Magical Origins
Year 2: The New Seeker
Just as Artemis predicated. By morning, everyone heard that she and Harry took a bath together. Even worse, many assume what they did together. It didn't take long for people to find out that Artemis and Harry arrived at Hogwarts with hours to spare before the Sorting. They lost track of time and were late and were caught.
This only made the rumor seem even more possible. As everyone assumes, Harry Potter did it to Artemis Wynter.
This caused countless guys, from all four houses, were envies of him. Even older girls seem to start taking an interest in him.
It was really nerve-wracking for him to have all these witches stare at him with dreamy eyes.
Harry did his best to ignore them by reading the Standard Book of Spells Grade 2 as he ate his breakfast.
"You lucky dog," Blaise said as he sits down.
Harry looks up at his roommate and friend.
"Even you," Harry said.
"Can't deny I'm a bit envious of you. Are you even aware, how many wizards want Artemis Wynter?"
"I take it half the school," Harry said softly.
"Seems like it. Tell me, did you do it cause you're into her, or because she's your vassal?" Blaise asks.
His question caused table Slytherin to fall silent. The other houses seem quickly pass on what was ask, and they all wanted to hear Harry's answer.
"She's beautiful," Harry stated calmly.
"She is," Blaise admitted as countless girls squealed.
"Do we really have to talk about this?" Harry asks in annoyance.
"Just one more question," Blaise asks.
"What?" Harry said coldly.
"How was it?" Blaise asks eagerly with a grin on his face.
Harry's mind was brought back to when he saw Artemis's body in her underwear. Her flawless skin and perfect hourglass shape. How she seemed to bathe perfectly in the moonlight. Harry's face started turning crimson at the thought of seeing Artemis nearly naked.
Everyone could see his face turning crimson, and several girls squealed even louder.
"That good," Blaise said with a knowing smile.
"Please let's not talk about this," Harry said as he tried to clear his mind of the dirty thoughts he was having.
At that moment, the door burst open, and several teachers walk in. The head of houses walks towards the High Table to hand out the class schedules. Harry grabs his schedule and groans. He had Lockhart today. In fact, he had him twice a week.
"Errol!" Ron shouted, causing everyone to turn to him. "Oh, no," Ron said.
"It's okay, he's still alive," Hermione said.
"It's not Errol, it's that!" Ron said, pointing to a red envelope.
Several students gasp out loud.
"What's that?" Lily asks, clearly confused. Harry was just as confused.
"Looks like Weasley got a Howler," Artemis said as she sits down next to Harry. She looks at her schedule, and unlike Harry, she had a lot of free time.
"What's a howler?" Harry asks her.
"You're about to find out," Artemis said.
"Open it, Ron," Neville said. "I got one from my gran once and… it was horrible. It'll be over in a few moments."
Ron stretched out his shaking hand and holding the envelope like a bomb, rips it open.
The letter had literally exploded. Mrs. Weasley's voice echoed across the great hall.
Harry grins, realizing now everyone knew Weasley was a screwup.
"Oh, this is hysterical," Harry said as he tried to contain his laughter.
"You think this is karma?" Artemis said with a smile on her face.
"You're lucky," Harry said.
Artemis turns to look at him with that sweet smile that reminded Harry of Olivia Wynter's smile. Telling him, she knew what was going on, and she was enjoying herself.
'Like mother like daughter.' Harry thought with a sigh.
"I have to go, I got Herbology," Harry said as he gets up and grabs his bag.
Artemis kisses Harry's forehead causing him to blush. Countless girls around the Great Hall squealed in delight.
Harry bends down to Artemis's ear.
"You really do have to stop. It will send a bad image."
"Not if it gets the boys off my back," Artemis whispers into his ear.
Harry shakes his head and walks off with Blaise in tow.
Artemis, it seemed, loved to play with fire. Now the entire school was sure they were sleeping together.
Harry said nothing as he lines up with the second year Slytherin's. He notices Ron Weasley was looking at him with the usual hatred and if he wasn't mistaken jealousy.
Lily walks over and leans against the greenhouse. It was clear she knew the rumors were lies, she kept her head up.
Everyone was lineup and waited for Professor Sprout.
She finally appeared, with Gilderoy Lockhart in tow. Professor Sprout had several bandages wrapped around her forearm.
"Oh, hello there!" Gilderoy Lockhart said to the second year, several girls squealed in delight. He flashes them a charming smile. "I was just showing Professor Sprout the proper way to mend the Whomping Willow. Don't worry, I don't want you running away with the idea that I'm better at Herbology than she is! I just happen to have met several of these exotic plants during my travels…"
"In Greenhouse three, the lot of you," Professor Sprout barks.
This wasn't her usual cheerful personality. She was clearly annoyed with Lockhart.
"Harry!" Lockhart said, beaming down upon him. Harry groans and quickly hurries to get inside. Only for Lockhart to grab him and pull him away from the crowd. "You don't mind, do you, Professor Sprout." Her scowl told him she did mind. However, Lockhart gave a significant smile. "Excellent."
Harry was suddenly released. Harry looks around and sees Artemis Wynter approaching them. Her wand was out.
"You were warned once before Lockhart not to grab him!" Artemis shouted.
"Awe, Miss Wynter," Lockhart said as he flashes her a smile. Harry could have sworn his teeth sparkled. Artemis was not so easily discouraged. She still had a look of fury on her face.
"Harry, get to class," Artemis said with her wand pointed at Lockhart.
"We'll talk later, Mister Potter," Lockhart calls out, causing Harry to scowl at the thought of hanging with Lockhart. Once Harry was in class, he turns to see Artemis walks off with Lockhart going in another direction. Something about the way Lockhart looks at Artemis made Harry feel uneasy. Harry still remembers Olivia's warning about Lockhart and why wizards sought her daughter. Harry was sure that Lockhart had his eyes set on Artemis.
However, Harry was forced to put that thought in the back of his mind as Professor Sprout was starting the class.
"Today we'll be repotting Mandrakes. Now, who can tell me the properties of the Mandrakes?" Professor Sprout said. To no one's surprise, Hermione's hand shot straight in the air.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"Mandrake, also goes by the name Mandragora is a powerful restorative," Hermione said in her usual know-it-all voice. "It is used to return people who have been transfigured or cursed to their original state."
"Excellent, take ten points to Gryffindor." Professor Sprout said. "Yes, if use and handle correctly, Mandrakes forms an essential part of most antidotes. It is also dangerous… who can tell me why?"
Hermione's hand shot up once again. Harry really hated the know-it-all and shot a hard glare to Lily. Lily saw that he was annoyed and knew he didn't take kindly to her know-it-all nonsense.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"The cry of the Mandrake is fatal to anyone who hears it," Hermione said.
"Excellent, take another ten points to Gryffindor." Professor Sprout said as Hermione beams with pride. "As Miss Granger said, the Mandrake cry can kill any who hear it. However, you do not need to worry. These Mandrakes are seedlings. Their cries won't kill you. Instead, you'll merely be knocked out for several hours. Now you'll put your earmuffs on and completely cover your ears. When it is safe to take them off, I'll give you a thumbs up. Now, everyone gathers around your pot and put your earmuffs on."
Harry knew at once the mandrakes were going to be something he was going to further study.
Harry returns to his dorm only to see Artemis and Flint yelling at each other.
"Enough." Professor Snape shouted from behind Harry. Harry didn't even notice he was behind him.
"A day back and already… really. For those involved in this… affair; come with me. The rest of you, back to your business." Snape said. Draco and Flint march off. So Harry was equally surprised when Artemis grabs him and marches him behind Flint and Draco.
Snape's opens his office and sits behind his desk.
"Tell me, what was this about," Snape said. "Miss Wynter."
"Flint's kicking Harry off the team because Draco's father bought new Quidditch brooms for Slytherin, and Flint felt the new brooms was a good sign to replace his best seeker," Artemis said.
"Why not allow Mister Malfoy a Chaser position. I know you need to fill that spot." Snape said, looking at Flint. Flint sneers, but a hard look from Professor Snape causes him to look down. "This is your last year here, Mister Flint. There are no redoes at Hogwarts. Or perhaps, I should instead look for a new Quidditch Captain." Snape said softly.
"It's not personal, Professor," Flint said quickly. "In return for these brooms, I promise Draco any spot on the team."
Something in Flint's voice sounded like it was personal.
"Mister Potter hasn't done anything to cause him to lose the team. Then I will clear this matter right now. Mister Malfoy, you will be the new Seeker for the House of Slytherin."
Draco beamed with pride.
"Professor…" Artemis began, but Snape raised his hand to silence her.
"However Flint, if Draco Malfoy is your new Seeker, then Harry Potter will take over as your new chaser. Is that… agreeable?"
They knew at once this was the only deal they would get. Flint nods his head.
"I want to book the pitch to train Malfoy. See how good he really is." Flint said.
"I don't know how well he would play in Quidditch," Harry said slowly. Draco looks at him in horror. "But, I do know Draco is a good flier," Harry said.
"The decision is final. Mister Potter remains behind."
Flint and Draco left, leaving behind Artemis and Harry with Professor Snape.
"You know I'm allowed to be here, Professor," Artemis said coldly.
"Very well. Mister Potter, I will tell you this, and you are not to repeat this to anyone. Your father was a chaser. Professor McGonagall asks some of your father's friends to get this, and now I will give this to you." Professor Snape hands a book to Harry, who grabs it.
Harry said his thanks and turns to walk out with Artemis.
"So, you were trying to defend my spot on the team?" Harry asks as he walks in front with Artemis behind him.
"Flint really wanted you off the team. Not all the Slytherin's agree with him. Many of them cannot deny your skills and abilities in Quidditch and felt he was stupid."
Harry stops walking, realizing something. He turns to Artemis, who halt and looks at him.
"Does Flint?" Harry began.
"Desire me? He does. I don't like him, he's got a real nasty personality. He may be Quidditch Captain, but his grades are inferior. He was lucky he didn't get kicked out last year. Or in his fifth, he barely scraps together two O.W.L.s," Artemis said. She walks forward and heads to the Slytherin Common Room.
"Will there be retaliation?" Harry asks.
"Perhaps. We mustn't take any action. The House of Slytherin must stand united. Besides, I doubt Flint will do anything. House Potter has regained its power."
"Flint is not a Great House," Harry said.
"No, he's not, he's a Vassal like myself," Artemis said.
"A Vassal, who does he serve?" asks Harry.
"Nott's."
"The Nott's, surely not Theodore Nott?" Harry said, remembering the scrawny boy who was Draco's roommate.
"The very same," Artemis said.
"Then, I may be able to solve this problem. Nott owes me several favors," Harry said.
"Be careful when dealing with the Nott's," Artemis said, coming to a halt. She turns to Harry and gives him a hard expression showing she was serious. "The Nott's are a Dark Family. They were servants of the Dark Lord. When the war ended, they claimed to controlled by the Dark Lord. The Nott's are a powerful family, well not that powerful, but they do have influence. If you do approach Theodore Nott, remind him of his position and state clearly that Flint is risking conflict between two Great Families."
"I think I can handle that," Harry said slowly.
"In the meantime, I'll tell my father," Artemis said. "As Regent Lord, he can easily put the Nott's in place by reminding them that conflict between the Great Houses is forbidden. As well as for the Nott's to control their Vassals."
Harry said nothing more, knowing the situation was going to get serious. He knew Professor Snape was aware of what would happen and tried to defuse it. However, he doubts Flint would just back down because his Head of House told him. If Flint had to obey the Nott's, then Theodore was his best bet.
Harry enters the common, and to his delight, he sees Theodore going over his Herbology homework.
"Nott," Harry said, walking up to him. Nott paled as he looks up and sees Harry standing in front of him. "I need a word," Harry said, walking to his dorm.
Nott said nothing as he follows Harry. Nott was barely in when Malfoy walks in.
"Malfoy, this doesn't concern you," Harry said coldly as he sits on his trunk.
"The Malfoy's allies to the Nott's. I'm merely here to assure that Nott's family is respected, and nothing jeopardizes our alliance." Malfoy stated calmly.
Harry's eyes shift dangerous, causing Malfoy to flinch as well as Nott.
"Very well, you can serve as a witness to this. To be blunt, one of your Vassals is causing trouble." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Theodore Nott said in a small voice.
"Flint, Marcus Flint, he's a Vassal under you, is he not?" Harry said.
"He is," Nott said slowly.
"You are aware that he tried to send me a drink with poison last year. As well curse me in my sleep." Harry said.
"I've heard the rumors…" Nott began, but Harry cut him off.
"If Marcus Flint did those things, it's because either you or your father order him to," Harry said firmly.
"Hold on," Malfoy said slowly.
"You know what I'm implying, Malfoy. Does House Nott seek to start a war with the Potter's? Last time I checked, House Potter had more allies then the Nott's." Harry said darkly. "Is it a war you want," Harry said coldly.
"I swear, I didn't tell him too," Nott said nervously.
"You are his Lord, keep your dog on a leash. Marcus Flint's action says that House Nott with to have a conflict with House Potter. And I'm sure you know what will happen to House Nott if this is brought before the House of Lords." Harry said in the cold, even tone of voice.
"I think you're unfair, Potter…" Draco said slowly.
"Am I? What if Flint was doing these things to you, Malfoy? Would you not take action? Would you not alert your father?" Harry said coldly.
Malfoy said nothing. Knowing full well what Harry said was true. If Marcus Flint had so much threatened him, Lucius Malfoy would make the Nott's pay for it.
"I'm trying to settle this peacefully before this does become a problem. Keep your Vassal in line." Harry said in a harsh voice.
"I'll tell my father," Draco promised.
"As will I," Nott said in agreement.
"We're going to be here for another six years, I rather that our houses form a great relationship instead of conflict. Is that understandable." Harry said slowly.
"That sounds good," Malfoy said as he nods his head.
Nothing else was said as Nott and Malfoy left the dorm.
It took only a couple days later, but Marcus Flint got a letter from home and from Lord Nott. Harry knew at once Marcus Flint was angry because he was told he was off-limits as well as anyone who was under his House.
Today Harry was dressed in his Quidditch robes. The number seven in black ink was painted on his back and shoulders. His family name was above.
Malfoy wanted seven as it was lucky, but a quick, harsh glare from Harry caused him to settle with number one.
Harry puts on his chest gear and leg gear before settling with his arm, greaves on before putting on his Quidditch robe. Harry looks at the helmet and though it seems ridiculous. He puts it back before grabbing the new Nimbus Two Thousand and One. His old Nimbus was taken back and given to another student. As Snape pointed out, he was only borrowing the broom for his first year.
He had also read his father's book on Quidditch, and apparently, his father managed to think like a pro, as he had attack formation and defense formation for the chasers and beaters. He was sure he was going to be using these strategies his father created during his time as Chaser. He prayed Draco was a suitable seeker.
Harry said nothing as he walks forward with the rest of the team until they were spotted the Gryffindor team coming out.
"Flint, it's our time to practice." Oliver Wood said as team Gryffindor came up to meet the Slytherin Quidditch team. Out of the corner of his eyes, he notices more Gryffindor's coming up. As did Slytherin's. Wands were being drawn.
"Awe, but I got permission from Madam Hooch that we could use this time to train our new Seeker and Chaser," Flint said with a smug look on his face.
"You got a new Seeker and Chaser, who?" Wood asks.
Harry and Draco walk forward.
"Malfoy?" Lily said in surprise.
"That's right. That's not all that's new this year." Malfoy said as he shows off the broom he was holding.
"Those are the new Nimbus Two Thousand and One." Ron Weasley said in shock. "Where did you get those."
"A gift from Malfoy's father," Flint said with a nasty smirk on his face.
"You see, Weasley, unlike some, my father can actually afford the best," Malfoy said in a boastful tone.
"At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in with pure talent." Hermione said.
"No one asks for your opinion, you fifthly little mudblood," Draco said. The moment he said that Harry's mood darkens and Draco seems to have sensed the danger.
"You'll pay for that, Malfoy!" Ron declared as he pulls out his wand. Whatever spell he was going to cast, backfires as Ron Weasley was blasted off his feet as he flew backward before landing on his back. He gets up but immediately throws up slugs.
The Slytherin team roared with laughter. Harry couldn't hide his smile at the sight of puking slugs Ron.
"Come on," Hermione said as she gets him up only for Ron to puck slugs all over her.
The Slytherin's roared with even greater laughter.
The Gryffindor's quickly help Ron get to his feet.
"To Madam Pomfrey, quick," Lily said as she and Hermione drag Ron inside the castle. A flash of light erupted, and a first-year Gryffindor appeared before Harry.
"You're Harry Potter, aren't you!" He said in an exciting voice. He brings up his camera and takes a picture. "Can you sign this picture for me?" He asks eagerly. Harry scowls and shoves the first year aside as he leads the Slytherin's to the Quidditch pitch.
"Looks like Gryffindor decide to take a leave of absence," Harry said.
The Slytherin's roared with laughter.
They all took off and immediately started playing around. Flint didn't even bother telling them off, they were just having fun.
That was until a strange clicking sound could be heard.
Everyone stops and looks at the first year Gryffindor who was taking pictures.
"What's the little tard thinking?" Adrian Pucey demanded.
"Isn't that the fifthly Gryffindor first year?" Malfoy said as he came up. The rest of the team stopped playing around and gathered around to watch the Gryffindor first year take picture after picture.
"Derrick, Bole," Harry said. The two beaters look at him. "Let's see how well the first-year dances. Hit bludgers at him."
The team smiles as Derrick and Bole grabs the beater box and opens it. They grabbed their bats and swung at the bludgers. Directing them at the Gryffindor's first year, who panicked and started running as the bludgers were flying around him.
The Slytherin team roared with laughter.
Author Notes: I hope everyone enjoys the chapter! A couple fast scenes to get the new year going.
