Chapter: First time Flyers.

The trio were now six days into their grounding by Percy.

For the most part they were managing.

Harry had come to realize by Tuesday that Hogwarts, despite being a Magic school, was very much still a school. Now that he was grounded, he studied more than he ever imagined he could handle. Percy's punishment had the trio sticking to a routine. It wasn't too bad, exactly like Ron had said, but it was frustrating. Harry, while bright, never had a fondness for studies. He could mange through eight classes but with the extra two hours of study after dinner, he desperately needed a break.

"But you said Percy would let us off early if we showed good behaviour!" Harry pushed.

Ron sighed but didn't look up from his letter writing. Thursday's breakfast started as usual, with Ron receiving and responding to his sister's letter. Hermione was sulkily sipping at her juice. She'd thrown a right fit when Percy discovered her coffee drinking habits and promptly declared a ban on the beverage from Gryffindors' table. Ron had been rather smug as he watched the two argue it out, and then incredibly pleased when Percy won. So long as Percy was at Hogwarts Hermione's access to coffee would be monitored.

"It would stunt her growth and was unhealthy for a girl her age," he'd said.

If Hermione wanted coffee, she'd have to ask the other tables for some. Percy must have informed the older Gryffindor students of what he'd done because they too always managed to have a cup and kept it far away from Hermione.

Figures that Hermione would only detest her punishment when her coffee habits were affected. Harry morbidly wondered what she'd do if her books were threatened? Or even her Library privileges?

"Remind me to never get imprisoned with Potter or Granger," Seamus muttered to Dean.

Harry and Hermione glared at the boy who shivered under its intensity but still laughed. Dean shook his head at his friend and bit into his toast, observing Ron and Harry from the corner of his eye. Lavender and Parvati were chatting on Neville's side, who was sat next to Harry, only paying minor attention to the conversation.

After Percy's speech about unity and looking out for one another, the Gryffindor first years had grown closer. Lavender was still wary towards Hermione and Harry was still sure Dean hated him, but they were friendly enough. Merlin bless Ron, Neville, Parvati, and Seamus who often smoothed over any possible awkwardness that might rise among the group.

"Come on guys, we've only got one more day to go. You've lasted this long why not just finish the punishment," Ron carelessly replied.

Harry huffed and shared a commiserating look with Hermione that roughly translated to 'Can you believe this shite?'.

"At first, I didn't believe you, now I do. They've really never been grounded." Lavender marvelled while addressing Ron.

Ron looked up from his letter to give a solemn nod.

"Well, he is the boy-who-lived and she is a book enthusiast." Parvati hummed with a considering stare.

Dean snorted at Parvati trying to be nice and not call Hermione a nerd.

Harry and Hermione flushed at the subtle teasing. They'd been rather annoyed to find they were the only first years to never experience a grounding. Even Neville had been grounded a time or two. Speaking of Neville, the boy was reading his letter from his Gran with a furrowed brow. Harry felt a surge of concern for the boy and nudged Ron to attention.

"Everything alright Neville?" Harry asked.

Neville looked up and while he tried to smile, it didn't hide the conflicted gleam in his eyes.

"Fine, Harry. Just… Gran is checking in and all, asking about classes. She's curious on how I'm doing in DADA."

The rest of their group shared snickering laughs and snorts at the mention of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"You should be sure to tell her you're ace at it. If a stuttering mess like Quirrell could qualify enough to teach the subject, you're practically a master at it." Ron assured.

Neville blushed but didn't refuse the compliment. Ron wasn't wrong, Neville had surprised them all in Defense. Harry still found himself endlessly curious on what Percy might have said to Neville. Whatever it was had really encouraged the soft-hearted boy. While he was still a bit clumsy and shy, he no longer walked with his head low or apologised as often. Neville also proved knowledgeable about DADA's spell theory, enough to almost match Hermione. He still messed up with the practical's, which is where Harry excelled regardless of his weird migraine every class. In a few years Harry's sure Neville will beat him, but…well he could be quite competitive sometimes.

"Makes you wonder what happened to Quirrell to trigger such a huge personality shift," Dean pondered getting a lot of head nods in agreement.

The trio's punished study session had turned into a First-year tutoring session after Monday. Percy made them study in the common room rather than the library for some reason. It hadn't been too strange as plenty of other Gryffindor students had settled in to do the same. But when Neville struggled with his transfiguration homework and asked Percy for help, the rest eventually followed. It was kind of fun, Hermione certainly loved it, but the exercises were quite challenging. Percy also suggested they do a bit of research on their teachers so they could avoid another Snape incident in the future. Know thy enemy and what not.

"Whatever it was, he was quite brave to survive it at least," Parvati added.

"Maybe… but he's got nothing on Professor Flitwick. Who would have thought someone so tiny could be so scary?" Lavender praised.

As one they all looked to the teachers table at the tiny professor conversing with Professor Sprout. The two were looking incredibly cheerful for a Thursday morning, whatever it was they were discussing seemed quite funny.

"Anyway, what was in the package, Nev?" Seamus distracted peering curiously at the small box that came with Neville's letter.

"Oh, um right…"

Neville opened the package and the Gryffindor first years curiously waited for the reveal. Nestled in the small box was a sphere the size of a large marble. It looked like it was made of glass and had white smoke trapped inside. Hermione had all but shoved her plate aside as she leaned over to look closer.

"What is it?" she pestered, and Neville grinned.

"It's a Remembrall! Gran knows I can be mighty forgetful." He explained.

"How does it work? What does it do?" Hermione fired back, her muggle notebook in hand and her pencil scribbling away.

Lavender, Dean and Seamus groaned in unison. Harry and Ron sighed and rolled their eyes at the bushy haired girl. Only Neville and Parvati seemed entertained by her antics.

"It helps wizards remember things they forgot," Parvati explained.

She couldn't help but be reminded of her twin's endless curiosity. It was hard being in different houses, but Padma seemed to be doing okay in Ravenclaw. A little too okay, in her opinion. But then of course… Padma was always rather independent and better at hiding her feelings. She must have looked a bit sad as Lavender had laced their hands together in comfort. Parvati smiled feeling a little bit better. It was nice having a friend, but Lavender could never measure up to her twin. Maybe she should accept the Weasley twins offer for a chat? They probably would understand her feelings the best.

Hermione was now requesting a demonstration on how to use the Remembrall, so Neville obliged. They all see his shock and rising panic when the smoke in the ball turned red.

"Oh no…" he despairs

"What is it?" Hermione presses, looking a little concerned but still curious.

"I've forgotten something."

Ron reaches pass Harry and pats Neville on the chest.

"No big deal Nev. You just don't have your tie today."

"Oh!"

The smoke in the ball turned white again and Harry hummed with interest as Hermione madly continued to scribble. With everyone now talking about other things, Harry slumped into his seat in defeat. Clearly there would be no early ending to this punishment and he'll be stuck studying in the common room as usual.

"What have we got today?" he reluctantly sighed.

Ron had just sent off his letter and looked down at Harry's moping with a snort.

"Honestly, mate, you've got to stop with the mood swings. We're only eleven, not even teenagers yet!"

Harry glared at the taller boy and dipped his spoon into his porridge.

"I'm not moody!" he loudly protested.

In unison all the Gryffindor first years giggled in disagreement. Harry was going to protest some more, not happy with the early morning teasing, but Ron cut him off with an easy-going grin.

"Alright, it was just a bit of fun. You're just too easy though, you really need to watch that temper of yours."

Hermione, the bloody hypocrite, voiced her complete agreement until Ron looked to her with the same frown as Percy.

"You too Granger. Harry only follows your example. I mean, you can't keep giving everyone who rubs you wrong your bloody death stare."

Harry smirked when Ron wasn't looking but quickly hid it behind a wide-eyed pout.

"It's true, you know. I think you might be a bad influence on me Granger," he sighed.

Seamus yelped in shock when Hermione stabbed her spoon into her oatmeal so hard it cracked the bowl. The air around her seemed scarily charged as she dully stared back at Harry whose eyes revealed his mischief.

"I will end you," she ominously threatened.

Harry grinned, not in the least bit afraid. Ron himself looked rather amused, neither boy feeling at all threatened. How could they when Hermione threatened at least one of them at breakfast every morning. Neville sighed, having realized this was considered teasing among the three, while the others dramatically scooted away.

"Dean, that was a spoon. She cracked the bowl with a spoon!" Seamus hissed frantically.

"She's a nightmare, a walking living nightmare." Lavender whispered to Parvati.

Neville quickly spoke up not wanting this to grow into an argument or another debate. He sat through enough of those during dinner and their tutoring sessions.

"Flying lessons start today!" he blurted.

It did the trick in grabbing everyone's attention, but their earlier teasing banter shifted into one of nerves.

"That's alright, innit? I'm not too bad on a broom," Seamus shrugged.

"I've never flown before, but it always did look rather fun," Parvati added.

"Ugh, but the wind is just going to mess up my hair. I'm not Harry you know, I can't pull off a mess that great," Lavender huffed.

Harry scowled and looked completely exasperated.

"Why are you all cracking shots at me today?" he grumbled.

Lavender turned to him with a cute smile and a wink.

"Because you're the boy-who-lived, silly. If a few jokes and a bit fun is enough to knock you down, the next possible dark lord will probably be a breeze."

Seamus laughed while Parvati giggled. Even Neville and Dean seemed amused by her words. Ron watched them with a considering frown and his brows furrowed downwards at a terrifying thought.

"Have you lot been talking with Fred & George?" he suspiciously asked.

The five immediately sprouted denials which all but confirmed Ron's suspicions. The familiar scowl and grumpy gleam in his eyes turned towards his laughing twin brothers and their friends further down the table.

"Those meddling gits," he sneered.

"They're not that bad you know," Neville shrugged when Harry looked at them with betrayal.

"Is that a joke?" Hermione stiffly asked.

"They bloody hate me!" Harry exclaimed.

Although Fred & George were no longer as intimidating as when they'd first met, Harry and Hermione were constantly on alert whenever they were mentioned. They would not be caught off guard and Lee's warning still lingered on their minds. They knew the Weasley twins would be brutal if they let anything happen to Ron.

Lavender rolled her eyes and dryly gave her response.

"Oh, please Potter, not everything revolves around you."

Harry growled and turned back to his breakfast with a grumpy huff. Today was clearly going to be a 'pick on Harry' day and he resigned himself to a day full of jokes. He couldn't imagine his day getting any worse.

He should've known better considering his luck.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

At three-thirty that afternoon, the Gryffindor first years hurried down the front steps toward the training grounds for their first flying lesson. The day was clear and breezy, and Harry greedily inhaled the smell of open freedom. Hermione snorted and lightly shoved him from behind.

"And you wonder why they tease you. Again, grounded not prisoners," she mocked.

Harry glared and leaned closely to whisper in her ear.

"One word. Coffee," he darted back with a laugh when Hermione lunged to grab hold of his robes.

"Oi!" Ron snarled, as Harry grinned from behind him.

Hermione made a motion with her hands, as if she were attempting to strangle something. Neville, the blessed lad, distracted her by pulling out his Remembrall and asking if she would like to hold it for him. Hermione abandoned her ire and stared at Neville as if he offered her the secret to immortality.

"You'd let me?" she hesitantly checked.

"Well, yes. You know I'm awfully clumsy. I don't think I'm going to be good at flying. It'll be safer with you."

Neville shuffled his feet looking upset with himself. He wasn't wrong, which was unfortunate, but Harry didn't think he should be so quick to give up on himself. Neville was a lot more confident lately, but he still had his moments.

"You shouldn't think like that, Nev. We haven't even tried it yet, you might surprise yourself, like in Defense!" Harry comforted.

Ron nodded and slung his arm over Neville's shoulder, leading the boy forward.

"Tell you what, if you're that nervous about it, I'll help you out."

Neville blinked up at Ron, astounded by the offer and Harry felt a brief spike of jealousy.

"Really? You'd do that for me?" Neville checked.

"Sure, can't be that hard. I did the same for Ginny when she wanted to learn."

It was a small fib as it was Bill and Charlie who'd helped Ron and Ginny learn to fly. Ron had just held Ginny's hand while they were hovering. But nobody needed to know about that.

"I'm a bit nervous too Nev. I've never been on a broom at all, this will be my first time seeing it fly and everything!" Harry added.

Neville looked rather relieved at not being alone with his fears. Ron then stretched the offer to Harry as well. Neville and Harry shared excited grins, no longer nervous since Ron had offered his help. Hermione watched quietly from the side lines completely unimpressed. As Ron continued to chatter and lead Neville towards the lawns, Harry felt Hermione's persistent stare at the side of his face. He turned to her with a confused huff.

"What?"

"Utter kiss arse."

She scoffed, gave him a taunting smirk before pocketing Neville's Remembrall and pushing pass him. Harry glared at the back of her frizzy head and heard Seamus turn to Dean from their group behind them.

"Do you think Ron will help me too? I'm terrible at flying," he insisted.

"Seamus, you said you weren't bad at it during breakfast," Parvati pointed out.

"Well, yeah, but Nev and Harry are getting Ron's help."

"Merlin, have you got a crush on Ron or something? You're always talking about him!" Lavender giggled

There was a smudge on Harry's glasses, and he took it off to clean it. When he put it back on the glare of the sun was a bit bright causing him to glare. He didn't realize he was facing the others until Dean shoved at Seamus and told him to be quiet. Harry blinked awkwardly as the group suddenly fell silent. Dean gave an awkward smile Harry's way and Harry immediately returned it.

"Uh, Alright Harry? Seamus was just having a bit of a laugh," Dean explained.

"Oh yeah, no I get it. Although, Lavender's was a bit funnier," Harry blustered in reply.

They shared a laugh that sounded a little too desperate to be real. Then Harry, like a coward, babbled some nonsense and hurried to catch up to Ron and the others. They'd been waiting for him, Ron and Hermione mid debate and Neville with a patient grin.

"Alright Harry?" Neville asked.

"Fine, just you know, giving Dean even more reason to hate me."

Hermione and Ron groaned in unison and shook their heads.

"Not this again," Ron moaned.

"Its true! He absolutely hates me! Look, listen, here's what happened."

Harry quickly fills them in trying to convince them of his case.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

Meanwhile, Dean had turned to his own group and gestured frantically to where Harry had been standing.

"Did you see! See! I told you! Potter hates me!" he insists.

"Well, he did seem rather annoyed…" Parvati mildly points out.

"Annoyed? He glared at me!"

Lavender has a wicked smirk on her lips, her eyes full of teasing delight.

"Or maybe he was just jealous. I mean with all of Seamus's talk of Ron and what you've said about Harry, maybe I'm not wrong and someone does indeed have a crush."

Dean and Seamus blink looking incredibly flabbergasted by Lavenders suggestion. The only one aware of Lavender's mischief is Parvati, but she's too amused to bother enlightening the boys.

"Merlin, that would explain a lot about Potter," Dean mumbled with amazed shock.

"You think?" Seamus ponders.

Parvati rolls her eyes as Lavender bites her tongue to hide her giggles. She suddenly thinks maybe Ron is right to be concerned. They'd been spending too much time with the Weasley twins. Clearly, they've been a terrible influence on Lavender.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

Ron stood in between Harry and Neville keeping an extremely close eye on Hermione. Since the sorting, the Slytherins had kept their distance. While they aimed the occasional sneer and disgusted glares their way, they never came close enough to share words. After Friday, both set of first years pretended the other didn't exist.

Parkinson, the pug girl from before the sorting, was sticking close to Bulstrode, Crabbe and Goyle. She also kept a wary eye on Hermione, who looked completely oblivious to the careful guard against her.

Ron couldn't help but notice Malfoy stood with Nott and Zabini at his back instead of his usual beefy goons. He's momentarily curious about the change but turns forward at the arrival of their teacher. Madam Hooch is exactly as the twins described, grey haired and yellow eyed with a piercing stare. 'The McGonagall of flying' they joked.

Ron's just relieved she's not another Snape.

"Well, what are you all waiting for? Everyone stand by a broom stick. Come on, hurry up," she ordered.

They hurried to obey, and as she sharply barked out her instructions, Ron began to smirk. Merlin, Ginny was going to absolutely love her. He could already imagine the starry-eyed determination she'd wear during her own flying lesson.

"Now, stick out your right hand over your broom and say up."

Ron didn't bother trying, instead he watched his year mates attempt it instead. Majority of the Slytherins already had their brooms in their hands, although a few of their girls still struggled. Malfoy caught his eye and smirked tauntingly, Ron ignored it and looked over to Harry instead.

Harry hadn't yet bothered to hold his hand out, too busy hissing at Hermione.

"Hermione! You can't just, not try!" the green-eyed boy argued.

Hermione glared back at him; her arms folded with that ever-present stubborn glint in her eye.

"I don't want to fly, Potter. I like my feet planted firmly on the ground."

Ron grinned, shamelessly inserting himself into their conversation like the day they'd first met.

"Too fond of being a stick in the mud, Granger?" he teased.

Hermione turned her death stare on him, but Ron switched his grin for a smirk.

"B-but it's flying! Actually, flying in the air!" Harry stressed looking completely stunned.

Hermione stared Harry dead in the eye and bluntly said "No". Harry ran his hand through his hair in frustration and turned to Ron while gesturing towards Hermione.

"Talk some sense to her, please!" he pleaded.

Ron couldn't stop himself from shortly laughing as he shook his head.

"It's her choice, Harry. If she doesn't want to fly, she doesn't want to fly. You can't force people to do what they don't want to do."

Hermione smirked and gave a thankful nod in his direction.

"Thank you, Ronald."

Harry growled, but perked up when Ron mischievously pointed towards the oncoming Madam Hooch.

"Good luck convincing Madam Hooch of your reason though."

Harry crowed with pleasure while Hermione scowled. Ron laughed and made his way over to Neville and the others. Seamus suddenly dropped his broomstick at his approach, looking rather pitiful. Dean looked at his Irish friend with a disbelieving groan while the two girls giggled.

"Ron! Could you help me too?" Seamus requested with a pleading expression.

Ron distractedly shook his head as he replied.

"I'm helping Neville, Seamus."

He ignored Seamus' whining and complaining to Dean. Instead he turned to Neville who fidgeted nervously, whispering 'up' sharply to his broom but getting no reaction.

"Children." Madam Hooch suddenly announced sounding rather stressed.

All the first years looked to her immediately, curiously noting the older Hufflepuff student beside her looking rather harried.

"There is a matter I am needed for and should only be momentarily absent. You will practice commanding your brooms to your hands, but absolutely NO flying. Am I clear?" she sternly ordered.

"Yes, Madam Hooch," they echoed.

She stared them all in the eye, making a few nervous as it reminded them of a sharped eyed hawk.

"If I see or hear a single one of you disobeyed, I'll see you out of Hogwarts before you can even say Quidditch."

They all swallow nervously at the threat, not moving until she is racing off with the Hufflepuff student at her side.

"I wonder what that was about it?" Harry voiced, moving closer to Ron and the others.

"Dunno. Maybe we could ask Percy or the twins tonight?" Parvati suggests.

Hermione grins and twirls smugly in Harry's direction with mocking tease.

"Guess I win then, Potter."

"W-What? But Hermione!" Harry whines but the girl has already settled onto the ground, her notebook and pencil in hand with the Remembrall in the other.

"Give it up mate, we've lost her…." Ron solemnly sighs like a grieving friend.

Harry slumps in defeat as Hermione's muttering grows louder and more manic. Lavender, Seamus, Dean and Parvati burst into giggling laughter, while Neville tries to hide his own entertained grin at the trio's dramatics.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

Madam Hooch had been gone for more than just a moment. It was nearing twenty minutes and Hermione was starting to feel rather bored. She'd long finished noting all her curiosities into her 'Book of Curiosities Vol 3'; had already given Neville his Remembrall back. Now she was lazing on the grass watching the sky. It was rare for her mind to feel so clear and calm. Hence why she was greedily savouring the moment as it never lasted long. She just knew something would happen and ruin her moment of peaceful serenity.

"Oomph!"

Hermione twisted her head at the noise and inwardly sighed with irate annoyance.

She knew it.

Neville was sprawled on the ground, his Remembrall rolling across the grass over to where Malfoy and his new goons were standing. The others had yet to notice just how close to the snakes Neville had been, too busy discussing Quidditch. Hermione frowned heavily when Malfoy picked up Neville's Remembrall with a sneering smirk on his face.

"Drop something Longbottom?" Malfoy innocently piped.

Neville scrambled to his feet, as did Hermione. She narrowed her eyes at Malfoy feeling the familiar nagging sensation and growing itch of her scar. This moment was important to her somehow, and it irritated her that she didn't know why.

"C-could you give it back please?" Neville requested, doing his best to stand tall despite the trepidation in his voice.

The other Gryffindors and Slytherins had noticed the confrontation and were slowly moving closer. They carefully kept to their sides of the training grounds, toeing the invisible line drawn between their houses. By the time Hermione had joined up with the others behind Neville, the snakes mirrored them behind Malfoy.

Malfoy hummed while marvelling at the Remembrall in his hand. The smoke remained white and the glass reflected the sun rays beautifully. The blond little shit darted a quick look towards Ron, who stood to Neville's left with Hermione on Neville's right, and grinned tauntingly.

"And what if I don't? You going to do something about it, Longbottom? Or will Potter's attack dog jump to your rescue?" Malfoy mocked.

Hermione's scar was irritatingly itchy now, and she growled, but Ron's grip on her wrist held her in place. She turned to him with a dark glare, but Ron's expression was cool and indifferent. Oddly, his hold on her wrist seemed to soothe the itch of her scar and the nagging sensation eased off. She suddenly noticed that Ron's other hand was tightly gripping the collar of his shirt. Almost as if it were trying to dig into his chest.

"He said give it back, Malfoy" Harry quietly interrupted as he pushed his way to the front.

The Gryffindors parted to let him through and Harry stood next to Neville, his eyes narrowed and gleaming a dangerous green. Hermione moved to step forward, but the nagging sensation surged suddenly, and she clutched at her scar to ease the ache. She felt Ron's grip tighten just a bit more and she looked to him. He too looked rather pained and frustrated. Hermione had the sudden thought that maybe… something otherworldly didn't want them to intervene.

It annoyed her but, in the end, she stayed in place and silently watched the events fold out before them.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

Harry could only ever remember one incident in which he'd felt this kind of anticipation.

He and Dudley were nine and it'd been a month after Aunt Petunia told him about his parents. They were walking back from school, not talking as usual, when Piers and his gang ambushed them. They'd taunted Harry for being a freak and called Dudley stupid for hanging out with Harry. Dudley could hold his own against bullies, especially Piers and his gang. But that day, Harry had been looking for trouble, he was waiting for it to find him.

Today is no different.

He almost smirks with glee when Malfoy doesn't listen to his request. Instead, the blond darts a look over to where Ron and Hermione are, before addressing Harry once more.

"No, I think I'll leave it somewhere for Longbottom to work a bit of his meals off."

Harry glares and can hear Lavender and the others growling insults back at the blond while a few snakes laugh. Neville winced and his head lowered slightly, but Harry pats his back and guides him over to Ron and Hermione.

"I'll handle this," Harry whispers to Neville.

Malfoy sneers and Harry lets the smallest amount of excitement settle on his lips. There's something in him that is urging Malfoy to challenge him more, to give him a real good reason to show him who'd win between them. Harry just needs a good enough excuse; one he could work with.

"You want it? Come and get it."

When Malfoy hops onto his broomstick and takes off into the sky, tauntingly holding the Remembrall in his hands, Harry grins. Nobody tries to stop him; they just watch him command his broom into hand. It jumps immediately and Harry zooms upwards into the air. The whip of the wind against his cheeks, the open skies ahead of him, all of it is pure bliss. Harry feels something in his chest settle and he hesitantly likens it to homecoming and freedom. Something he'd never known before.

When he hovers across from Malfoy, he relishes in the other boy's shock. Harry holds his broomstick with one hand, incredibly confident despite the height, that he's in complete control.

"Give it back Malfoy or I'll knock you off your broom," he warns.

Malfoy's smirk wavers for a second and Harry spots the genuine worry in his eyes before the boy could hide it. The smile he gives at the sight is far from friendly and full of lopsided mockery.

"Scared? There's nobody up here but you and me," Harry taunts leadingly.

Harry's not sure what expression he wears but it makes Malfoy grow pale. Harry chuckles as the cheers of his Housemates reach him from below. They're egging him on, cheering for him and Harry savours the sound and arches an expectant brow at the blond.

"Do you really want to do this?" he condescendingly drawls.

Malfoy glares, his face turning a dark pink from embarrassment and his eyes glint dangerously.

"You want it? Go get it."

Malfoy then chucks Neville's Remembrall into the air and Harry watches the ball rise before it rapidly starts to drop. He doesn't spare Malfoy another glance and races after it while the blond returns to the ground among his Housemates. The whistling wind is loud in his ears, the vibration of his broomstick fierce in his hand, but Harry doesn't dare pull his broom up from its dive.

'Not yet' a voice in his mind whispers, 'Don't pull up just yet'.

Harry chases the ball, his hand outstretched while the rest of the world is forgotten to his senses.

"HARRY!" he hears Lavender scream.

He pushes just a little bit more and snatches the ball from its drop.

'NOW!' the voice in his mind orders, and he obeys.

He grunts with effort to direct his broomstick upwards; the tips of the grass skims his feet and he jumps off his broom, tucking and rolling onto the flat off his back. He lifts his hand and grins at the Remembrall gleaming bright in his hold. The rise and fall of his chest, the pounding of his heart; he's never felt more alive.

He hears the screaming chant of his name and when he's on his feet again, he's ambushed by his bouncing Housemates. Seamus is practically choking him in a hug, Lavender is wiping at her eyes yelling at him for scaring the shit out of her. Parvati and Neville are too busy praising him for such a wicked move. Even Dean was smiling at him, looking incredibly awed.

But Harry's eyes looked over their heads to where Hermione and Ron lingered in the back.

Both watched him with strange expressions, and he feels a sudden swoop of nervous dread. Are they mad at him? Did he scare them with that last move? He hopes they aren't mad. They must have seen his worry because Ron rolls his eyes and stomps over with a scowl. He slings his arm around Harry's shoulders and noogies him on the head. Harry yelps as Ron scolds him with his usual scowl.

"What the bloody hell was that? You trying to kill me at eleven?"

Harry really shouldn't laugh but it bubbles out of him. He can tell Ron's not mad, can see the proud awe in his eyes despite the glare its set in. When he's freed, Harry's barely given a second to recover when Hermione is on him. She chokes him in a hug, extremely tight, and he struggles to breathe pass her bushy hair.

"Ughk H-Hermi-OW!"

"You stupid boy! What were you thinking? What if you had been killed? You've never been on a broom your whole life and you decide to dive into a suicide!" she yells in his ear.

"I'm fine, aren't I?" he defends

Seamus snorts loudly and shakes his head.

"Fine? You're absolutely insane, Potter."

Before they can chatter anymore, they all hear the bellow of his name, announcing the arrival of McGonagall. Harry jumps and feels his heart drop to the pit of his stomach.

"HARRY POTTER! Never in- all my time at Hogwarts- How dare you- might have broken your neck- "

The other Gryffindors scramble to defend him, but Hermione and Ron stay quiet at his side, their touch a welcomed comfort amid McGonagall's words. Harry keeps his head lowered even when McGonagall orders him to follow her. She pointedly emphasises she wants to speak to him alone when Hermione and Ron take a step to follow. Harry looks to Ron and Hermione with panic and fear in his eyes, deeply regretting his actions now.

"It'll be okay," Ron says with absolute certainty.

"We'll wait for you outside the Great Hall before dinner," Hermione agrees.

"She's going to expel me! I'm never going to see you guys again," he anxiously cried.

Ron gripped his shoulder tight and forced him to meet his gaze.

"Oi, look at me. Listen. Whatever happens remember? I promised."

Harry's eyes widened at Ron's reminder about his promise before the sorting. He looks to Hermione and finds her wearing a similar look of determination.

"You got us," she confirms.

Harry exhales and tries to ignore the trembling of his hands as he turns to follow McGonagall. He's still nervous of what she's going to do to him. But his heart is no longer pounding wildly in his chest and the chill down his back is no longer cold. He's not afraid, not when he has Ron and Hermione's promise holding him together.

He swallows and forces his feet to continue walking forward, willing to accept whatever will be his fate.

~(*)\(*)/(*)~

So, imagine his surprise, when McGonagall pulls Oliver out of his DADA class.

"Wood, I've found you a seeker," she proudly introduces.

Harry blinks in complete confusion then uncomfortably fidgets when Oliver's eyes roam him from head to toe. Oliver hums and mutters into his hand as he circles Harry before nodding decisively and looking to McGonagall with stars in his eyes.

"He's the perfect build, I've thought so before. Light, speedy, with a decent broom he could be a threat."

Harry clears his throat and tries not to shrink back when the two look to him.

"S-sorry but, what are you talking about? I'm perfect for what?"

Oliver looks rather crazy with that gleam in his eyes and Harry can't help but wish Percy were around to help keep his friend in check. He's suddenly reminded that Oliver was a Quidditch nutter and starts to suspect what might be happening. But that's impossible because first years never make the Quidditch team. He's heard all about it from Oliver himself.

"You have natural talent on a broom, Mister Potter. Your performance moments ago proves it, not even Charlie Weasley himself could have done such a thing. With training I'm certain you will only improve further. What I am offering you is an opportunity to bring further pride to our House."

Harry's eyes were practically bulging now, and he kept glancing from McGonagall to Oliver, certain this was the start up to a joke. The utter seriousness of McGonagall's expression and Oliver's starry-eyed plea told him otherwise.

"But I-I'm a first year! First years aren't allowed to owe broomsticks, Professor," he stammered.

Oliver snorted and Harry blushed when Professor McGonagall dryly hummed in response. Of course, she would know, she's a bloody Professor, he inwardly groaned. McGonagall's eyes gleamed momentarily before they settled into an expression of certainty.

"Leave that to me, I will speak to Dumbledore myself about the matter."

Oliver and Harry trade curious glances at that but McGonagall doesn't elaborate. Instead she officially offers Harry the position of Seeker and assures him the choice is his. Harry hesitates and avoids meeting Oliver's wide-eyed plea. He thinks hard about the offer but already knows what his answer will be.

"When do I start?" he grins, and Oliver jumps into the air with a fist pump.

McGonagall smiles at him and Harry feels his chest grow warm under her pleased praise.

"Your father would have been proud," McGonagall says, and Harry's heart momentarily stops.

He's not sure if he's breathing but somehow, he manages to choke out his words.

"He would?" he pleads, the desperation in his eyes plain for all to see.

McGonagall's eyes turn sad, but her nod is full of reassuring warmth.

"Most definitely. He was an excellent Quidditch player himself. For you to make the quidditch team in your first year? James Potter would have been crowing to the heavens. I am certain he is doing so now."

Harry tries not to let his tears fall, but it's hard. He'd never known his father had been on the Quidditch team. To suddenly know something so personal and defining of his father's character, Harry feels overwhelmed. It makes him feel the slightest bit closer to the parents he never got to know. Maybe McGonagall can tell as she softly offers him another opportunity.

"I have taught many students in my time, Mister Potter. And if it would interest you, my door will always be open should you seek counsel or a bit of tea. Now go along, I am certain Miss Granger and Mister Weasley anxiously await your return."

Harry nods, finding it hard to speak. He hesitates but decides to do it anyway. He lunges forward and hugs McGonagall tight before pulling away and making his escape. He runs with his heart feeling incredibly full for the first time in his life.