is serious about playing Quidditch." Ron had explained.

"Sh…Harry's about to talk."

"As you all know the only positions open for the Gryffindor Team are two Beaters and one Chaser," Harry announced to the mob, "All Chasers go to the South end of the field, and all Beaters come with me to the North end.

Twenty try outs took to the air and headed for their appropriate ends. Harry's attention was caught by a certain red head on a certain broom, who waved and blew a kiss.

"Okay, I've put a boundary around this side of the pitch to keep the Bludger here, let's see who can protect me the longest."

Needless to say, Hermione was the best, and surprisingly, Neville finished in second.