-Story Disclaimer at the beginning of Chapter One-

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:Chapter Six: Footsies

It had been over a week since the students were back at Hogwarts. The start of the new school year was going well. A lot of the students had new friends to spend time with. People were finally making good friends outside of their Houses. Some were even meeting new people from inside their own House.

So far, no one had admitted to meeting up with any of their Quill matches. The only ones having met were from the friendship questionnaires.

Today was Sunday and tomorrow started classes again.

After eating breakfast Harry was sitting in the Common Room trying to block out Hermione. She was busy was lecturing the boys for leaving their homework to do until the last day.

"Why do you two always wait until the last minute to do your homework or study for exams? You had Friday night, all day Saturday-"

"And now Sunday." Ron cut her off. "Really, Hermione. At least we are setting aside time to do it later!"

"Yeah, you'll give yourself about half an hour before you go to bed tonight! I know how you two are." She chastised. "Come to the library with me and we will do it now. That way you can have your whole afternoon and evening free."

Harry and Ron looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Then they ran up stairs to grab their books. Seamus stopped them on their way and asked if he could join.

"Um, sure." Harry responded.

So the three of them met up with Hermione in the Common Room a few minutes later.

On their way down to the library, Harry put his arm around Hermione's shoulders. He slowed their walk so the other two would get ahead of them.

"Something wrong Harry?" Hermione asked him.

He leaned over and talked low. "Well, nothing is wrong, but there is something I wanted to talk to you about."

She gave him a questioning look. "What is it about?"

"It's about Seamus. When he asked to come to the library, shouldn't I have felt excited or glad? Instead, I almost wanted to tell him no."

"I see. Well I think that it is too soon for you to be deciding things. That's what dates are for… so you can get to know someone better and then decide if you want to be with them or not."

"Yeah, you're right. I guess I haven't really given him a chance."

"Is there anything else on your mind, Harry?" She asked, but by then they were entering the library and had to stop their conversation.

The foursome walked to a table in the back. It was actually Hermione's usual table because she doesn't like to be distracted when she works.

Hermione sat next to Harry. Seamus sat across from him. They all pulled their homework out of their bags and got to work. About five minutes later, Harry felt something rubbing up against his foot. He was too busy writing to really pay much attention. But a few minutes after that, he started to feel something going higher up his leg. That definitely grabbed his attention.

He pulled his legs closer to his own chair and hoped that solved the problem.

"Harry, what did you put for answer twelve?" Ron asked.

"Um. I answered with Dried nettles, Crushed snake fangs, Stewed horned slugs, and Porcupine quills."

"No, that's the ingredients for the Boil-Cure Potion. We learned that in first year. Don't you remember, Harry?" Hermione asked him.

"How can he remember anything in Potions, Hermione? He's too busy being harassed by the teacher to actually learn anything." Ron answered for him.

Seamus shifted in his seat and suddenly Harry felt something rubbing his legs again. He quietly tore a bit of parchment and slipped a note to Hermione without anyone noticing. Hermione read the note. "Stacks. NOW!"

Getting the hint, Hermoine said, "Harry, come with me to the stacks and we'll get a copy of first year Potions so I can show you the Boil-Cure Potion."

"Serioulsy Hermione, he doesn't need to be re-educated in first year Potions!" Ron stammered.

But Harry and Hermione had already left their chairs and started walking towards the stacks, much to the displeasure of Ron and Seamus.

After they passed some other students and a couple of empty rows of books, Harry grabbed Hermione's arm and walked her to the very back of the stacks.

"He's rubbing my leg with his foot!" Harry announced.

"Maybe that's his way of showing affection?" Hermione guessed.

"My point is, if I had any feelings towards him in that way at all, wouldn't I be returning the favor instead of trying to get away? All I'm trying to say is, I'm not sure if dating him is such a good idea. I am scared of losing his friendship if this turns out badly."

She just gave him a look.

"Let me explain. When Brent asked me out during the summer, I wasn't sure about going on that date either. But after the first ten minutes I was enjoying his company, noticing how attractive he was, and when he first touched me – I got really excited. When Seamus touches me, I'm not so sure how I feel about it. That can't be a good sign."

"Look, Harry, just go on the date with him. It might take time to get over the fact that you have been strict friends for seven years."

"Yeah, okay. You're right, you always are." Harry said as he ran his hand through his hair. They started walking back to the table.

Harry sat cross-legged in the chair, which seemed to put Seamus in a bitter mood. But to make it up to him, when they were all finished with their homework and heading back to Gryffindor Tower, Harry let Hermoine and Ron get ahead of them so that him and Seamus could talk alone.

"Have you been writing anyone through the Quill-Pal?" Seamus asked him.

"Yeah, Hermione made me fill out the forms. There was one match that I have been mailing frequently." He replied.

"Oh. Is the match a boy or girl?"

"A boy."

"Looks like I might have some competition then, huh?" He said with a flirty smile.

"Yeah, I guess so." Harry answered while smiling back.

-o-O-o-

They made it to their dorm room and put their books away. Harry decided to respond to the letter he had gotten earlier that morning:

Dear Mischief,

Do you ever participate in sports? I know you said you like Quidditch, but maybe you mean you only like to watch it. I love all sorts of sports. I used to play a few muggle games at school before I transferred to Hogwarts. Not on a team or anything, but just during gym class.

So you like taking Potions? It is possibly my least favorite class. I can't believe that I am taking it this year. And yes, I guess we are both seventh years since we are taking the new Flying class with Madame Hooch. I am glad they decided to add it to the curriculum this year. It makes my Monday's a bit better, consider that I have Potions right after.

To answer your questions: I discovered that I liked boys this past summer (not that they were ever ruled out before… I just never gave it much thought previously). I kind of had a semi-serious relationship with a guy I met. He and I were exclusive at the time, but we both knew it wouldn't last past the summer due to me returning to school.

Not looking forward to classes tomorrow,

Jolt

-o-O-o-

Vincent Crabbe walked into the Slytherin Common Room to find Draco laying on his favorite couch.

"Your mailbox is glowing." He told him.

After reading the letter from Jolt, he was positive he was dealing with a Gryffindor due to the class schedules comment. 'It feels like Harry, but maybe it's just wishful thinking.' He thought. 'Then again, maybe not.' He decided to try and discretely draw out more clues.

A few minutes later, he responded:

Jolt,

Yes, I like playing Quidditch as well as watching. I have also watched people playing muggle volleyball the past few years. I have never joined in, because I think it is more fun to watch all the sweaty boys with their shirts off.

I love taking Potions. You probably don't like it due to the teacher. I have learned to deal with him and not let his negative attitude bother me. The science of Potions is really exciting. I love how everything is exact and at the end you are rewarded (if done properly).

I, too, am glad that Flying was added to the curriculum this year. Actually, there were a few courses added this year that I wish I could have been taking throughout school.

As for dating, I have dated a few guys over the years. Nothing serious. I have also taken a couple girls to the balls, but mostly just to shut my parents up when I was younger. I don't care what they think any longer. I have lost respect for my dad a long time ago and I know my mother will care for me in her own distant way, no matter what.

Since you aren't looking forward to classes, let's skip them and make out under the bleachers all day.

Yours,

Mischief

PS. No more talking about being sweaty and taking showers unless you plan on finding a way to cure my 'excitement.'

-o-O-o-

Many floors above the Slytherin Dungeons, Neville Longbottom was trying to get Harry's attention. Harry was in the middle of playing a card game with Ron, Seamus, Dean, and Ginny Weasley.

"Did you want to play Neville?" Harry asked when he saw him standing there. "We can always deal you in next hand."

"Yeah, maybe, but first can I talk to you in private?"

"Sure." He tossed his cards down, saying, "I fold this hand."

Harry stood up and followed Neville out of the portrait hole.

"Harry, I was talking to a few people who are interested in attending D.A. meetings again."

"Really? I wouldn't have thought anyone would be interested after..."

"Well a few of us are, and I am sure there are more who would attend." Neville said, while standing up taller. "I miss it. Besides, now that the Quill-Pal program has started, it will be more fun. People now have friends outside of their own House and it would give us more opportunities to spend time together."

Harry thought there is more to it but didn't ask. Instead, he said, "Sure, let me ask around and see if there will be a group large enough to start meetings. If we do start meetings, you better back me on it when I am forced to tell Hermione. She already thinks I don't spend enough time studying for the N.E.W.T.s."

"Sure, I will." Agreed Neville.

They went back inside and Neville and Harry joined in the card game.

-o-O-o-

That night, before Harry went to bed, he read his latest letter from Mischief. Blushing slightly, he decided to respond. How a few simple lines could make his cheeks burn, he couldn't guess:

Dear Mischief,

I am sure my dislike for Snape has everything to do with me not liking Potions. It is easy to say 'learn to deal with him and don't let him bother you.' But the greasy git loves picking on me. I am sure it gives him pleasure like I couldn't even describe.

You seem to dislike your relatives almost as much as I loathe mine. But I have long since discovered that I will never please them. I don't even bother trying now. I am sorry to hear that your mom is distant and your dad has caused you to lose respect for him. I dream of one day having a family that truly cares about me.

As for making out under the bleachers, I hope one day we will be able to. I love kissing. I am not sure how I will be able to go to sleep tonight now that you have me all excited. I am sure that my flying in class tomorrow will be distracted as well. So thanks a lot.

Three hours from now I will be awake staring at my canopy,

Jolt

PS. :grins:

-end of chapter-

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Author Note: Big hugs to you for reading.

Just to inform you - I am in the middle of a move, have fallen behind on work projects. Plus, I will be going to Las Vegas at the end of this month to attend Lumos 2006 (HP convention)... and I still need to sew my Hogwarts skirt for that.