I do not own Harry Potter, only the OC
Hello guys, Badger here. Now, I was unsure about writing this new chapter. When I mentioned the possibility of a Male/Male pairing a couple of you didn't seem to like the idea, with one saying I'll be making this story unreadable. At first, I was worried about alienating some readers, but then I thought: I'm writing this story, not them, I can choose who gets with who. If I have an idea I want to do, why should I change it, just because someone doesn't like it? If some people stop reading, because of my choices, then so be it. So, if a Male/Male pairing happens, don't be surprised. Also, I need to ask, why do people assume, whenever I bring up a possible Male/Male pairing, they think Harry is going to be part of the pairing? There are several Male characters, it could be any of them. I already have a love interest in mind for Harry, and I have an idea for a Male/Male pairing for this story, but I won't say who it is yet. I'm still looking through my options.
Anyway, I apologise about the little rant, enjoy this new chapter and I will see you at the end.
Chapter 5
The bright light from the sun stung Harry's eyes as he woke up. Grabbing his wand, he flicked it towards the curtains, causing them to close, blocking out the sun, allowing his vision to clear. As his vision was clearing, he stretched, where he felt his back click and crack softly, as he undid the tight knots in his spine. Wincing slightly, Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, as he dreaded the day ahead. He had a feeling that people will be talking about nothing but what happened yesterday. That is if anyone had overheard everything and told everyone:
Harry was with James and Arianna in the library. They had a free period and so they decided to study their potions textbooks, to make sure they write the correct passages and information in their essays. Snape could sometimes be very cruel with his essays and he was today, giving the class 5000 word essay on the effects and dangers on the Draught of Living Death, Forgetfulness Potion and Veritaserum. Cruel indeed. Harry sighed as he put his quill down for a moment, to stretch his hand, as he felt it begin to cramp up. James and Arianna took no notice of this, too focused on their essays, with James staring at the parchment with a deadly look in his eyes, hoping it will spontaneously catch fire. As Harry rubbed his forehead, trying to make his headache disappear, he noticed Flitwick enter the Library, followed by Cornelius Fudge and Amelia Bones. Flitwick looked around for a moment, before he smiled, seeing Harry and made his way over.
"Harry" Flitwick said, startling James and Arianna, who were too immersed in their essay "I hope we aren't disturbing you and Mr Badger and Miss Malfoy?"
"Not at all" Harry replied, looking to Fudge and Amelia "I'm not in any trouble am I?"
"Quite the opposite Mr Potter" Fudge smiled, stepping forward "We have heard about your heroic deeds in saving a First Year from a troll and we wish to see that you are rewarded, if you wish"
"I don't think that's necessary" Harry replied, dismissively "I just did what anyone else would have done, it's not a big deal"
"Even if that is true, many in the Ministry believe a reward is deserved" Amelia spoke up, a small smile on her face "We believe an Order of Merlin is an appropriate reward, but the subject will be brought up at the next Wizengamot meeting"
"An Order of Merlin?" Harry repeated "That seems a bit extreme…"
"Harry, shut up and accept their offer" James interrupted "You're too humble, not many would just drop everything and go off to save someone…you deserve some kind of reward, so accept their offer, or I'll accept on your behalf"
"Ok, ok" Harry raised his hands "I will accept whatever reward the Wizengamot decides on"
"Excellent" Fudge beamed "A letter will be sent to you, when the reward has been decided on, have a good day Mr Potter and we apologise for our interruption"
Harry shook hands with Cornelius Fudge and pinched the bridge of his nose, as they left. He had a feeling that, whatever reward he receives, will give him unwanted fame and attention. Unlike his pig of a brother, Harry hated being the centre of attention. He preferred to live a quiet life. The looks on James' and Arianna's faces weren't helping with matters, causing him to flip them the middle finger, which did nothing but make the two laugh.
…
Harry ran a tired hand through his hair, which only made it more unkempt than usual, as he made his way into the Great Hall for breakfast. James, Penny, and the Twins were sat at the Ravenclaw table. They were sat around Aila, who was picking at her food with a nervous look on her face, each one of them seemingly giving words of comfort.
"It's understandable to be nervous" James said, as Harry sat down "We were all nervous when we did our try outs…but you're incredible, I know you can do it"
"What's going on?" Harry asked, as he put some food on his plate
"Aila's nervous about her Quidditch try outs" Penny replied "They're right after breakfast, we're trying to get her to eat something, to calm her nerves and give her enough energy"
"Cedric is currently helping set up the try outs on the Quidditch Field" James added, as he placed a kind arm around Aila's shoulders "I've asked him to keep an eye on Aila, and make sure she's alright and doesn't take a turn for the worse and end up in the Hospital Wing"
"She doesn't need to be nervous" Harry said "She's amazing on a broom, she'll make it on the team, I'm sure of it, she'll be a great addition for Hufflepuff"
Aila smiled gently at Harry's words and started to, slowly, eat her food. James smiled and mouthed a 'thank you' to Harry. As the group were eating, the Twins were talking amongst themselves for a few seconds, before they turned to Harry, a grin on both of their faces. Harry noted the grins, and groaned, not liking what might follow.
"So Harry" George said "A little birdie gave us some news…"
"Is it true that you're going to be rewarded an Order of Merlin?" Fred asked
"Dear Merlin!" Harry groaned, turning to James, who had a sheepish look on his face "You told them?"
"Yes, but they all promised to keep it a secret" James shrugged "Besides, it will probably be in the Daily Prophet soon anyways"
Harry rolled his eyes, before turning back to the Twins.
"It's possible I might get an Order of Merlin" He said "Like Amelia Bones told me, it will be decided at the Wizengamot meeting at the end of the week"
"If you are given the Order of Merlin, you better be careful" Penny commented "Girls will be all over you"
"I hope they don't" Harry said, a small grimace on his face "They're bad enough already"
The others laughed, as they changed the subject to other pleasant conversation. As Harry was eating, from the corner of his eye, he saw Hermione Granger stand up from her seat on the Gryffindor Table and made her way over. She looked slightly nervous and didn't like that some people were watching her approach Harry.
"M-Mr Potter…" She said quietly
"Please, Hermione, call me Harry" Harry replied, giving her a smile "How are you doing, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine" Hermione nodded "I just wanted to thank you, again, for saving me"
"Again, you don't need to thank me" Harry replied "Anyone would have done what I did, I just happened to get there first"
"I know…I've been getting a lot of attention since it happened" Hermione said "Girls keep coming up to me and asking me questions about you…I don't know why"
"Don't worry about that" Harry replied, smiling slightly "Anyway, enough about that, what about you, do you need anything?"
"No" Hermione shook her head, looking away for a moment "Some lessons are a bit hard, but I can handle it"
"Okay then" Harry nodded, feeling like she wasn't being completely honest, but chose not to push on it "Well, remember, you can come to me if you need anything"
"I will" Hermione nodded, before she moved back to her seat, waving to him as she did
Harry waved back, before he turned back to his breakfast, where he saw his friends looking at him, with grins on their faces.
"What?" He asked
"So, you do have a soft side" James replied "Behind that cold exterior, you're just a big softy"
"Shut up" Harry replied, throwing a bit of toast at him
"I better get going" Aila said, before a food fight could happen "Breakfast is almost over and I need to head to the Quidditch Field"
"Good luck" James replied, hugging his sister and giving her a small kiss on the cheek "You've got this, give the others hell"
Aila smiled and walked off, in a small confident strut, as the rest of the students were finishing their breakfast.
…
Dumbledore stood in front of the Mirror of Erised, looking into the reflection, where his family and Nathaniel, the new leader of the light, were smiling back at him. It took a lot of effort to get the mirror into the castle. Dumbledore needed to initiate his plan sooner then he wished. Quirrell could attempt to get to the Stone once more. Nathaniel needed to find the Mirror, discover the Stone and the stop Quirrell. Though it was proving difficult. The boy seemed to be alienating all the other students, besides Ron Weasley. He needed strong friends by his side. After all, a strong leader can't do everything on their own.
…
Harry stretched, as he stood out of his seat. Charms Class was finished and he wanted to go back to his dorm and sleep. It had been a long day. As the class was making their way out, Professor Flitwick had asked for him to stay behind for a moment. Giving a nod to his friends, telling them to go, Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling slightly tired, as he approached Flitwick.
"I'm not in trouble am I professor?" He asked
"Of course not" Flitwick smiled gently, as he picked up an envelope "I want to ask you one thing Harry, and be honest…do you think you could handle yourself in a Duelling Ring?"
"I don't think I could win, but I think I could handle myself somewhat" Harry replied, a bit surprised at the question "Why do you ask sir?"
"Well, your recent experience with the troll, and your progress in my class, has made me think" Flitwick replied, handing Harry the envelope "There is a Duelling Event, for under 17's, happening in France during the Christmas period, and if you're up for it, I can sign you up for it"
"It does sound interesting" Harry replied, taking the envelope "But I don't know that many offensive spells"
"I can train you" Flitwick reassured "Before I become the Charms Professor here, I used to be a duellist, earning the title "Duelling Champion" on many occasions and I can give you the necessary training"
"Ok then sir" Harry smiled "I'm in, I'll compete"
"Splendid" Flitwick beamed, practically giddy "There is more information to the event inside, meet with me here every day after your lessons, that way, you will have the necessary training so you're ready…now off you go, you look tired and could use some rest"
Harry gave his favourite professor a smile and made his way out of the classroom. Walking back to the Ravenclaw Common Room, Harry opened the envelope and read through the contents.
Paris Magicka, under 17's, Duelling Ring.
The 300th Magicka Duelling Ring for those under the age of 17, will be returning to its homeland, taking place in Magical France.
Each contestant will compete in 5 qualifying duels, where, if they succeed, they will then duel in the playoffs, consisting of 10 rounds. Contestants who win each round will move onto the quarter finals, semi-finals and, if they succeed, will enter the final against one other contestant. Winner of the finals takes home the Magicka Duelling Cup and 1 million galleons.
Contestants are required to wear Duelling Robes.
All spells allowed, except the Unforgivables.
Qualifiers: 20th December
Playoffs: 22nd December
Quarter Finals: 23rd December
Semi Finals: 26th December
Finals: 30th December
Harry read through the letter multiple times, smiling gently. A Magicka Duelling Cup and 1 million galleons was a nice reward. Though Harry had doubts that he could win, he would put up a fight. Besides, if Flitwick was genuine when he said he would train him, Harry was going to make the other contestants work hard to beat him.
…
And that is the new chapter done.
Before anything else, I need to ask. Is it normal for siblings to kiss one another on the cheek. As I'm an only child, I wouldn't know, but I've seen siblings do it, but as I was writing my OC give his sister a kiss on the cheek, I thought, is this normal? So please do let me know, because I'm confused.
Anyway. I am still unsure on what to do with Hermione. I'm thinking about going down the brother/sister relationship with Harry, where they see each other as a sibling, and Harry being protective over her. I feel like it would make a nice dynamic between the characters. Also, the underage duelling competition. I felt like it made sense having Flitwick involved with this scenario, as before becoming the Charms professor, he was a Duelling Champion, and I like the idea of a mentor/apprentice dynamic between them. It's not something I've done, and I want to try it. Also, this is setting up the possible love interest for Harry. Can you guess who?
Anyway, that is all for now. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you next time.
Badger out.