I do not own Harry Potter, or the OC
Hello guys, Badger here. I'm sure you know the drill by now. How are you lot today? Now, I don't wish to show an favouritism, but Silverleone, you are my favourite reviewer. You may not have left many reviews, but involved and kind with every review you've given and that makes me happy. If I met you in real life, I would give you a hug. With your permission of course. Now, before anyone says anything, the rest of you are kind and involved with your comments, its just Silverleone makes me smile with their comments.
Anyway, the chapter I have for you today, is mainly filler. Normally, I'm not a fan of writing filler but, after the all the action we had the previous chapter, I feel like a nice, calm, filler chapter would be nice, before we are sent rushing into the action once more.
That is all for now. Read on, I hope you enjoy and I will see you at the end.
Chapter 49
Dates for the Yule Ball
He smiled to himself, as he leant back in his chair. Potter and Badger had done well during the First Task. Still, he needed to make sure that the two of them were the first to make it through the final task. He did not want to disappoint his master. To do so would be painful. He was interrupted when he heard a bang and a cry coming from the small chest in his office.
"Shut it!" He yelled "I won't hesitate to kill you if I have to!"
That made the noise stop. Taking a breath, he thought. The Second Task wasn't until February next year. He could try manipulate a few events, to make sure Potter and Badger finish and finish well, then he would need to plan for the Final Task. He thought for a moment, before he poured himself a drink. He didn't need a plan right this minute. He could spare a few days. He just hoped his masters new lackey kept his word. He didn't fully trust them just yet.
…
Winner of the First Task,
Rita Skeeter
Like many of you, I sat witnessing one of the greatest displays I have seen. Each one of the champions went up against a dragon to steal a Golden Egg. An essential clue to the next task. Each Champion had their own tactics, but Viktor Krum earned the most points, meaning he is in the lead. Reluctant Hogwarts Champion, James Badger preformed some incredible magic, though he only gained 37 points, placing him in third place. One expected better from a member of the Badger family. Is there something he isn't telling us. Performance issues perhaps? For articles on the champions performance, turn to page 5, 7 and 9.
James pushed the Daily Prophet away, causing the paper to fall to the floor. It had been a few days since the First Task ended, and he was currently sat in the library. He hoped Skeeter will stop soon, but he may have to do something himself. He turned his attention back to the Golden Egg, that stood up in front of him. He placed his arms on the desk and lay his chin on them, staring at the egg, hoping it would just melt. When he and Harry got back from the stadium, they opened their eggs, only for their ears to be assaulted by loud screeching noises. Since then, he had spent some time reading through books on all kinds of creatures. He just hoped it didn't turn into a similar situation to the Basilisk. The egg and Second Task weren't the only things on his mind. On Christmas, there was going to be a Yule Ball and, as he was a Champion, he would need a date as he was going to be taking part in the opening dance. One more thing he needed to worry about. His thoughts were snapped, when someone sat opposite him. He looked to see Hermione Granger sitting opposite him. His day was getting better and better.
"Can I help you?" He sighed
"How did you do it?" She demanded
"Do what?" James asked
"Those spells you used during the First Task" Hermione replied, with an eagerness, demanding the information to learn something new
"Power, Will and Intent" James said "That's all you ever need"
"But what you did was impossible" Hermione said "You turned boulders into all kinds of animals, that's advanced transfiguration that we have only just started this year!"
"Impossible for you maybe" James replied, as he began packing his things away, tucking the egg under his arm "Unlike some people here Granger, I don't limit myself to school books...good day"
Hermione scowled, as James made his way out. Huffing at his rudeness, she got up from her seat and looked through all books on Transfiguration the library had. If he could do what he did in the First Task, then she could too.
…
Harry made his way down one of the corridors, heading towards the kitchens. Things had been pretty overwhelming for the past few days. After the First Task, people were constantly apologising to him. At least, those who wore badges. No matter where he was: Eating in the Great Hall, in the classrooms or just walking down the corridor, he would be swarmed by students, asking for forgiveness. He wasn't sure where all this was coming from, or why it was happening. Because of people constantly surrounding him, he decided to eat in the Hogwarts kitchens. Thanks to the Twins, he was able to find his way there. Coming up to a portrait, Harry tickled the pear as he was instructed to do, which caused the pear to giggle and open the entrance. However, when he entered the kitchens, he found someone he didn't expect to see.
"Dobby?" He said
The House Elf in question turned, his eyes widening when he saw Harry. He squealed in joy, rushing over and hugging Harry's legs.
"Harry Potter, it is so good to see you again" He said
"Good to see you too Dobby" Harry smiled "But…what are you doing here?"
"Dobby was given a job by the Headmaster" Dobby replied "Dobby now be making food for Harry Potter and other students"
"Why didn't you leave and be free, like I thought you wanted?" Harry asked
"Dobby wanted to stay" Dobby replied "Dobby wanted to stay in castle and make food for Harry Potter…Dobby would like to say, if Harry Potter ever needs Dobby for anything, just call for Dobby"
"Anything?" Harry asked
"Anything" Dobby nodded
"Ok, thanks Dobby" Harry said "Can you just get me some food for now…I'm hungry but don't want to be swarmed by people in the Great Hall"
"Of course Harry Potter, sir" Dobby bowed
Dobby was as quick as a flash, as he prepared Harry a full roast dinner. Thanking Dobby, Harry sat at a nearby table and began to eat. As he ate, he thought about everything that went during the last few days. Everything involving the First Task and the Yule Ball. The sound of the entryway alerted Harry, where he saw Susan come in, smiling as she saw him.
"Here you are" She said, sitting opposite him "Glad I found you"
"Why were you looking for me?" Harry asked "And…how did you find me?"
"The Twins told me where you were heading" Susan shrugged "I wanted to see how you were doing"
"I'm fine" Harry replied "Just thinking about…"
"The Yule Ball?" Susan guessed, as it was all the female population could talk about
"Yeah" Harry nodded "As I'm a Champion, I need to bring a date, as I will be a part of the Opening Dance"
"Yikes" Susan said "Well, shouldn't be difficult to find a date…due to your status as the Boy-Who-Lived, a lot of the girls are waiting for you to ask them"
Harry cringed at that. The last thing he wanted was to take someone who was a crazy fan girl. He could ask Daphne but, she scared him slightly. As he ate, he kept his gaze on Susan. Her thin face with a sprinkle of freckles, pouty lips, copper red hair and blue eyes. An idea then came to his head.
"Hey, Susan" He said "Would you…like to be my date to the Ball?"
"Me?" Susan asked, raising an eyebrow "Why me?"
"Well…out of everyone I know, I'd rather go with you" Harry said "Daphne intimidates me, it would be awkward if I went with Ginny, I don't know Tracey that much and Luna…well…"
"I understand" Susan said, cutting him off "you have yourself a deal Potter…I'll gladly be your date to the Ball…I hope you know how to dance"
"Of course I do" Harry nodded
This was great. He had a date to the Ball. Now all he had to do…was learn how to dance.
…
James found himself back in the Owlery. He gave Loki a letter for the Albrights, before he let her fly away. The Albrights were worried when they found out about his fight against the dragon, so he decided to send them a letter, saying that he was okay. Of course, he didn't mention the broken bones he received during the fight. After watching Loki disappear over the trees, he turned to see Luna feeding a few of the other owls.
"Hello James" She said softly, turning to him
"Hi Luna" James replied "Sorry, I didn't see you there"
"That's okay" Luna smiled "You seemed to be in deep thought, something worrying you"
"Just the Yule Ball" James sighed
"You need a date, don't you" Luna guessed
James nodded, keeping his gaze on her. There was something about the petit blond that made his insides feel weird. Maybe it was her carefree attitude? Or the beautiful tone of her voice? Whatever it was, ever since he first met her, in his Second Year, he knew there was something different about her. He had a feeling why he felt the way he did, whenever he saw her. He was just afraid to admit it.
"Luna…would you be my date to the Yule Ball?" He asked, before he could stop himself
Luna opened her mouth to answer, but closed it again. She bit her lip, as she turned away slightly, looking a little embarrassed, a small blush on her cheeks.
"Why me?" She asked "You could go with anyone…why take me?"
"Because you are different" James replied "You…understand me, in ways others don't…I feel like I would enjoy the ball more, if I was with you"
The blush on Luna's cheeks grew, whilst James fidgeted slightly, waiting for the answer. After a moment of silence, Luna turned back to James, a smile on her face.
"I'd love to be your date to the Ball, James Badger" She said
"I'll be honoured to have you as my date" James replied "Though, you do know, we have to take part in the Opening Dance"
"I don't mind" Luna smiled "As long as you know how to dance"
Without waiting for a reply, Luna made her way out of the Owlery and skipped back to the castle. James remained where he was, watching her leave.
…
"So, let me get this straight" Daphne said "You asked someone to be your date to the Ball, when you don't know how to dance?"
"Yes" Harry groaned
"What were you thinking?" Daphne asked
"I was thinking that I wanted to go to the Ball, with someone who wasn't a crazy fan girl" Harry replied, putting his head on the table
"Don't stress yourself Harry" James replied, patting his back "Me and Luna will be practicing together for the Ball, you can join us if you want, we can teach you"
"That would be good mate, thanks" Harry smiled
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that you and Luna are going together" Daphne commented "You two always look good together…are you sure there is nothing going on?"
"I'm sure" James sighed, ignoring the tingling feeling in his body
Daphne looked at James, eyes narrowed. For some reason, it looked like she didn't believe him. Thankfully, any response was halted, as Krum made his way over.
"Harry Potter" He said
"Yes, what did you want?" Harry asked
"To talk" Krum replied "I saw your performance against the Dragon…you're flying was impressive…even though Quidditch is cancelled this year, I thought you would like to have a friendly match against me and a few others?"
Harry was surprised. He didn't expect that. He looked at James, who just gave him a small nod, a smile on his face.
"Ok, I'm in" Harry replied "Though, I should warn you, I've never lost a game"
"Really?" Krum asked, smiling "Well now I am intrigued…how about after lunch, we head to the Quidditch Field?"
"I'll be there" Harry said "Better bring a good team"
"You too" Krum grinned, before walking away
"You going to be joining us James?" Harry asked
"Of course" James snorted "get the Twins as well…with us four combined, he doesn't stand a chance"
Harry smiled, before he turned to Flint, who was a few seats away.
"Hey Flint, fancy a game?" He asked
"Of course" His Captain nodded "Its my final year, I want to have at least one good match before I leave"
…
That was chapter 49. Nice and calm.
What did you guys think? I hope you didn't mind the filler of this chapter. As I said, I thought it would be nice, after the action filled chapter beforehand. Though, we did get another interaction between James and Hermione. I have a plan for these two characters, but it will be a long time until we get there. Still, I think you'll enjoy what I plan to do.
Anyway, I'm sure you've probably guessed already, but next chapter we will have the Yule Ball, which I have been looking forward too. Originally, I planned for there to be another chapter before this one but, I couldn't think of any filler I could use, so...what can you do?
That is all for now. I hope you enjoyed and I will see you in the next one.
Badger out
