Right Hand Man

September 1st, Second Year

"John! Alex!"

Lafayette came sprinting towards them, his owl hooting indignantly as he pushed the rickety cart towards his friends.

It was September 1st at Platform 9 and three quarters at Kings Cross Station, and as usual, it was crowded and busy. The boys hadn't met up at all over the summer (excluding John and Alex, but we'll get to that later), and all four were itching to be back to their magical antics in Hogwarts.

Alex Hamilton grinned at his friend, clapping him on the back as Laf eagerly encountered everything that had happened on his trip to France that summer. He would occasionally switch into French, but luckily, Alex and John has spent enough time with him to be able to understand most of it.

"What about you?" The Gryffindor finally asked the other two boys curiously. "Good summer?"

Alex and John smiled at each other. "Basically the same," they said in unison. Lafayette looked confused.

"You know how you left with your parents as soon as the Hogwarts Express arrived at the station in June?" John said. "Hercules left too, but I stayed with Alex, who promised he had someone to pick him up," John shot Alex and exasperated look. "Turns out the knucklehead was just gonna catch a ride to the city and find his way."

Lafayette was still frowning. "Find his way?"

Alex sighed guiltily. "I lied about having a place to stay… I'm pretty sure the baker I stayed with before wouldn't be happy with me staying now… especially with magic."

"So I asked my parents and he stayed with me all summer," John smiled. "And we were basically brothers all summer long!"

Alex tried to hide a smile. "Again, John, I appreciate it, but I can't ask to stay again next summer, you know that-"

"Of course you will!" John disputed indignantly. Laf's owl Bernadette hooted in agreement. Meanwhile, Laf still looked perplexed. "My parents don't mind, and besides, you saw how they're barely home anyway," John's face looked a little dark, but then he smiled. "You should come home for holidays too!"

Alex rolled his eyes. "We'll see."

Luckily, John was already distracted, and he laughed. "I can't believe Herc still tries those stunts," he said, looking in another direction.

Alex followed his gaze to see their flirty Gryffindor friend hitting on what looked to be a third or fourth year Slytherin. The girl looked bored and the tiniest bit annoyed, so John shouted, "Oi, Herc!" Their friend looked their way. "Get your arse over here!"

A couple parents shot John an angry look, but John was too busy ducking Hercules's punch to notice.

"Watch it, you giant oaf," John yelped. Although all four boys were decently fit, Hercules towered above Alex and easily passed John and Lafayette in height.

Alex and Laf laughed as John and Hercules threw a few punches at each other, both laughing as well. Finally, Herc had pinned John to the wall and he admitted surrender.

"Merlin's underpants, did you get taller?" John asked as he brushed himself off.

Herc snorted. "Maybe you got smaller," he countered. "I bet that's gonna help in Quidditch."

"Quidditch!" John nearly jumped in surprise, a wide grin slowly spreading across his face. "Bloody hell, I almost forgot this year we could tryout!"

Herc groaned as Laf chuckled and said, "Good job reminding him."

But there was no stopping John now - the Gryffindor was rambling about his new broom, when tryouts were, what techniques he'd learned about, and many other things that, if his friends were not also been Quidditch fans (they tried to deny it sometimes, but they were), would have driven them to insanity.

Alex, of course, was also excited about Quidditch. But he was more excited about being back at Hogwarts.

In just a year, this place already felt like his home.

(ooo)

September 19, Second Year

"Newbies, line up over there!" Gryffindor's captain Indira pointed over to a couple of stands near the edge of the pit, and the collection of Second Years, Third Years, Fourth Years, and even a Fifth Year made their way over to where she was pointing.

The Gryffindors had just done some warm-ups and drills, which Alex hoped was all that try-outs would include. He was having fun watching John and Laf try-out, but he wanted to see if they were on the team. He and John had done some practice over the summer, but it was nothing compared to the Gryffindor tryouts.

He tried not to think about not getting on Slytherin's team this year; as everyone reminded him, it was extremely difficult to get on the team second year. And for Slytherin, whose loyalties among house members are tight, "honorary Gryffindor Alex" was not exactly the most popular kid.

Alex was seated on a bench when everyone landed down on their brooms. Usually, other houses weren't allowed to see try-outs, but to Indira, Alex was just as mischievous and silly as the other three Gryffindor boys, and therefore just as endearing. She'd also said she was too lazy to kick him out.

"Is it over soon?" Alex questioned as Lafayette and John passed by his bench.

"I hope not!" John said eagerly, practically skipping past.

Lafayette sighed, obviously more tired than John. "Lunatic," he muttered, and Alex laughed.

"I don't zink I will stay," Lafayette said slowly, stopping in front of Alex for a second. "It is unlikely I will get on ze team, and I'm not very enthusiastic as you and John."

Alex nodded. Admittedly, Laf was not as good as John, or even Alex (not to brag), but he was pretty fit. Then again, if Laf wasn't eager to be on the team, he probably wouldn't be chosen.

Alex did not get a chance to respond, because Indira and another Gryffindor Quidditch player waved their hands. A small crowd formed, but luckily Alex was close enough on his bench to listen.

"Hey, Gryffindors!" Indira smiled, her dyed pink hair bright against the otherwise cloudy day. "As you probably know, I'm Indira, Gryffindor Head Captain." A couple people clapped, and Indira laughed. "I'm a Sixth Year, feel free to call me Indi as well." She looked over to her companion, who was the same height, but looked significantly younger.

"I'm George," a boy Alex knew said. George was very popular, very smart, and very good at Quidditch.

"Fourth Year, Keeper, Assistant Captain, etc." George smiled, making a couple of the girls giggle.

"So, before we get started," Indi began. "We'd just like to remind you that this tryout-" she gestured to the field and leaned on her broom, "is just a preview of our real practices. It takes a lot of work to be on a Quidditch team, especially Gryffindor." She gave a proud grin. "Hopefully you know how much work and dedication this will take, because if you don't put in the work, we can and will kick you off the team." Indi looked slowly around at her fellow Gryffindors, and some people looked scared.

George added with a reassuring smile. "What Indi is trying to say is that we completely understand if you aren't ready for the commitment. If you don't feel comfortable or realize you aren't interested anymore, feel free to head back to the Common Rooms while Indi and I discuss."

For a moment there was an awkward silence, until a fourth year girl raised her hand. "Um, like, right now?"

George nodded. "Yeah, sure." He and Indira began talking. The girl and a couple of her friends quickly scurried away, their faces red and voices low as they whispered something about, "Merlin, he talked to me!"

Alex, having watched them tryout, had a feeling their motivation for Quidditch was less about the game and more about a certain assistant captain. He smirked.

"Alex," Lafayette had slowly gone away from the group. "I zink I will go too."

Alex's eyes widened. "Oh... do you want me to come with you?"

Laf smiled as he picked up his broom. "That's alright, I know you wanna see if John gets on the team. See ya!" Alex smiled gratefully. Then Lafayette walked away with Amy, a Gryffindor girl in their year, and Anthony, a third year boy.

Finally, Indira and George were done talking, and they called over the previous team.

"Good," Indira clapped her hands with a grin. "Hopefully you guys are here for Quidditch and not this bloody lady magnet, George." She winked as some people - mostly last year's Gryffindor team - chuckled.

"Indi," George rolled his eyes, and Indira only smirked.

"Anyway," she continued. "You all performed very well today, so good job on getting this far." She scanned the group. "Then again, I would hope some of you would already know how to play," she grinned at her past teammates.

"We have five main spots and four reserve spots," George told them. "You all have the chance to be on or off the team - even if you were on it last year. Unfortunately, that means a few of you will not be chosen." Indeed, there were fourteen Gryffindors.

"We hope that if you don't make it, you will try again next year!" Indira grinned. "And who knows, if half of our team randomly dies of exhaustion from our practices this year, you guys will be the first ones we call."

Some people laughed and some people gasped. George tried to hide a smile. "Indi, you're scaring them."

"Let's get to the choosing," Indi ignored him. "If we call your name, please go stand next to George. First, main team." Alex held his breath, craning his neck so he could see better. It would be a huge accomplishment for John to get on the main team.

"Chasers - Chris Johnson, Freddie Andrews," a sixth year boy and a seventh year boy high-fived - they had been on the team last year. "… and Jasmine Jones," A tall fourth year girl (who luckily looked unassociated with the girls who had left earlier, since she had actually performed very well) grinned brightly and walked over to George, who smiled at her.

"Keeper is George, as usual," Indira smiled. George tried to restrain a look of pride, and only smiled slightly. Everyone knew, of course, that George was one of the youngest Keepers in a while - they tended to be at least a fifth year.

"And Seeker is Claire McKinley." A fifth year Hispanic brunette smiled as well - she had been a Reserve last year and was replacing a Seventh Year from last year's season.

"Beaters are myself, and Jamie Lacamoire." A seventh year trying out shot a fist in the air as he jogged over to George.

He winked at Indi. "I knew you'd take me, partner."

Indira rolled her eyes. "Don't break your spine again, Lac." She said curtly.

"And now on to Reserves," George said, and Alex frowned for John, who physically slumped. Quickly, the Gryffindor straightened again and looked at George eagerly. Alex hoped he would at least get Reserve, otherwise his best friend would be complaining all week long.

"Remember, being a Reserve isn't bad," George informed them. "You receive the same training as everyone else, and it's always possible to be put in a game at random, depending on if Indira and I think someone on the main team isn't putting all their effort in."

"So, Reserves are Timmy Lancaster," Indi's fifth year Beater partner from last year smiled, though looked slightly disappointed. He had been part of the team only because Jamie had broken his spine early last season. "Molly Pitcher," a third year - the only third year chosen so far - tried to restrain her excitement by biting her lip, but a small squeak escaped. "Nathanael Greene..." a fourth year boy smiled, and so did George.

Alex held his breath. Only one spot left, and if John was chosen, he would be the only Second Year on the entire team.

"...And John Laurens." George finished. A couple people sighed, and one boy scowled, but Alex whooped, making Indira chuckle. John shot Alex a huge grin.

"If you're new, talk to me about practices." Indira called out, as some people started to walk away. Quickly, Alex hurried forward. As she started explained to the new team members about practices on Monday, Wednesday and Friday after dinner, Alex dawdled a few feet away.

John, Jasmine Jones, Nathanael Greene, and Molly Pitcher were the only new kids, and only one of them was actually on the main team.

"So, yeah, Reserves will be chosen by one of the main team to learn about each position - kinda like an apprentice," Indi explained as Alex watched. "Jazzy - can I call you that? - Chris and Freddie will show you the ropes of being a Chaser during practice since you're on the main team." Jasmine nodded, still smiling.

"Molly, I'm guessing Claire will want you as her Seeker backup. Nathanael, George can help you learn Keeper. John, you can practice Chasing…"

"What are you doing?" George startled Alex from behind. The young Slytherin turned.

He liked Indira and George a lot, as they were both older students who had accepted him as part of the John, Herc, and Laf's group, despite him being a Slytherin.

"Sorry, sir," Alex apologized. George blinked and then laughed.

"Just George, Alex," he told him, and Alex felt a surge of pride that the fourth year knew his name. "What is it?"

Alex cleared his throat. He and John had thought of an idea that, for anyone else, would be absurd. But he was Alexander Hamilton, a Slytherin who acted like a Gryffindor. Everything about him was absurd.

"I know you have all the teammates you need," Alex started hurriedly. "But I was wondering if could help you with anything during practices? Get water and stuff, or help out, because I really wanna see how practices work and-"

George raised a hand to silence Alex. "Alex, don't you have your, um, own team?" He pointed out.

"I didn't get on," Alex said quietly. George nodded.

"Who's captain now that Head Boy George is gone?" Alex wanted to smile at the way he said "Head Boy George" with barely veiled disgust.

"Thomas Gage."

"Improvement," George admitted then frowned slightly. "George may have been Head Boy last year, but he's a pain in the arse," Alex nodded. That was a popular opinion among the school. George paused. "What did you wanna help me with again?"

"Like, water and cleaning and stuff," Alex said eagerly. "I just want exposure to practices, I won't even mount a broom, I promise-"

"Alex," George interrupted. "I have to check with Indira, but I'm sure it's fine if you watch our practices. You know we don't mind… even if you are a Slytherin," he teased lightly.

"But I wanna help!" Alex said quickly. "See how things work, since you're so good at Quidditch."

"Kissing up won't help," George said with a laugh. The Slytherin smiled.

"Come to John's next practice," the older Gryffindor said slowly after a pause. "I'll talk to Indira about it and… we'll see what you can do."

Alex beamed. "Thanks, George!" He said quickly. "You won't regret it, I promise-"

"No more promises, Alex," George said. "If you're good at Quidditch and try hard, Indira would love to have another person for scrimmage and cleaning up."

Alex nodded, and then Indira and John walked over. The rest of the team started heading back to the Common Rooms, but John stopped for Alex as Indi and George went to put their brooms up.

"Why so happy?" John asked, though he was eagerly beaming too.

Alex slung an arm over his best friend's shoulder. "Let's just say you've got another Second Year going to Practice with you!"

(ooo)

Alex was jumped on almost as soon as he entered his dormitory.

"Did you get on, did you get on?" Laf asked eagerly, and Alex and John laughed as they shoved Herc off of them.

"I'm on the Reserve!" John smiled, and Laf cheered. Herc snorted.

"And I might be helping George out during practices!" Alex added.

"They felt bad because Alex didn't get on Slytherin's team," John said. Alex hit him with a pillow.

Herc and Laf chuckled. "George Washington? He's an amazing Keeper," Herc commented.

Alex nodded. "Yeah! And they said I could help with water and cleaning and stuff."

"You're a… water boy?" The rest of the boys chuckled and Alex scowled.

"We're just joking, mate," John reminded him. "This is awesome. You can come to practices with me! Scrimmage!" A smile returned to Alex's face.

"What are you, his assistant?" Lafayette asked.

Alex shook his head. "I think he's taking me under his wing, since he said he'd talk to Indira about it," he explained.

"You're like a…. An apprentice!" John exclaimed. "Or a right hand man!"

Alex laughed. "That has a nice ring to it," he mused as he flopped on the bed next to John. Herc and Laf were too concentrated on their game to pay attention to the other two boys. "I'm just excited to for us! You're on the team and I get to see what Quidditch is like!"

"Do you think your prefects will get mad?" John said quietly. Alex pushed himself up onto his elbows.

"I don't know." The mood had taken a serious turn. He rubbed the pattern of the red and gold comforter on the bed. "I don't… feel like I belong in Slytherin." Alex admitted finally. "Like, I'm just as ambitious as everyone, but I had nothing in common with anyone. I feel more Gryffindor than Slytherin."

"Clearly," Lafayette pointed out. "Why else would you be hanging out with us?"

Everyone cracked a smile, but Alex still looked thoughtful. "Do you think… it's possible to change houses?"

John cocked his head. "Never been done, as far as I know."

For a moment, the two sat in silence.

"Oi, lovebirds," Herc barked. "Stop with the inspirational stuff and help me and Laf with the Charms essay!" Indeed, the two other boys had now switched to actual productiveness (surprisingly), and had notes and textbooks spread across Laf's bed.

With identical sighs, John and Alex hopped off the bed, grabbing their supplies and heading to their friends. No matter how big their problems were (whether it be about Quidditch or houses), at the end of the day, they were twelve and thirteen year old boys at school.

Oh, what fun.