Calm Before the Storm

The First Saturday of October brought great excitement to all level headed Quidditch fanatics in the school.

Try-outs.

For the entire day, there was going to be a spectacle at the Quidditch pitch.

Slytherin was lucky and was assigned the first slot for try-outs.

Harry and the other returning Quidditch starters where there to help Graham Montague pick the right additions to the team. Besides the five returners, the group on the pitch contained about two dozen hopefuls.

In the stand was a sizable crowd. Mostly Slytherin, but also some friendly Ravenclaws, among whom were Hermione and Luna. In addition to those who only wanted to see the flying, there were also some observers from the other teams. All the captains wanted to see the basic talent from their rivals, to gauge what to prepare for.

Each house used a different selection methodology. Slytherin had the system in which the returning players were not required to compete directly with all contenders. Instead if there was a returning starter for a particular position, then the competition was all about the back up spot. The winner of that competition could then challenge the old starter, if he wanted.

Harry felt very secure about his spot. The last time he was challenged was in his second year. By the time of his third year, two seasons of nearly flawless Seeker play discouraged all from challenging him.

The spot of back up Seeker had been held by Terence Higgs, a year older then Harry. He was a decent Seeker but not great, but Harry had no doubt that he would remain his back up. Higgs had taken his demotion due to Harry's discovery personally at first. In the years since, he learned that he was much better at Chaser anyway, and now doubled as a Chaser back up, with hopes of being one of the starters, if not this year, then at least in his final season next year. In a way it was bad that an older player was the back up. It meant that a younger player could not develop to take the spot when Harry would inevitably leave.

Back up did not sound glorious, but due to the dangerous nature of Quidditch, back ups often received quite a bit of in game experience. And of course countless hours of practice, that meant that upon the departure of the current starters, the back up had a big leg up on the competition.

Harry and the other starters floated around the contenders and observed them for about half an hour, while Montague directed the drills. Various maneuvers and position specific drills had to be performed. Then the Captain called the returners into a huddle around him. Only in Quidditch would such an important meeting take place thirty feet from the ground. Quidditch players just love to fly.

"Lets first get the easy stuff out of the way. Pucey and Higgs will remain our Chaser back ups. Higgs will continue to double as the back up Seeker. For back up Keeper I think we should stick with Harper. I don't see any talent approaching theirs out there. Any disagreement with that?" Montague started without preamble.

There was general agreement by all. Pucey and Higgs had those roles for several years now and were already well adjusted to the team. Each had several hours of game experience even. They all expected to move on without much ado.

However, Harry did have a suggestion: "No argument there, Captain, but I would say we should add a third back up chaser, younger then fifth year."

"They would never get the chance to play, Potter." Malfoy objected.

"True, but they would practice with us. I know our primary objective is to win this year, not next, but we should still think about talent development. Montague, Warrington and Pucey will be gone next year. If we don't start training more now, then we will only have you and Higgs with experience chasing. It wont hurt this year, to have a full back up Chaser line, but it will make a huge difference next year."

Malfoy scowled at being proven wrong, but the others were all in favor, and suggested their own picks for the third spot. In the end they decided on Robert Vaisey, the third year who showed a lot of promise, even if his skill was far behind Higgs.

"Then, that is settled. Now the big one: Beaters, starters and back ups, your thoughts." Montague moved the conversation on.

"There is no debate: Crabbe and Goyle are both the best Beaters we have, and they're already a team. With them on our team, our opponents won't know where to take cover." Malfoy immediately pushed for his two bookends.

"Much as I am loath to agree with Malfoy, They are the best duo." Harry agreed. He did not really care who ended up Beater, but wanted the best.

"No way, Urquhart and Hawkins are better." Miles Bletchley said.

"I'm not sure about Hawkins. I would say Harper is better than Hawkins, but we already said he was back up Keeper." Warrington said, "In the individual drills, Urquhart's performance was clearly the best."

"Maybe one on one, Urquhart is better," Malfoy reluctantly agreed, "maybe. But when we put them together, it is no competition. Crabbe and Goyle are used to each other. They didn't need to communicate at all, they knew what the other was going to do without a word between them. It would be a shame to break that up."

"We could just let the two teams, play it out." Bletchley said, "Urquhart and Hawkins versus Crabbe and Goyle."

"No, we know who would win in that case. Hawkins would not help Urquhart enough. The question should be: are Crabbe and Goyle the starters, or Urquhart and one of those two?" Warrington argued.

"I'm going to go with team over individual play. Crabbe and Goyle have it," Montague cut through the argument, "Urquhart will be first back up, and Harper will be second back up along with his back up Keeper role. If we find a better combination, will find it during training."

All in all, Harry thought they had made the right choices.

The Slytherin Quidditch team was going to be solid!

After the try-outs were done, Harry moved quickly to the locker rooms, he tried to change quick enough to catch Hermione, but by the time he was back at the stands, she was gone.

He stayed for a moment to watch Hufflepuff warm up, but decided against staying. His personal opponents, the other Seekers, were practically assured already. Diggory, Chang and Ginny Weasley would probably have more competition than he had, but he was sure that they would come out ahead.

Thus it was not even ten, when Harry entered the Dungeons again.

The Dungeon was still mostly empty. So Harry noticed a few students arguing in one of the nooks. "… are operating in Hogwarts. They won't let us stay neutral, soon we all will have to chose sides." Harry could not see who said this.

"For may family, the choice is already made. My father was …," Blaise Zabini cut of when he noticed Harry. Very much curious, on which side these Slytherins would stand, Harry quickly left to his room. It was not like they would continue the conversation with his presence. But he had a secret weapon.

Harry hurried to his room, as fast as he inconspicuously could. He grabbed his invisibility cloak and pulled it over. He snuck back as quietly and quickly as he could.

But it was all for naught.

The common room was now completely empty.

Damn.

But it did reveal one source of intel that he had completely ignored so far. House Slytherin was a wealth of information. It sounded like some at least were aware of Voldemort's return, and there was a discussion what to do about it. Some were recruiting, others wanted to stay out of it. Maybe a few brave or very ambitious Slytherins would be willing to side with him. If he only knew how to access and properly respond to the rumors and facts floating around the Dungeon.

HPU

Last year, after Harry had gotten his own room for being the fourth champion, he had made it a habit to always do his homework in his room. Upon reflection, he realized that this cut him off from all that happens inside the common room. While Harry really didn't mind missing teenage drama, he saw that if he wanted to build a network, he needed to be easily found.

So Harry decided to be visibly in the common room Monday and Tuesday after dinner, and Thursday and Friday afternoon. He would not have minded coming also on Wednesday, but that night they had Astronomy, so he wanted to relax a bit before the late class.

For his go to spot, Harry picked his favorite niche. It was mostly a regular niche, as there where countless others around the main common room, underneath the balcony that encircled it. This one had the distinction of housing the terrarium of the pet snake of Slytherin.

The house had named the snake Slithers XIII, in honor of the twenty two Slithers who preceded him, going back all the way to Slithers I, who was was a gift to the house by Professor Corvinus Gaunt. The last head of house known to be a Parselmouth.

After his first discussion with the snake, Harry addressed him by is preferred name: SSSSam. SSSSam did not mind the regal name, but did not really react to it.

Besides the excellent company, this niche had the advantage that it was reasonably quiet. The snake was only a mayor attraction for the first week of the year, when it was new to the first years. Its monthly feeding sometimes brought a small crowd, of maybe a dozen. It was interesting to watch it dislocate its jaw to eat.

By the end of the second week it was well known that it was Harry Potter's new homework spot.

Before the year started, Harry had hoped that he could make contact with people by offering help with DADA homework or defensive spell work. This plan had quickly derailed. Madam Umbridge's class was so banal, there was no use tutoring it. The few students who struggled to understand the hogwash of the new textbook were not work cultivating.

Nevertheless, occasionally other students joined him. Mainly Theo, they worked together on Potions and Herbology. Truth be told, in those classes Theo was of greater help to him, than he was to Theo. Harry did at least help him with their continued combat training.

Despite what most outside the house thought, the Slytherin common room was in fact open to other houses, but in practice this was limited to only a few invited guest or study buddies from the house of Ravenclaw. The rivalry with Gryffindor obviously prevented them from being allowed in the room, and Hufflepuff was often too closely aligned with Gryffindor as well. And 'Puffs just didn't have enough ambition to be worth the time to most Slytherins. Harry thought that was not the whole story, but didn't want to be the first one to invite one in either. The end result was that at least during the week, a hand full of Ravenclaws could often be seen studying with Slytherins.

One group that used this policy was the Ancient Runes study group, which met every Friday afternoon. In this group, Harry was joined by Astoria Greengrass and their respective project partners Luna Lovegood and Ronan Griffis, both of Ravenclaw. So the Ravenclaw dominance of Ancient Runes was helpful, since this way both Slytherin students had Ravenclaw partners. Their initial purpose was to work exclusively on the homework, but soon they found that even though they were in separate groups, it was beneficial for all to do some cross pollination for their projects.

Today it was Tuesday evening, so neither the Runes study group nor Theo were with him. Harry practiced the charms they had learned today, when suddenly Daphne Greengrass sat into the chair next to him.

"Do you have some time Potter?"

"Sure Greengrass, what can I do for you?" Harry was exited. Maybe, through helping her, he could add her to his Network. She would be invaluable.

"You know my little sister Isolde is the best friend of our Weasley."

"Yes, I think that is common knowledge."

"Well, Isolde has come to me asking for help, and I don't think I can do it alone. Mafalda is struggling with some of her classes. She missed several months last year, and has not had a chance in all classes to catch up."

"Didn't the Ministry last year say they would make sure she would catch up?"

"They did, but the Ministry has a habit of promising the best, and only doing the worst. The Department of Education ended up giving her a free tuition for all seven years at Hogwarts. Which for a Weasley is probably invaluable. But in the process, they noticed that she is not" Daphne looked around and whispered, "as pureblood as the other Weasleys. When they noticed that she was practically a Muggle-born, they abruptly stopped looking for tutoring over the summer."

"What?" Harry's voice rose several decibels. "Those … those bloody bastards. What use is a free education, if she can't catch up? What have the teachers done about that?"

"Some are really helpful, others," Daphne shook her head, "not so much. I used to think we were in the best school of magic in the world, now I realize, it is just the most prestigious school in Britain. Anyway, there are some teachers doing their job. Professor Snape has actually been working with Molly Weasley, that's the mother of all the other Weasleys," Harry nodded, he knew that already, "to get Mafalda caught up. Mrs. Weasley is surprisingly very proficient and between her tutoring this summer, and Professor Snape monitoring her now, Potions is not a problem. She might be a little bit ahead even."

"I never liked him in Potions, but that is actually pretty cool. And he is a much better tutor one on one, compared to his lectures. What about the other classes?"

"Mrs. Weasley also knows her Herbology, so Mafalda was able to make up some of headway with that. Sadly, Sprout is not overly concerned with her. I'm not sure if Mafalda has enough knowledge of the material. Likewise, in Transfiguration, McGonagall does not really seem to care if she can catch up."

"Are the heads of houses not supposed to be role models. No wonder, we have this feud with Gryffindor, even though they have cool people."

"It's not like they all act that way." Daphne defended some teachers. "Flitwick and Sinistra are both helping her with extra lessons. Charms is my one of my strengths, so I offered to help her with it as well. I've talked with Flitwick about it, and she is progressing fairly quickly. I think she will have caught up by the Christmas hols. Astronomy doesn't seem to be too difficult to Mafalda. I think we don't have to worry about it."

"I see why you wanted to talk with me, now." Harry smiled. "Umbridge and Binns are both worthless teachers. Of course I can help Mafalda with DADA. Not that I will be using the text book."

Daphne laughed, "I would never ask you to do that."

"What about History of Magic?"

"I love the subject, so I have decided to teach both my little sisters and Mafalda some real history. Like you, I will ignore the class material entirely. Binns teaches the same thing every year, so there is no use recapping the last year for Mafalda. You are welcome to join if you want. I think it would benefit your ambitions to know why we ended up with the world we have."

"That would be fascinating." Harry said, "but just to make sure Mafalda will be all right. For History, Defense, Portions, Astronomy and Charms we found an acceptable solution?"

"Yes, and Herbology, sort of. I forgot to mention that Professor Snape offered to tutor her if she really needed it. He said that he was rather busy, but that if her grades were not up to speed by the middle of the term, he would be willing to tutor her. He looks very reluctant about it ..."

"He told me, 'things have change.' He doesn't have as much time as he used to." Harry dearly wanted to say more but could not, the vow from the spring holding him back. "I think I will ask Hermione if she could help Mafalda with Herbology and Transfiguration."

"If she is willing to tutor Transfiguration, then I can make sure about Herbology. I was going to help her with Transfiguration as well, but Granger is much better at it than I."

"So you are going to tutor her in Charms, Herbology and History?"

"It sounds like more than it is. In Charms, Flitwick will be there to help too, and I really think she learned a lot of Herbology already this summer. And as I said, I love History, and it wont be graded anyway. It should just be fun. Granger and you will have much more to do, to make sure she will fully qualify at the end."

"I don't know about that, but at least it sounds like a plan. Let me find Hermione and ask her. I'll tell you what she says."

"Great."

HPU

As so often now, Harry and Hermione sat by the lake. The weather was getting worse, so soon they would not be able to come, but for now warming charms were enough to make it pleasant.

Like the last few meetings, they avoided the topic of Legilimency. They continued to work on it individually, but they could not advance. Neither could really proceed without a competent instructor to guide them, and so, by unspoken agreement, they did not talk about it for the time being.

Harry had another topic in mind.

"Daphne Greengrass approached me a few days ago. She is organizing a group to help Mafalda catch up."

"That is a great idea. Do you think I could help."

"We were wondering if you could. I suggested you could help her with Transfiguration. It's a very difficult and dangerous subject, so it's right up your alley." Harry smiled.

"Of course, I can do it. Do you have a time set already?"

"You should talk with Greengrass. She is scheduling everything."

"Next time I see her. I have Runes with her on Friday."

A lull settled in the conversation. Until Harry thought back on the week: "Hey, Thanks for coming and supporting us at the try outs."

"I had hoped you would fly more than you did." Hermione replied, "I always love seeing that smile on your face, when you pull of a particularly crazy stunt."

"Would you want to join me sometime?"

"No thank you. Humans were given two feet and no wings for a reason."

"You need to learn how to use a broom. You're a witch after all. And who knows when it would be useful in an emergency."

"In that case I could just hold tight to you." Hermione smirked.

"What if I am not around?"

"Would I be in danger without you around?"

"Err, well, does that mean, that I am to dangerous to go on a date with?"

"Mr. Potter, is that you asking me out?"

Harry did not know where to look. He hadn't intended to ask Hermione out just yet. But, what's done, is done. "Yes. Miss Granger, would you grace me with your presence on a little excursion down the marvels of the Lower Dungeons?"

"I would love to." Hermione hugged Harry. He could not contain the sigh of relief.

HPU

Harry had always really liked Charms class. Professor Flitwick was a teacher who both loved his craft of dueling and his profession as teacher. With his background in dueling, he had a breath of charms few could rival. In years past, and this year again, when the DADA teacher were rather lackluster, he build into his lessons various defensive charms. In this way, he ensured that his pupils had at least some practical defensive knowledge.

Transfiguration was not Harry's forte, and the stern Professor, Minerva McGonagall did not make it easier. But he still had always more or less enjoyed the class. There was something … gratifying about molding things from one to another, at the flick of his wand. This year they had started to transfigure live animals, and it added a whole level of complexity. Before last year, he would have balked at the challenge, but now he reveled in it.

This year, they had both, in double blocks, back to back on Tuesdays. While it was exhausting, Harry looked forward to it. While his enjoyment of the two classes did not hurt, the real reason he looked forward had another explanation. There was a certain young witch in Ravenclaw Harry really liked working with, talking with and even just sitting quietly by the lake with.

They had just exited the Transfiguration class room and headed outside to go the next class. Harry had Care of Magical Creatures, but Hermione did not take this elective. They usually walked together until the staircase, where they had to go different directions.

The walk was calm like it had been the past weeks, until the two reached the split in the hallway. One direction from the split led to the staircase, the other into a rarely used auditorium.

It was not the busiest part of the castle, but there was a fair amount of traffic in the hallway.

Moody would have said that was all the more reason to be constantly alert, but Harry was much more interested with his companion at the moment.

Thus, Harry was not prepared when two sixth year Gryffindors, Cormac McLaggen and Jules Dullard intercepted them.

"Hey Mudblood." McLaggen said. Harry was surprised to hear this from a Gryffindor, he was kind of used such inside the Dungeons, but had not heard it in the hallways so far. "We have heard some complaints, about you."

"You need to learn your place." Dullard said. He turned to Harry, "Move along, This doesn't concern you."

Harry was livid. When someone attacked his best friend and potential girl-friend, it surely did concern him. "I think you should apologize, before this escalates beyond your control." He threaten.

The taller McLaggen stepped in front of him, while Dullard pushed Hermione down the emptier corridor.

When Harry saw how Dullard treated Hermione, he almost saw red. But instead of reacting violently, he used his long practiced dodging skills. He slipped easily past McLaggen, and then squeezed between Hermione and Dullard, pushing the larger wizard back with superior leverage. Just in case, he also drew his wand, but kept it out of sight.

He tried to calm down the situation, "Dullard, what are you doing? Why…"

"Get out of the way, or live with the consequences." McLaggen tried to cower Harry. Both Gryffindors pulled their wands out.

Before either of the attackers could react, Harry thrust his head into Dullard's stomach. Dullard was too close and could not dodge.

McLaggen threw a Depulso at Harry, but Harry shoved Dullard into the spell. Due to the angles involved, he was thrown at the wall.

Harry jumped away, trying to get Hermione out of the line of fire. He over-powered a cheering charm, which caught McLaggen unprepared.

McLaggen started to giggle manically. He tried to ready another spell, but he was laughing so hard, he was shaking.

At this point Professor Umbridge appeared. "What is happening here?"

"I saw everything, Professor." Abigail Blevins, a seventh year Slytherin, who had been the sole bystander, said, "McLaggen and … I don't think we've met?"

"Jules Dullard."

"… and Dullard here wanted to talk to the Mu… Granger. Potter went mad and attacked both Gryffindors. He used a Depulso to throw Dullard at the wall, and some strange sort of hex to make McLaggen go crazy."

"That's not what happened." Harry protested, "I was only…"

"Thank you Miss Blevins" Umbridge cut Harry off, "please bring the two victims to the infirmary, it looks like they're in need of some assistance. Mr. Potter, for spell casting in the hall, attacking two students and using dangerous experimental hexes, I will take seventy-five points from Slytherin. I will also see you at detention for the next two weeks. Come to my office tonight at seven. Now go, I'm sure you don't want to be late to your next class."

With a self-satisfied smile Umbridge departed.

Harry looked at Hermione, he did not quite know how to react. The whole confrontation had lasted less than five minutes. He was surprised by many things. It had been a while since anyone had tried something like this. But he was also disappointed at Blevins traitorous explanation. Why had she sold him out? Slytherins tended to stand together, as a house.

Momentarily he was distracted from his musings.

"Thanks Harry, I don't know what they would have done.." Hermione leaned in and gave him a quick pick on his cheek. And then dashed of to class. Harry was left alone. He was late to Magical Creatures, and with two weeks worth of detention.

Somehow he was still walking on clouds.

A.N. I think I have become wordier as I write more, I don't think that means better, any comments on that?The Quidditch scene is not completely what I wanted, but I wanted to add that dimension to the story. Any suggestions on making the Quidditch story line?

Please Review.