-Story disclaimer at the beginning of Chapter One-

Author's Note: I wanted to touch briefly on a comment I received about Chapter 4.

"Why oh why did you make Draco have to like Harry already?"

My response: Originally, I had intended for Harry and Draco both to hate each other. That was the plan.

However, as I was writing, the story wasn't going in that direction.

I even pondered this for a couple days - and asked my friend Mace what she thought.

I wasn't sure if I should rewrite certain chapter parts to make them hate each other (like I intended), or continue with how it was coming out.

Mace told me to let my fingers do the typing and just let the story happen. So I apologize if you think I took the easy way out. I was a bit disappointed also, at first.

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:Chapter Five: Muggle Ball

"Oh bloody hell," Draco said when he noticed the Gryffindor gang walking out of the castle. "I should have known coming outside on such a nice day wouldn't be a good idea."

Draco and his Slytherin counterparts were sitting outside by the lake, under the largest tree. Some of them were smoking, some were making out, there was even one guy pulling out a bit of parchment to start taking bets.

"Alright, this should be a good one," said Graham Pritchard. "Every time they play this muggle game, I almost wish I could join in." He said while Blaise Zabini threw an orange at him, which hit him in the shoulder.

"Uugghhh," commented Draco, "I hate this stupid muggle game. Why can't they play some wizarding games instead?" But in truth, he didn't hate watching them play. It was the exact opposite. Watching all these boys get sweaty and playing with their shirts off really made his day. Heck, even a few of the girls played in revealing bathing suits. He was secretly pleased that he decided to come to the lake today.

About thirty away, the pack of lions were setting up camp. Hermione started transfiguring parts of the grass into a giant sand box. And Harry was setting up the net with quick flicks of his wand.

Neville walked over to Hermione and asked, "Did you tell the house elves to bring us out some snacks and drinks?"

"Of course I asked them. We've been playing volleyball for years, I know the drill. Anyway, they said they would bring everything out as soon as possible."

When Hermione was finished making the sandbox, she lifted up a very small box and enlarged it from it's current shrunken form. Then she opened the top and pulled out some fabric, umbrellas, and round lids. She changed them into round tables with huge shaded umbrellas and nice soft chairs. There were a handful of tables now sitting on the side of the volleyball court.

"Let's make the teams now," Harry said, taking charge. Immediately the people who wanted to play started to walk over and stand in front of him. There were even handfuls of students from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw who usually joined in to play or watch.

"Alright, without looking at your friends, make your wand shoot out a color. Either violet, orange, brown, or gray. No cheating! Do it Now." Suddenly small sparks of color were eliminating from everyone's wands. "Now remember your color. Violet go stand there, Brown over there, orange back there, and gray over here. Don't forget your teams. Violet will be playing Orange first."

Because they had been playing volleyball together for years, they all basically knew what to do. Everyone magicked their shirts with their team color. The guys who had already taken off their shirts had a huge dot placed on their back and chest in the team color.

Some of the muggle children that were taught to play sports in their earlier schooling years started playing volleyball during the summer and spring at Hogwarts. Quite a few of the wizarding kids took an interest and asked to be taught how to play. Every now and then even a Slytherin or two might join in.

Dobby the House Elf appeared with a couple trays of drinks. "Harry Potter, sir, Dobby is bringing out the drinks and sandwiches which you request."

"Thanks Dobby. Did you spell everything to stay cold?"

"Yes, sir, it is Dobby's pleasure." With that, he left.

The first two teams to play were the Orange team, whose captain was decidedly Ron, and the Violet team whose chosen captain was Susan Bones of Hufflepuff.

-o-O-o-

Watching the teams pair up, Draco told Graham Pritchard to put him down for ten Galleons for the gray team.

-o-O-o-

Quite some time later, the first two teams were finished playing and panting as they left the court.

"Every year, I love this muggle ball game more and more!" Exclaimed Terry Boot from Ravenclaw, who was on Ron's winning Orange team.

"Alright Brown and Gray, it's our turn," Harry said, "brown on that side, gray over here."

The Brown team chose Ernie Macmillan from Hufflepuff as their captain. The Gray team chose Harry. The Gray team won the coin toss to serve first.

Harry's team huddled up on their side of the net. "Okay," he said, talking low, "everyone remember the rules and how to play? Good. I want you three to take the front line and us three will be in the back. Justin, you serve first."

After about fifteen minutes of rough play in the sun, Harry went to pull off his sweat soaked shirt and threw it onto the grass. Many of the people watching from the shaded tables were definitely taking notice. Hermione looked up from her book she was reading after she heard a few sighs, and shook her head before she went back to reading.

Seamus Finnigan, who had played for the Violet team, was not even trying to hide the fact that he was enjoying the scene. He walked over to the balled up shirt that Harry threw from the court, and picked it up with his left hand and carried it back to the tables. He pretended to smell the shirt with a lustful look on his face as his free hand held his heart. Everyone watching laughed. Well, almost everyone.

Draco had seen this action take place from the tree he was sitting at. He was not thrilled at all and made a jealous face.

Pansy leaned over and said, "Don't let it bother you. Besides, he's a total flirt towards everyone."

-o-O-o-

After the second match, in which the Gray team had won, they all took a break to eat and get drinks. Harry sat down at the first empty chair. Seamus grabbed Harry's shirt from the tabletop and tossed it underneath in the hopes that he wouldn't see it and put it back on.

"You played a good game, Harry." Seamus announced.

"Thanks, the whole team played well." He returned while eating a sandwich.

"Um, I was wondering if you were planning on going to Hogsmeade two weekends from now…"

"Yeah, I had planned on it." Harry answered.

"Do you want to stop and get a butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks with me?"

Harry swallowed his last bite and looked at Seamus closely. He hadn't really taken notice of his looks the past few years considering that they were friends and how often do you look at your friends with fresh eyes? Seamus had definitely grown up and was pretty cute now. He was always fun to hang out with, made him laugh often, and Harry couldn't think of a time that he didn't really enjoy his company.

"You mean just the two of us?" Harry asked carefully.

"Yeah, just us. Like a, a date… if you want."

The people all around them were looking at them in interest to see what his response would be.

"Yeah, sure." Harry accepted. It wasn't like he had gotten a response from his Quill-match, anyway.

"Great!" Said Seamus, "We'll plan a time to meet up later."

When everyone had finished with their breaks, the Gray team and Orange team took to the court.

Harry and Ron, as opposing captains, shook hands. Unlike Quidditch, Harry didn't always win, so it was fun to see who would come out on top this time. The Slytherins were watching from their shade and looking very excited. They loved anything on which they could place a bet.

Both teams played excellently, but Harry's team came out on top. Smirking, Draco announced, "Shame on all of you who bet against Gray. Now pay up."

-o-O-o-

After the game, everyone went back to their Houses to shower. When Harry stopped in his room to grab his clothes, he noticed his mailbox was glowing. He reached inside and pulled out the letter.

Smiling, he sat down to send off a quick response.

Dear Mischief,

I almost thought I wouldn't be hearing from you. Glad that I was wrong.

As for the Slytherin comment, you are close but not correct. Maybe I will explain what I mean later.

I can't write much, I just came inside from playing sports and need to shower.

A quick question – What are your favorite classes? Mine are definitely Defense Against the Dark Arts and Flying.

Sweatily yours,

Jolt

-o-O-o-

The news of Harry accepting the date at Hogsmeade finally made it's way to the Dungeons, later that evening.

"Look on the bright side. Now we know he's at least bisexual." Pansy stated.

"No, the bright side would be him announcing he's into guys without actually going on any dates. But I'm over it. I'm going to check my mail." He said while hopping off his favorite Common Room couch.

Entering his dorm room, he noticed his mailbox glowing and read the newest letter.

His heart started thumping when he read that Jolt had played sports today. 'Calm down,' he thought, 'there were also people playing Quidditch and even a group playing water sports in the lake... not just volleyball.' He told himself. Sitting down, he replied:

Dear Jolt,

Of course I was planning on writing you back. Glad to hear you enjoyed your day in the sun. I spent most of the day outside too, but didn't participate in any games.

To answer your question, my favorite classes are Potions and Flying. Hmm. So you're in the new Flying class too? I guess that answers which year you are in.

My question to you: How long have you known you liked guys? Have you ever had a serious relationship with a guy?

Un-sweatily regards,

Mischief

-o-O-o-

At dinner that night Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"Students, I hope you had a good first week back at school and a good weekend so far. I just wanted to update you on two changes that have been made. First, I didn't realize how many letters were going to be exchanged with the Quill-Pal program. In just one day, it seems there is too much work for the owls plus we have had a couple issues finding enough owls to deliver regular mail. To fix this problem, I have spelled the mailboxes to automatically transfer the letters. It is quicker and much more efficient this way.

"Second, I want to announce that the Seventh Year students will be allowed to take trips to Hogsmeade once a month instead of once a Season. However, if your grades are low or slipping, you will not be allowed to go until they rise. Enjoy the rest of your weekend."

The Seventh Years were excited, but all the lower grades weren't too thrilled about the last announcement.

Barely listening to the old man's announcements, Draco was coming into some revelations. Watching the Gryffindor table, he noticed how Seamus was overly flirting with Harry.

Pansy noticed this and leaned over. "You're way better for Harry than he is." She whispered.

Nodding, Draco decided that if the average-looking, overly flirty, Gryffindor slut could have a chance with Harry, there was a possibility that he could as well. He formulated a plan in his mind. Then he waited for the green-eyed beauty to leave his table.

He didn't have to wait much longer. Harry got up with a few of his friends to leave. Trailing them were Draco and Pansy. As they neared the doors, Draco slammed into Seamus.

"Didn't see you there." He said, while giving one of his best smiles. Then turning, he said, "So, Harry, I see you're taking the new Flying class. Think it will improve your skills?"

Not giving Harry a chance to respond, Ron said, "Harry doesn't need to improve. But I can see why you need to take the extra classes."

Everyone laughed except Harry who said, "At least he'll be more of a challenge this year. I'm actually looking forward to it."

Draco gave his cutest smirk and turned around to walk to the Dungeons with Pansy.

Walking towards the stairs leading to Gryffindor tower, Seamus said, "Did he call you –"

"Yeah, yeah, he did." Said Harry looking a bit confused.

-end of chapter-

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Author Note One: Students grade 3 through 7 visit Hogsmeade a few times a year (once for every Season). I am taking liberties giving the 7th years a once-a-month trip.

Author Note Two: There are around 1000 students at Hogwarts (according to Wikipedia). I mention this so you won't wonder why Draco doesn't easily figure out who his match is from the Flying class. There could be 50 or more students taking the class, and I can't guarantee that there is only one Flying class. There could be a few (I haven't decided yet).

Author Note Three: When Draco bets 10 Galleons, he's betting approximately $100 on the Gray team. Money conversion:

1 Galleon £5.12 $9.30 (approx)
1 Sickle £0.30 $0.57 (approx)
1 Knut £0.01 $0.02 (approx)

This ties in with information given by JK in an interview where she said that a Galleon was worth approximately £5 (conversion taken from Mugglenet).

Author Note Four: Yes, I realize that outdoor sand volleyball generally only has two players on each team… but I wanted six players (like a typical indoor volleyball game). Also, you should go rent Top Gun and watch it. I like to pretend that Maverick is Harry and the Ice Man is Draco. Yummy. There is even a sand volleyball match in the movie. So much sexual tension between those two. If you agree – leave me a message! Go.rent.now!