REFLECTING AFTERTHOUGHTS

When the next morning came, students were conversing at their respective tables, loading up their plates with delicious breakfast foods provided by the house elves. While the children ate, each Head of House was passing out the schedules for each student who, once getting hold of their slip of paper, commenced to compare what classes the other one had.

Heero was sitting quietly with a large tome propped heavily against two pitchers of pumpkin juice. One hand he used to thumb through the pages rather quickly, his dark blue eyes skimming the text nonstop, while the other brought spoonfuls of mixed fruit up to his mouth. Chewing idly, he continued to pore over the book; almost nearing the end, his mind taking in all that "Everything You'll Ever Need to Know about Quidditch" had to offer. It was then Duo appeared at his side, settling in his seat before digging into his meal with both hands gripping a fork, shoveling in delicious fluffy eggs, crispy bacon and hash brown into his gobbling mouth.

"Wuts dat, 'ro?" asked Duo, his cheeks still stuffed.

"Research," answered Heero, seeming unfazed and able to understand the muffled words coming out of the American's mouth.

Snapping the book shut, he held it out to Duo who had already moved on from his empty plate to a new one piled high with pancakes. Smothering the hot cakes with some butter and a bath of maple syrup, he dug in once more before taking the book from Heero. He gave a questioning look to the Japanese, his cheeks puffed out, unable to speak but the other understood what he was wondering.

"Malfoy notified me that tryouts are today," explained the reserved teen.

In answer he received a blank stare.

"He lied to you, didn't want you to participate," he continued, linking the chain for his partner, Duo merely shrugged his shoulders as if not surprised the blond Slytherin would try something like deceiving him. Not that he really bought whatever the boy had to say in the first place.

In that moment, Draco had decided to grace the Slytherins with his presence, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Taking a seat across from Heero (the two thugs also forcing themselves to squeeze in), he gave the other a nod, the gesture holding an air of arrogance. The Malfoy heir had completely ignored Duo, making the action particularly noticeable amongst the fellow Slytherins. There wasn't even the hint of guilt at his revealed lie about when tryouts were to occur. After all, he had hoped it would have gotten rid of Maxwell's want to join the team, or at least make sure it was too late for him to even attempt.

"So Heero, seeing as how you claim to have never played Quidditch, I assume we'll be going over the fundamentals first?" asked Draco superiorly, already in the process of stacking his own plate with some breakfast pastries.

"No need," Heero replied simply, gesturing to the book Duo was already halfway done with.

Draco narrowed his eyes at Duo, his face somewhat souring before returning to its customary sneer. He took a brief glance over the book's title.

"You expect by simply reading about it you've got the game all figured out?" queried Draco, obviously skeptical, his voice holding a hint of mockery at what he thought was absurd. Besides, nobody could read a book that thick in just one morning.

"Hn," he grunted in reply, not even bothered by the boy's rude and snobbish behavior.

"Don't worry your blond little head, Drakester, we've got it covered," chimed in Duo after shutting the book and putting it into his school bag, he'd return it to the library later for Heero.

Malfoy stiffened in his seat, his cheeks faintly tinged with a pinkish hue, anger welling up in those steel gray eyes of his. If looks could kill, Duo would have been strung out and yanked limb from limb by wild hippogriffs, his eyeballs and entrails then pilfered by ravenous werewolves. Trying to keep a hold on his temper, as well maintain face, he swallowed the curse that was taunting over his lips. He smiled bitterly at the braided boy.

"You—"

Before Draco had time to make his retort, Duo cut him off yet again, just like the night before.

"Well, me and Heero gotta go, Drake," said Duo as he and Heero stood from their seats and collecting their bags. "Being newbies 'round here we wouldn't wanna get lost and be late on our very first day, now would we? See ya in class," he bid Malfoy farewell with a cheery wink and a wave, dragging Heero out of the hall as the Japanese was just about to say goodbye.

Classes proceeded normally at first. Students shuffled through the halls, some jumping onto the staircases before they could swing out of reach, others standing clustered beside doorways during the breaks, chatting. When it came time for Potions class (the last class for the day), the Slytherins and Gryffindors were all gathering in the dungeons, entering the room in a messy line that was divided between houses. When Heero and Duo approached, they caught sight of Trowa waving a hand, beckoning them over.

"Hey, Trowa, how's it in Gryffinville?" asked Duo, his face set in his customary grin, though it was evident he was truly happy to see his friend and not merely holding up a mask. "You get to see Q-man in any of your other classes, yet?"

"Yes. He's already won the Hufflepuffs over," said Trowa, a small smile making its way over his lips, thinking about his partner and love.

"Um…hello there."

The three former pilots looked towards the source of the hesitant voice. A girl with bushy brown hair was watching them with inquisitive eyes, her face friendly though curious. After all, it wasn't often that Gryffindors and Slytherins interacted, or at least in a civil manner. Beside her stood a tall red head, just around the same height as Trowa, who was outright keeping an eye on the Japanese and American with all wariness up in arms. The third addition to the group was a shorter boy, just about Heero's height, he had messy black hair and glasses that made his face look much smaller, more fragile.

"'ello there yourself, the name's Duo, Duo Maxwell, and yours?" he asked, friendly. He offered a hand to Hermione which seemed to cause the red head to frown. The girl nudged the taller boy in the ribs, muttering a "be nice" to him before reaching for the offered hand and shaking it politely.

"I'm Hermione Granger, it's so very nice to meet you, Duo. I believe Trowa mentioned you and the rest of the transfer students as his friends. We've been keeping him company for you, showing him how to get around the castle. It could be awful confusing at times."

"Heero Yuy," said the Japanese for it was his turn to introduce himself. He too offered his hand in which Hermione shook with the same politeness; though this time it was accompanied with a smile for she knew these were not the typical, mean Slytherins that the school was so used to housing.

Slightly from behind Hermione and the red head, the boy with dark hair and glasses took a step forward, his expression neutral as he still tried to gather whether these two were anything like the other Slytherins. In his mind he deliberated that if Hermione could stand them, they must have been all right. Even he could not detect any sort of malice or deceit coming from the pair. He introduced himself as Harry Potter, then paused for a moment with a faint cringe, as if expecting some sort of extreme reaction upon the mentioning of his name.

But it never came, which only seemed to make the boy more willing to be openly friendly, as well minutely thankful that he had met someone who did not envy, worship, or loath him for being the Boy-Who-Lived. It was rather refreshing, actually. Instead, he was greeted with "Hello's" and shaking hands.

"Ron Weasley," mumbled the tall freckly red head, reluctantly. Hermione and Harry had already introduced themselves, why bother looking like a childish git by not doing so too out of sheer stubbornness?

"So what was your other school like?" inquired Hermione, her brown eyes never shying away from watching them intently.

Pleasantries finally aside, the group talked amongst themselves, mostly with Hermione questioning where they came from and whether any of them were muggle raised or not, ignoring the surprised and confused looks pressing on them from the other students. Malfoy had just arrived when he saw the scene of Slytherins and Gryffindors daring to mingle, and it was then he made it his business to stop it. Stalking towards the group with all intents on breaking it apart, he scowled darkly at Harry, Ron, Hermione, and even Trowa, too. His two "bodyguards," Crabbe and Goyle, were standing on each side of him with their arms crossed over their chests trying to look as intimidating as possible.

"Trying to taint them with your filth are you, Mudblood?"

Hermione bit her bottom lip, trying to keep herself from stooping to Malfoy's level and taking part in childish name-calling. Harry placed himself between Draco and Hermione, his green eyes darkening with shadowing emotions, but it was Ron who took the jibing bait.

"Why don't you just piss off, Draco? Bloody wanker. No one here cares what you have to say in the least," he growled.

"Now, now, children," interjected Duo. His face was still a happy mask, hands held up in a placating matter, attempting to soothe the bubbling anger that was rising between the Gryffindor and Slytherin Prefects. "Can't we all just get along?" Draco's head snapped to face Duo, his eyes piercing with sharp distaste.

"Why don't you just learn to shut your mouth, Maxwell? This has nothing to do with you. I don't know why the Sorting Hat even thought you could make it in Slytherin," hissed Draco, his tinged cheeks indicating the pent up rage he felt against the braided teen.

"I'd be glad to shut my yap," answered Duo in amusement, "that is, if you ever learn to shut yours first. Which I'm betting isn't gonna happen anytime soon, no?" His eyes sparkled with mirth, not even perturbed in the slightest by the hot headed aristocrat. "Besides, I think that moldy old hat decided it was time to get some fresh blood into Slytherin, 'cause obviously it made a poor choice of pickin's before."

Students snickered or tried to hide their laughter, bearing no pity for the Malfoy heir for it was long overdue that someone challenged his self-proclaimed rule over the Hogwarts student body. With no further biting remarks that he could make, so blinded by his fury, Draco turned on his heel and left the group and laughter behind him, stealing away into the classroom and taking his seat all the way in the front. They could gossip behind him all they like, but at least he wouldn't have to be facing them.

"C'mon guys, shall we?" Duo bowed, his arms gesturing for them to entire like some overly gracious host beckoning his guests to enter his humble abode. The group made their way into the classroom, though Ron lingered by the door, looking at Duo thoughtfully before speaking.

"I thought you two and Malfoy were friends. You know, like in league with each other."

Ron was caught off guard when Duo burst out in laughter, clapping a hand on the taller teen's shoulder while grasping his own stomach with the other.

"With his hoity toity, stick-shoved-up-the-ass, majesty? Heero is a patient guy; he pretty much tolerates almost everybody. As for me? No thanks, I'd sooner bunk beds with Snape, if ya catch my drift."

It took a moment for Ron to realize what Duo was implying, and once that proverbial light-bulb clicked; his face became white and drew up in a disgusted grimace. Shaking his head as if to desperately dispel whatever image was concocted, he tried to laugh it off, his chuckle coming in choking barks. Quickly making his way into the room, Ron sat himself at his usual seat beside Hermione, eyes focused only on the top of the desk, not wanting to look at anyone at the moment. Duo continued to giggle to himself as he stepped into the dark dungeon and sat beside Heero for class.

After Potions was over, every student scrambled to get out of the dungeons as soon as possible, not wanting to suffer the wrath of Professor Snape. Some of the students, however, were laughing madly instead of shaking with fear. As they rushed outside, the events of class time still fresh on their minds, they talked about the interesting spectacle Duo Maxwell and Professor Snape had made. Especially funny was the part where Professor Snape looked as though he was going to suffer an apocalyptic brain aneurism, struggling in-between wanting to take every point he could from the American and wanting to sustain his House's chances for winning the House Cup.

Duo knew exactly how to work the professor's nerve. He had banked on the man being unwilling to compromise his pride. It was a no-win situation for the poor greasy Potions Master. Severus could neither throttle the life out of the teen nor take points. The man couldn't even take points away from Gryffindor for Duo would have only shouted and made a great big argument about the unfairness of it.

When early evening approached, dinner was served and droves of students poured into the Great Hall. A loud buzz hovered over the massive crowd. Students shared the events of their first day with one another while rumors and excitement of the upcoming Quidditch match just a few weeks away were discussed. The first game of the year would be Slytherin vs. Ravenclaw, which was why Draco had zealously wanted to start practice as soon as possible.

Finishing their dinner, Heero and Duo walked to the field toting along broomsticks they borrowed from the shed. They came to the field, both marveling at the awesome height the bleachers were propped. The bleachers were dissected into five parts. There were sections for Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and the Hogwarts staff.

Duo stared up into the peaceful sky filled with stretched out clouds brushing along purpling hues. The brilliant sun had started to make its descent, leaving the moon alone in the sky though not visible as of yet. They mounted the old brooms, some of the bristles falling out when they kicked off from the ground. They wobbled slightly, unused to being on such a contraption, before quickly finding their focus of balance.

"Oi! They expect ya to sit on this damn thing for a whole game? I'm gonna be sufferin' from chronic wedgies the rest of the year!" shouted Duo, squirming on the narrow handle, trying to carefully manage his weight on the broomstick so that it did not cause any certain discomfort.

Heero smirked at the braided baka, serenely floating in the air, moving in small circles. Perfectly at ease. Duo stopped grousing in time to watch his partner fly up and over, around and down in an arc, almost showing off how easy it was for him. A grin flitted across Duo's face before disappearing into a mock frown, his brows knitted together in feigned irritation.

"Think you're hot stuff, eh? I'll show you!" Duo sped off toward Heero, attempting to tackle him in midair, though the former Wing pilot easily outmaneuvered him. They darted across the sky, wind ruffling their robes, the cold chill causing their cheeks to pink up. Laughter filled the air as the two Slytherins twirled about, playing aerial tag with one another and doing tricks on the brooms. From the corner of his eye, Heero spotted Malfoy and the rest of the official Slytherin Quidditch team approaching, accompanied also by some hopefuls that wished to be added in the sport.

Heero and Duo swung their brooms over toward the crowd, just hovering a few feet from the ground.

"Should we begin?" queried Heero, motioning to the large trunk they brought with them.

"Why not? This ought to be a good laugh watching the two of you struggle to get the hang of it," drawled Malfoy, snapping his fingers, giving one of the Slytherins a cue to open up the trembling trunk.

The two bludgers struggled against their chains as usual, the golden snitch tucked away in its own pocket, but the boy went for the red quaffle in the center instead. The teen picked up the ball, mounted his broom and flew up towards the stands, swerving around to the front of the goal posts to one side of the field. It was clear what Heero and Duo had to do, they would practice going up against the goalie first. With a nod to each other, they rose up on their brooms, and faced the goalie who then chucked the quaffle hard at a sharp angle to the left.

Duo and Heero both swerved down to grab the plummeting ball, though Duo was able to grab it first since he was closer to it. He jettisoned towards the goalie with great speed, the quaffle tucked under his right arm. The goalie watched Duo like a hawk, his mouth set in a cross between a sneer and the baring of teeth, a twisted smirk of sorts, just waiting for Duo to try to make the shot. It would be an easy block.

Duo reared back with the quaffle, his right arm grasping the ball firmly as he prepared to hurl it at the goal, but rather than throwing it toward the hoops his body turned a full 180 degrees, his long legs swinging over the broom so that he was facing backwards. A quick pitch towards Heero was given, he having been trailing Duo from behind, swung his broom around and used the tail of the broom to smack the quaffle straight into one of the lower hoops. The goalie was stunned for a moment before growling under his breath. Swooping down, he picked up the quaffle and threw it back over the pair.

"Lucky shot! Let's see you two try that again!" he shouted.

Just as the goalie finished shouting, another shot was made (this time with Heero catching and Duo scoring), the ball whizzing merely millimeters from his head. The quaffle sped on too quickly and too suddenly for him to stop it. The Slytherins below gawked at the scene above them, shock and surprise reflected on their faces. However, Draco was far from impressed but was enraged.

"Release the bludgers," the blond ordered, "see if they can handle having the antes upped."

The restless bludgers were unchained, instantly zooming up into the air, speeding towards the trio.

"Um, shouldn't you have given them the clubs first?" asked one of the younger Slytherins, nervously. He had been one of the hopefuls who wanted to make it onto the team. "They might get hurt—ow!" The boy was shoved away, falling to the ground.

"That would be the point, now get away from me," bit out Malfoy, patting his hands as if to rid himself of imaginary dust or filth he might have caught from simply touching the boy.

When one of the bludgers sped at Heero, he made a flip as he was carrying the quaffle to score another goal, though the bludger did not relent. The bludger curved around to try and make another go at Heero, but the Japanese was fast. Throwing the quaffle up into the air, he pushed off from the broom just when the bludger plowed on through where he previously was only seconds ago, and with the gracefulness of a feline he manipulated his body into a flawless roundhouse in midair, kicking the quaffle home, landing back onto the broom with ease.

The frustrated goalie shouted a curse before smacking the quaffle back onto the field with his broom. Just when Duo was going to catch it, the other bludger went after him. Timing it carefully, he hovered, waiting for the bludger to get closer, letting it zoom straight for him as the quaffle began to descend further to the ground right below him. The bludger dived for Duo, aiming at his head but he evaded its attempt by swinging himself upside down from the broom. Reaching his arms out, he caught the quaffle in time before it dropped too far from his reach.

If it wasn't such an impressive move, Duo would have looked rather silly dangling upside down, using his legs to hold onto the broom. Righting himself, he passed the quaffle to Heero, who passed it back, confusing the goalie who tried keeping track of their movements. This continued a few more times, them toying with the boy who desperately tried to protect the hoops, before moving onto a more dangerous stance. Both of them stood on their brooms, using balance and their feet to help keep them upright, one foot on top and one foot tucked beneath. They looked as though they were surfing in the air, continuing to pass the ball to one another and intermittently bouncing it precariously on their broomsticks, as if they were playing a regular game of basketball.

After a bout of complicated passing, Duo was back in possession of the ball, he head butted the quaffle like a professional soccer player right through a hoop. Cheers erupted from the small crowd below, whistling and hollering could be heard echoing through the hollow pitch. Tired of being humiliated, the goalie landed back down onto the ground with a huff and sour expression on his face, he slammed the quaffle back into its place in the trunk, and stomped away in annoyance. He had missed all the throws.

Seeing as how practice had reached an impromptu stop, Heero and Duo opted to collect the roaming bludgers. Coming up from behind the agitated goalie, each of them holding a bludger, they landed and chained the balls back into place. Suddenly, they were surrounded by a crowd of eager faces, smiles all around.

"That was totally wicked!"

"So awesome!"

"How did you do that?"

"Can you teach me?"

"Ooh! Me, too! Pleeease?"

Voices were coming in from everywhere, praising and begging for their attention. The mass of bodies were clustering tightly around the pair, jostling for room. Draco forced his way through the crowd with his face set in a scornful scowl. He looked at them suspiciously, his mouth made thin in anger.

"I thought you said you've never played Quidditch before in your life. The both of you lied," accused Draco, groping for an excuse, any at all that would allow him to kick Duo from ever joining the team. He did not want to be showed up during a game, especially by this idiot. Heero, he was greatly impressed with and could see as a much needed asset to the team, he could afford to forgive the Japanese of the obvious lie. But, Maxwell? No. He mentally stamped his foot, stubborn. Absolutely not!

"What does it matter? Now we can win the Quidditch Cup this year for sure! None of the houses or even Potter would be able to stand a chance against us!" yelled one of the students, the rest of the crowd murmured in agreement.

"I am Quidditch Captain, I am the one who gets to say who is on the team and who is not!" shouted Draco, sounding like a petulant child, truly displeased that the group would turn on him so quickly. He couldn't stand how everyone was idolizing Maxwell like some god. "Besides," he continued, "I meant it when I said there was only one position left open. There isn't room for another player."

"I wouldn't mind giving up my spot if it means Slytherin victory," offered Nott, "I can play as an Alternate." Everyone agreed with the suggestion. All eyes were on Malfoy, expectant, waiting.

Malfoy flinched almost imperceptibly at the attention. Silence surrounded him as he swallowed uncomfortably. His initial response was to lash out at being cornered and forced to change his mind, tempted to sustain his original decision. But he didn't have that sort of nerve. Afterall, would it be that horrible to allow the American to join the team? His gray eyes stared into Duo's own amethyst ones. Actually, it wouldn't, he was a lot better than the current team combined.

Draco heaved a sigh, tired of constantly fighting for respect, for compliance, for…understanding. Everyday he could find himself surrounded by people, yet he felt so alone. He had nobody in the world, he was all by himself. He did not want to be punished for the sins of his parents any longer. No one understood how he felt. He just wanted to belong for once. He wanted a friend.

So why was he giving Maxwell such a hard time? The teen was friendly enough and was not to be blamed for starting this whole feud between them. Simple. He was jealous. Maxwell had friends, everyone flocked to him, yet Draco found himself to have nobody. He had even thought about taking Heero for his own friend. The Japanese never judged him like everyone else did, but then neither did Maxwell, that is until he started acting like a git toward the American boy.

Would letting things go and trying to become a better person be so wrong? To start a new life? Maybe, then again, maybe not.

What to do…?

"All right. Heero, you'll be Chaser…and Maxwell…you can take Nott's position, also Chaser," muttered Draco, reluctantly. The crowd cheered happily, applauding and patting the two new Chasers on the back in a congratulatory manner. "The rest of tryouts will be held tomorrow, which will be a Saturday, everyone should meet on the field after lunch. Old positions, if you so choose to give it up, will be reassigned. I will remain as Seeker. That is all."

Draco turned away from the group of happy faces, unable to take it any longer. The skies had darkened with barely enough sunlight now to be able to see the path leading back to the school. Following it, Draco wandered sullenly. Heero watched on as Draco left them all, thoughtful.

TBC

Author's Note: I want reviews. Gimme! Gimme!