After Defense Against the Dark Arts class, Ron, Harry, and Hermione headed towards lunch, in the Great Hall.
They all took their seats, and were joined by Neville and Seamus.
"What a neat lesson!" Hermione said enthusiastically.
"I — I don't know. I didn't like having to see —You-Know-Who's picture —" Neville said.
"Me neither, Neville. Wish she hadn't assigned us that book — I'll never be able to open it without thinking about that," said Seamus.
"Harry," called George. Everyone turned around. Fred and George were standing on either side of a younger girl, who had shoulder-length brown hair, and green eyes. She wore thin glasses and had a nervous but excited look on her face. She looked familiar, but Harry couldn't remember where.
Fred said, "This is Jessica Braham. She wants to try out for Keeper. She's a Third-year this year. What do you think?"
Harry didn't understand. "About what?"
"Whether we should let her try-out or not," said George. "The whole team has to decide. I don't see why not, but we haven't asked Angelina, Alicia, or Katie."
Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell were the three Chasers for Gryffindor's Quidditch team.
Harry looked at Jessica. She seemed excited about trying out. Harry nodded. "Sure. Let's give her a chance," said Harry.
Jessica's eyes widened. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Harry Potter! I'll never forget this!" She turned, and ran out of the Great Hall. Harry gave Fred and George a puzzled expression, and they just shrugged. Then Harry remembered that Jessica was the girl who had run into him in Diagon Alley. He stared after her.
"Have you seen Angelina, Alicia, or Katie?" asked Harry.
"Not here. We saw them in class, but Jessica found us on our way here."
Harry shrugged, and turned back to the table.
"Is that the competition? A Third-year? I think I'll try-out," Ron said, brightening.
"I dunno Ron, they might not vote for you just because there'd be too many Weasleys on the team," Harry said jokingly.
"You'd vote for me, wouldn't you, Harry?"
Harry pretended to suddenly become very interested in an apple and avoided answering the question.
Harry liked Ron a lot, and Ron was a good friend. However, Harry felt that he couldn't promise that he'd vote for Ron. Not that he thought Ron was a terrible choice for the Quidditch team, but Harry couldn't favor him.
That afternoon, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had Care of Magical Creatures, with Hagrid.
They found their way after lunch, and stood, waiting for Hagrid to arrive.
They had this class with Slytherins, so Malfoy and his friends were all there.
"I wonder what the big oaf will have for us today," said Malfoy. He threw a nasty look at Harry and added, "Perhaps a nice baby dragon."
Harry squeezed his hands into fists. In Harry's first year, Hagrid had gotten a Dragon's egg, and Malfoy had found out about it.
Finally, Hagrid showed. "Good afternoon all o' yeh. Got a real treat for yeh today." He held up a birdcage. Inside was a vivid pink bird, whose body was shaped like a teardrop. "This here's a Fwooper. Its song'll make yeh go crazy if yeh listen to it too much, but I put a Silencin' Charm on it. So don' worry."
"What, gone soft, Hagrid? I thought you'd let us experience that first-hand," sneered Malfoy. A group of Slytherins laughed.
Harry threw Malfoy a nasty look. "Too bad he didn't, Malfoy. Then you might actually be as funny as you think you are," said Harry. A group of Gryffindors laughed. Malfoy scowled.
"All righ', all righ', c'mon now," Hagrid said, gaining the class' attention back. He then went on about how Fwoopers were used to make quills, and how they laid eggs with beautiful patterns.
The Fwooper just sat on its perch, glaring at the students. It seemed to resent being silenced.
"Now, I'm goin' ter take i' out, an' see what it does." Hagrid opened the cage door. The Fwooper's eyes widened, and it spread its wings and burst out of the cage. This surprised Hagrid, but luckily he was able to grab the Fwooper by the feet before it got too far.
"Hagrid! That's cruel!" Hermione cried, seeing the Fwooper struggle in his hands.
"I can' let it get away, Hermione. Blimey, it's fast," said Hagrid, struggling to place the squirming Fwooper back in its cage. He finally managed to get it in, and shut the door of the cage.
"Thank goodness you caught it so soon, I was scared it might hurt me," Malfoy said with fake admiration.
Harry tried to ignore him. Hagrid seemed able to, so Harry followed his example.
The rest of the lesson was boring, as they just took notes on Fwoopers. Hagrid went on about breeding habits, their habitats, and how owners needed licenses. When Malfoy asked if Hagrid had one, he just went red and laughed deeply before changing the subject, which Harry felt was not a good sign.
After the bell rang, Hagrid whispered to Harry, "Got a visitor comin' Friday. I thought you, Ron, an' 'Ermione migh' want te visit on Saturday."
"Who is it?" asked Harry earnestly.
But Hagrid just smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."
As they headed back up to the castle, Harry heard Malfoy say, "Too bad he caught the stupid Fwooper or whatever so soon. I'd have loved to see him running after it across school grounds." The Slytherins laughed.
"Come on, Harry," said Hermione, pulling Harry away from them. "Just ignore them, okay?"
"Yeah, they're not worth getting mad over," said Ron, although Harry noticed that Ron had the same scowl on his face that Harry did.
"I guess you're right," mumbled Harry, and followed after them.
They found their way to the Gryffindor Common room, to rest before dinner. As they came to the door, and saw the Fat Lady, they all said, "Cirdorg," and were let in.
When they came in, Harry saw Fred, George, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie all together, talking. Fred's head popped up, and said, "Hey Harry. Come on, join us!"
Harry took a seat on the floor between Fred and Angelina.
"We've just been talking about Jessica, Harry. About whether we should consider her," said Angelina.
"Well, I think we should give her a chance," said Harry, knowing that he was just repeating himself from earlier that afternoon.
"I'm not sure," said Fred. "She's only a Third-year."
"I was a First-year when I started," Harry reminded them. They all nodded, remembering that.
"Besides, if it's possible, wouldn't you want someone who will be at Hogwarts a while? I understand that Fifth- Sixth- and Seventh-years have more experience, and are perhaps better, but they won't be at Hogwarts too much longer."
"That's right, Harry. You see? I told you, Fred," said George.
"You did not! You said exactly the same thing I did!" retorted Fred, taken-aback.
"Oh, didn't I tell you? Everything I say today is the opposite of what I mean."
"So, you did agree with me? Because if you say that everything is the opposite of what you mean, does that mean that nothing you say is the opposite of what you mean?"
Harry said, "Let's just decide this. Now, I don't see why we shouldn't give Jessica a chance." Everyone else looked at Harry and nodded.
"I guess you're right Harry," said Alicia.
"Don't worry. Now, where's Jessica? I'll talk to her," said Harry.
"She's in the library," said George.
"Not anymore." Everyone turned, and Jessica was standing in front of them. "What did you decide?" Harry noticed that what Jessica had just done was a lot like what Professor Somorum had done on the train to Hogwarts.
Harry said, "We decided that we're going to let you try out. We'll have to be very demanding, but you have to understand that you will be replacing an extremely good Quidditch player. It won't be easy, but we're going to give you a shot."
Her eyes lit up. "Oh Harry! I'm so happy! Thank you… thanks everyone. I'll make sure you won't regret it, I promise!" Then she ran up the stairs to her dormitory, and they heard the door close behind her. Harry smiled, and turned to Fred, George, and the rest of the team.
"She's excited about it, clearly," Fred smiled. Everyone else nodded.
"Yeah," Harry said. Suddenly, Harry felt the eyes watching him… he quickly spun his head around. No one… Harry was starting to get nervous.
"Why don't we go and try her out Saturday?" George suggested.
"That's good," said Harry, loving the thought of getting out his Firebolt again.
"Then it's decided," said Fred. "We'll meet on Saturday." Then he and George went off to find their homework. Harry took a seat by the fireplace and stared at the fire. He did not really feel like doing homework, even though he had that summary to do for Defense Against the Dark Arts. He finally decided that it was for the best that he went ahead and do his homework. He got out his textbook, quill, and parchment, found a seat at the desk, and began to read chapter one. It was a basic introduction to the various physical and behavioral signs of various types of people.
After reading, Harry began to write a summary. Ron and Hermione were sitting at the table and were doing their homework as well.
At one point, Hermione broke the silence by asking, "Do you two know what your potions are going to do? I can't really decide."
Ron said, "Mine's going to be for strength."
Hermione said, rather sarcastically, "Really? Never would have guessed it." She then turned to Harry and asked, "What about you, Harry?"
Harry was silent for a moment, paused from writing, and replied, "I was thinking that it would be great to make a potion where you dab some on a piece of parchment and it does your homework for you." Ron laughed.
"Harry! I was serious," said Hermione, frowning.
"So was I," muttered Harry.
The next Saturday morning, after breakfast, Ron, Harry, and Hermione all went down to Hagrid's house. Harry knocked on the door and heard the huge boarhound, Fang, bark.
"Down, Fang!" Harry heard Hagrid shuffle around inside his house.
Then, a familiar foreign voice called, "'Oo is there, 'Argid?"
Ron, Harry, and Hermione exchanged glances. The door opened widely, and Hagrid beamed down at them. He had smoothed his wild hair and was in a semiformal suit. "Good mornin' all of yeh. Come in." He beckoned everyone in, and Ron, Harry, and Hermione quickly entered.
Sitting at Hagrid's table, with a cup of tea, was Madame Maxime, the Headmistress of Beauxbaton. She was huge, like Hagrid, and had a fair olive skin color. She had big black eyes, and her hair was tied back in a tight bun. Opals gleamed from her neck. A smile came across her face as she recognized Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
"Ah! I remember 'oo three! Especially Mr. Potter. Fleur 'as been talking of nosing but you all summer!" said Madame Maxime. Then she gave a huge laugh.
Fleur Delacor was the girl from Beauxbaton that had competed in the Triwizard Tournament the year before. She was very beautiful.
"Did she say anything about me?" asked Ron, suddenly going very red. Harry grinned. Ron had been quite taken by Fleur.
"No, I'm afraid not," said Madame Maxime. "What's your name again?"
"Ron Weasley."
Hagrid then seemed to have had enough. "All righ' you three… I think it's time fer you ter get back te the school. Olympe is goin' to be 'ere every month or so. I'll tell yeh when yeh can visit."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione all looked at one another with raised eyebrows. Madame Maxime didn't seem to notice though. She just said, "So long! I mus' bring Fleur sometime!"
As Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed out of the door, Hagrid whispered to them, "Don' be gettin' any ideas into yer heads. Olympe an' I are just figurin' how ter reach out te more o' our kind, all righ'?"
Giants were potential allies for Voldemort, and Harry guessed that Dumbledore had asked Hagrid and Madame Maxime to contact the giants to persuade them not to join Voldemort.
They nodded, and Hagrid shut the door.
Ron, Harry, and Hermione began heading back to Gryffindor tower, amused by what they had just seen.
"I can't believe it! She's coming every weekend," said Ron.
Hermione said, "Ron! You know they're strictly on business."
"Come on, Hermione. I know we're talking about Hagrid, but he likes Madame Maxime," said Ron.
That afternoon, the Quidditch team, joined by Jessica, all went to the Quidditch field.
Everyone mounted their broomsticks, and kicked off. Harry loved the feeling of being back on his Firebolt and flying. He couldn't wait until the first match.
Jessica borrowed a school broomstick. "My mum and dad told me that I have to make the team before I can get my own broomstick," she explained.
The team went through basic training with Jessica. Harry didn't do very much except watch and take mental notes. They had decided that most of the practice should be for a Keeper, as they were seeing if Jessica could handle it. Usually they set aside time to practice each position, but Harry, Fred, and George all watched for most of the practice.
Alicia, Katie, and Angelina were the only ones that worked with Jessica, trying to score through one of the three large, golden hoops that she was defending.
"Get ready!" Angelina called, throwing it to Katie, who tossed it at the highest golden hoop.
"I've got it!" Jessica called, swooping up to block it. She caught it, and tossed it back.
Katie caught it, and passed it to Alicia, who kept moving, keeping Anna moving all around the three hoops. Finally, she passed back to Katie, who scored through one of the golden hoops.
After an hour or so, everyone had had enough. Harry landed along with everyone else, and walked to the Great Hall for dinner.
Jessica walked ahead, anxious to get back. With her ahead, the rest of them were free to talk about her skill.
"I think she did rather well. She needs some practice, but otherwise she's good," Harry said.
"I think that we have found our Keeper," said Fred, looking at the others for approval. Everyone nodded, and agreed. "I'll tell her tonight."
At dinner, the team all sat together.
"So, now what?" said Harry.
"Well, we have her start practicing with us, and then after a couple of weeks, we can choose a captain," said Fred.
"Don't you want some steak, Harry?" Hermione asked. She was sitting across from Harry. "You're not eating very much, you know."
"I'm not hungry, Hermione." Harry turned back to the team, and they continued talking.
Then, Harry heard a voice say behind him, "Potter?"
Harry turned around and saw Emeric Diggory behind him. "What is it?" he asked calmly, wondering why Emeric would talk to him.
"I just wanted to see if you had anything you wanted to say to me and give you a chance to say it," said Emeric. His eyes were dark and didn't look friendly.
Not sure what to say, Harry said uncertainly, "I'm sorry."
Emeric's eyes began to flash, and he hissed, "I'm sorry? You think that will make up for what you did? For killing Cedric?"
"I didn't kill him," Harry whispered.
Emeric hadn't heard him. "What?"
Harry shouted, "I didn't kill him!"
"You as good as did, leading him to his death — "
Fred leapt out of his seat angrily and said, "Shut up, you little git! Harry didn't mean for Cedric to die. If you want someone to blame for your cousin's death, start with Malfoy at your own filthy stinking Slytherin table!"
Emeric didn't react immediately. He glanced calmly at Fred and said, "Malfoy is much more powerful and strong than you'll ever be." He turned back to Harry. "And don't play innocent, Potter! The teachers around the field heard Cedric tell you to take the cup. Why didn't you?"
"Because a huge spider had nearly torn off my leg. I was in no state to walk," said Harry.
"Cedric would have helped you. You know that. You knew that! But you insisted that he take the cup. Why?"
Harry said, "He was ten feet from the cup, Emeric. He was right there, and he had earned it."
Emeric narrowed his eyes. "You don't seem the charitable type. If Cedric offered you the victory, I doubt you'd turn in down. Malfoy tells me Cedric's the only one who beat you at Quidditch. Was this revenge? Perhaps that's what happens when someone beats the great Harry Potter?"
"NO!" shouted Harry. "I didn't kill Cedric!"
"You should've been at the funeral, Potter. Everyone was crying. Everyone was so sad. And you know what I thought all the way through it? 'If Harry Potter hadn't made Cedric take the cup too, Cedric would be alive,'" said Emeric.
"Aren't you happy that I brought Cedric back? I mean, at least you know the truth," said Harry.
"Why would anyone want to know the truth about their families dying?" demanded Emeric.
"At least you know he isn't being tortured somewhere. He — he's safe now."
"So what? Do you want to die, Harry?"
"No," said Harry, taken-aback. "Why would I?"
Emeric said, "You'd be safe. Surely you're in the most danger of anyone. Wouldn't you rather live in danger than die? Well, we'd rather have Cedric live in danger than die. And we'd be a whole lot happier just knowing he was alive! Sometimes people don't want to know the truth!"
Harry stood up swiftly. He stared angrily at Emeric. He couldn't believe the nerve of him, a First year, talking to him like that. He turned sharply away from Emeric, but didn't move. Finally, he said softly, but firmly, "I was there, Emeric."
Emeric said, confused, "What do you mean?"
"At the funeral. I was there. And I saw everyone. That may not change anything, but at least you know."
Harry left the Great Hall swiftly. Ron and Hermione then tore after him.
"Harry! Harry, wait up," said Hermione.
Ron said, "Harry, the kid's talking loads of nonsense, don't let it get to you!"
Harry froze. "I'm sick and tired of it. I'm tired of trying to persuade people that I didn't kill Cedric!"
"Harry, at least we know the truth. We know that you didn't mean to do anything," Hermione said, looking concerned about Harry.
Once they returned to the Common Room, the team waited for Jessica. She came in, and saw them. She walked slowly over to them.
"Jessica, we've decided that we want you to be our Keeper," said Fred.
She gasped, and her eyes widened. "Really? Really? Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you! When do practices start?"
"Next week," answered Fred. "You'll be getting your broomstick soon?"
"I'll write to my parents right now, and I'll have it by next Saturday," she promised. She raced off.
Ron stood up suddenly. "What do you mean? She just tried out and made it?"
"Yeah," said Fred. "Sorry Ron, but she's really good."
Ron looked at Harry. "You didn't even give me a chance? Did you remind them I wanted to try out?"
Harry said nothing.
"I can't believe it! You're supposed to be my friend, Harry," Ron turned angrily to Fred and George, "And you two are my brothers! I didn't even get a chance to try!"
George tried to comfort Ron by saying, "Don't worry, Ron. We probably would have chosen her anyway." But this only angered Ron more.
Ron said furiously, "Good night!" He then passed Harry and went off up to the dormitory. "Fine friend," he hissed at Harry.
Ron was furious with Harry all weekend. He insisted that it was unfair that Harry, Fred, and George had not even given him a chance to try out. Ron hadn't spoken to Harry, and Harry was not keen on talking to Ron either. He felt that if Ron was going to take this like a baby, he'd be treated like one.
But luckily, for Harry at least, Ron cooled off over the weekend. He still was angry, but he was talking to Harry.
On Monday morning, Ron, Harry, and Hermione were inside Transfiguration, with Professor McGonagall. She stood at her desk, looking solemnly at her students. "I want each and everyone one of you to listen to me. As you know, you will be taking the O.W.L exams. The new information that you must know for the exams can be taught in one month. However, that month will be at a speed we have never gone before. You will have more homework that I have ever assigned previously." No one liked that idea. Professor McGonagall always gave a large amount of homework to her students. "However, until then, we will have an intense review of everything you have learned, starting with your first year. We will study hard, and I will have you ready for those exams. Understood?" Everyone nodded. "Good."
And so, the "Great Review" began. They went back to things they had done in their first year, including turning matches into sewing needles. Hermione seemed both grateful for the review and exasperated by it. She always wanted to review, but she already knew everything. However, when Harry pointed this out, she said, "But I knew it years ago, Harry! It helps me to remember everything by reviewing it."
They had loads of homework, but it was easy for Harry, as it was just review material.
"What do you think about Transfiguration, Harry?" asked Ron, as they headed towards the Common Room.
"Dunno. I guess it's all right, but McGonagall already gives us a lot of homework. I'm dreading the month where we actually learn the new material," replied Harry.
"I think it's very thoughtful and kind of McGonagall to be going over everything. It's so good to have her refresh my memory," said Hermione.
"Your memory doesn't need refreshing, Hermione," said Ron. "It's me and Harry's that need it — no offence, Harry."
Suddenly, Hermione froze, wide-eyed.
"What's wrong?" Harry and Ron said together.
"I've got it!" said Hermione. A huge smile spread across her face. "I can't believe it! It's perfect! I'll have to do research, but ― "
"Would you care to explain what you're going on about?" asked Ron.
"Well," Hermione said, "I think I've just come up with an idea for my potion!"
"Bully for you," mumbled Harry. He still didn't know what his would be.
"So, tell us, Hermione. What's your potion going to be?" said Ron.
The three of them began walking again. Hermione said, "Well, I've always been interested in people having wings ever since I was a little girl. When I came to Hogwarts, I thought I'd learn how to make wings. But, I've learned that magic is very scientific as well. I realized that if people had wings, they would have to be huge, because our bones aren't hollow like birds' are. But I just realized that if I could possibly make a potion that hollowed out people's bones, the wings wouldn't have to be so huge and cumbersome!"
Ron just shook his head. "Only you would think of the science of it, Hermione."
"Well, I'll have to spend loads of time in the library doing research," said Hermione.
"Hermione, I would be shocked if you chose something that didn't require loads of research in the library," said Ron.