Defense Against the Dark Arts-Fifth Year Slytherins and Gryffindors

It seemed that all spirits were raised at Hogwarts. Even with the ever-lurking threat of Voldemort, the new defense professors were able to keep things light. Sirius and James were favorites of girls' year 3 and up. In fact, at this moment a young lady in is Defense. She is a fifth year Slytherin with black hair and ice grey eyes.

"So, if you were faced with an attacker from the front, what would you do?" Remus Lupin asked the class.

"In the case of Wormtail, duck and run," Sirius muttered, causing James to start laughing.

Remus showed that he ignored them with a roll of his amber eyes. "Anyone?"

The Slytherin in question raised her pale arm.

"Ms. Morden?" Remus acknowledged.

"Stun and run?" she supplied in a cold voice.

Sirius and James exchanged a glance.

"Good," Remus answered. "Five points to Slytherin."

"Wait a minute," Sirius barked. "What if you're not armed?"

"Run?" she asked with a sarcastic tinge in her voice. Ginny Weasley, who was in the class at the moment giggled softly.

"Something funny to you Weasley?" she asked, her voice dripping with venom. She turned back to Sirius. "I don't know, Professor. What it is it?"

Sirius looked away. "Excuse me, I was just asking."

James rolled his eyes. "Excuse him; he has a way of sticking his foot so far up his-."

"That's enough," Remus commanded.

"I quite agree," Sirius sniffed with an air of impatience. "You have wasted five minutes of valuable class time. In fact, class will end in about three minutes. So," Sirius clapped his hands jovially. "Homework!"

The class groaned quite loudly. James laughed. "Name ten ways in which Snape can be classified as a vampire based on looks and attitude. If you need any background information, Padfoot and I have many memories we can share."

"Due on Halloween," Sirius said. "Include a picture with an animation charm. Most creative report gets their house a prank-free week!"

Cheers erupted in the classroom. The bell then rang and the students left. Only one remained in the room. Her name: Aaliyah Morden.

"Can we help you, Ms. Morden?" Remus asked.

She shook her head. "No," she answered softly. She gathered her things and left the room silently.

"She's weird," Sirius announced.

"I don't know," James responded. "She seems kind of familiar."

"Now that I think of it," Sirius said. "She does."

"I wonder who, though," Remus commented.

"Only our guess," James sighed. "Prank-free week? That's classic, mate!"

"Yes well, you know how I do," Sirius laughed.

"Mr. Moony, what is our next class?" James asked, ignoring Sirius' ever-growing American vocabulary.

"Free period," Remus answered. "But we have seventh year Slytherins afterward."

"What a day," Sirius exclaimed dramatically. "All Slytherins all day!"

"Shut up Sirius," James said.

Top of the Seventh Floor with Harry and Hermione

"Harry!" Harry turned from his girlfriend, who he was arguing with to see Katie Bell, a seventh year Gryffindor running toward him.

"Glad I found you," she gasped. "McGonagall told me I'm captain."

"Congratulations," Harry exclaimed. He stood and hugged the excited girl.

"Thanks," Katie beamed. "I just want you to know that try-outs are Friday. Do not get detention, please!"

"No more Umbridge," Harry reminded her.

"Yeah well, you never know with you," she shot back. "Anyway, I want to get rid of our beaters and switch Ginny to chaser. That means we have to get new beaters and two chasers."

"I can count," Harry said cheekily. He glanced at Hermione to find her glaring at him. "Anyway," he said quickly. "I'll see you Friday."

"Friday," Katie agreed. "If you're not there, Potter, you're on probation."

Harry paled. "Got it."

"Good." Katie left leaving Harry and Hermione alone again.

"You know," Hermione began. "Most guys have the decency not to flirt with other girls in front of their girlfriend."

"I wasn't flirting," Harry said.

"Whatever," Hermione sighed. She couldn't take it anymore. For the past month, all she and Harry did was argue. They had a wonderful bond, and yes they were very comfortable with their relationship. In fact, Hermione could see herself with him ten years from now. But, now, she just didn't need the stress. She and Harry got along too well, it was very natural; when they clash it become a big problem.

"Look, we're good together, right?" Hermione asked.

Harry frowned. "Is that a trick question?"

Hermione smiled. "No."

"Oh, yeah, we're good, I guess," he replied.

"I don't know about you, but I've noticed that we are arguing way more than we used to. We can't handle being in a relationship now."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. He wrapped an arm around Hermione's shoulders. "So, are you saying what I think you're saying?"

"We should break up?" Hermione asked. When Harry nodded she replied, "Yes."

"It was cool while it lasted," Harry sighed. "Don't be surprised if I just grab you and snog you anyway."

Hermione laughed. "Sure," she said sarcastically. "You'll be dating someone else within the next week."

"I know I'm good, but I'm not that good," Harry exclaimed. Harry leaned forward and kissed her softly. "Still friends?"

"You can't get rid of me that easily, Potter," Hermione whispered.

"Good."

The Boys Dorm with Ron instigating and Harry, like a dumbass, Listening

"So you and Hermione are through?" Ron asked that night in the boys' dorm room.

"Yup," Harry answered.

"For good?"

Harry frowned. "I don't know. I mean, right now we're done. Maybe later on, we'll get back together. I have no idea."

"You need to make it final, Harry," Ron said seriously. "If you guys break up again, after getting together, our friendship might not make it."

Harry rolled his eyes and turned over. "Whatever, Ron."

"I'm serious mate," Ron exclaimed.

"Good for you."

First Practice of the Year

"You showed up," Katie shrieked with amazement.

"I told you I would," Harry said smiling.

"Yeah, but I didn't think you really would."

"Well, then I'll leave." Harry shrugged and made to leave.

"Don't you dare," Katie exclaimed.

She smacked him lightly and walked to the center of the pitch. The hopefuls circled around her. "We need beaters and two chasers. If you want to be a beater sit on the bleachers. Chasers, line up on the pitch in order to year. Seventh years first."

Katie set Ron at the goals. "Screw up and I'll kick your ass," she snarled at him before turning to the hopefuls. "If you get it past Male Weasley…ten times, we'll think about it."

She flew over the goals and blew her whistled to the first group of five. "Go!"

Three hours later everyone finished their audition. Ron, Katie, and Harry sat on the bleachers after everyone left discussing the possibilities. They'd been at it for half an hour and they were no where close to picking the final line-up due to Ron disagreeing with everything Katie said. "I don't know," Katie said shaking her head. "He seems kind of duuh."

"Dean is not duuh," Ron protested.

"Let's go through our seventh year options first," Katie said.

"Great," Harry said sarcastically. "Should I call out for pizza?"

"Huh?" Ron asked with a dumb look on his face. "Pizza sounds great, mate."

Katie took her clipboard and made to smack Ron before Harry grabbed her arm. "It's not worth it," he whispered.

"It'll make me feel better," she snarled.

Ron looked up at them. "Stop horsing around! We have a team to choose."

He turned away again. Katie lunged for him. Harry grabbed her around the waist and held her back. "Let me at him," she shouted flailing against Harry.

"Calm down," Harry ordered. She took a deep breath and stood straight. "You okay?"

Katie shrugged. "I'm fine."

Harry let her go before she lunged at Ron again. "Katie, stop it!"

She calmed down again. "I'm fine this time, I promise."

Harry let her go reluctantly and she sat down glaring at Ron. "Ready to work?" she asked sweetly.

"I've been waiting for you lovebirds to stop flirting," Ron shot.

"Let me at him," Harry shouted lunging for Ron.

"No Harry, it's not worth it!" Katie cried.

"Harry James Potter!" a stern voice called. Harry froze.

"It's my mother," he choked out. He turned and saw his mother walking up the bleachers with her hands on her hips.

She stood before them steaming. Ron and Katie shrunk back. "I come to see my husband and son along with that idiot he calls a friend. I leave their office and come down to the quidditch field. Do you know what I saw?" she whispered dangerously.

Harry nodded slowly.

Lily's eyes narrowed. "You do?" she snarled. "Then why aren't you wearing a jacket?"

Harry snapped up. "Huh?"

Lily smiled and laughed. "Gotcha. I got your father and Sirius too. I'm good." She kissed his cheek and walked away.

"Sirius was right mate," Ron whispered just in case Lily was still in earshot. "She is weird."

"Yeah," Harry whispered fondly. "It's alright, though."

"The team anyone?" Katie cried in frustration.

"Whatever happened to pizza?" Ron exclaimed.

Walking to the Dorms

Harry was walking toward his common room when he bumped into someone. He stood back up and held a hand to help the person up. "I'm sorry. I didn't see you there."

"I'm sure you didn't," Aaliyah stated coldly. "Watch where I'm going," she sneered.

Harry snatched her arm before she could walk away. "What's your problem?"

She glared at him. "My problem? I have a problem with snotty little Gryffindors thinking they're better than everyone."

"Why do I get the feeling that you're talking specifically about me?" Harry questioned.

"I don't know; why do you?" Aaliyah shot.

Harry growled. "Fine, forget it."

"Fine," she smirked. "Just like a Gryffindor. You can never solve your own problems."

Harry turned back to face her. "You're just like a Slytherin. Judgmental and bitter."

Harry walked away before she could say another word.

"Damn you Potter," she whispered. "Damn you to hell."

1996-1997 Gryffindor Quidditch Team

Katie Bell- Chaser, 7th Year Captain

Harry Potter- Seeker 6th Year

Ron Weasley- Keeper 6th Year

Ginny Weasley- Chaser 5th Year

Demelza Robins- Chaser 5th Year

Jimmy Peakes- Beater 3rd Year

Ritchie Coote- Beater 3rd Year

Breakfast: The Great Hall

"So who was upset with the final team?" Hermione asked.

"The people who didn't make it," Ron said as though it were obvious.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I know that," she snapped. "I just meant who actually started a problem?"

"And I answered you," Ron exclaimed.

"You know what, Ron-," Hermione began.

"Will you guys give it a rest?" Harry asked groaning in frustration. "I have a bloody headache."

"Watch your mouth, Harry," Hermione admonished.

He glared at you. "I liked you better when I could just kiss you to make you shut up."

Hermione flushed. "Shut up."

Harry laughed. "Embarrassed? That's so cute."

"Will you two stop flirting?" Ron asked irritably.

"Well, excuse me," Hermione muttered rolling her eyes. "So what's up, Harry?"

"Nothing," Harry said quickly.

"Yes, because I believe that," Hermione said sarcastically.

"She's getting under my skin," Harry muttered.

"Who?" Hermione asked with a raised eyebrow.

"This Slytherin," Harry exclaimed. "I just keep thinking about her. I don't even know her!"

Ron shook his head. "It's not good for you to be hung up on a Slytherin."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ron," Hermione snapped. She turned back to Harry. "I don't understand. When did you meet her?"

"After the feast," Harry answered. "Ron and I were walking out the hall and I bumped into her. Then I bumped into her again last night. Literally. Both times."

Hermione nodded. "Oh, well, then. I suggest you have a real conversation with her."

Harry ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Ugh, we did, kinda, sorta, last night."

"And?" Hermione questioned.

"I don't know," Harry groaned. "We just argued. It was nothing really. I don't even understand why I'm bothering about this."

"You've got it bad, mate," Ron laughed.

"I do not," Harry snapped. "She's probably just a spoiled little Slytherin Princess. Besides, there's no way I'd date a Slytherin."

Hermione smacked Harry upside the head. "You idiot! There's nothing wrong with dating someone outside your house. For goodness sakes', if you like her, talk to her."

Harry and Ron rolled their eyes simultaneously. "Whatever, Hermione."

"You know I'm right," Hermione said before slinging her bag over her shoulder. "You'll see I'm right."

Talking With the Marauders

Harry walked to the Defense office and knocked on the door. He waited until Sirius flung open the door. He beamed.

"Harry! It's great to see you," Sirius exclaimed. "Come on in."

"What's wrong, Harry?" Remus asked form behind the desk.

"I just need some advice," Harry said shyly. "About girls."

James looked up from his seat in front of Remus'. "Girl advice? At sixteen? Have you taught my son nothing?" He asked Remus and Sirius.

Both flushed slightly.

"There's this girl," Harry reminded them.

"Of course, of course, have a seat, mate," Sirius said.

Harry sat next to his father and Sirius facing Remus. "This is kind of stupid, but there's this girl."

"This girl?" James prompted.

"She's a fifth year," Harry continued.

"Ginny Weasley?" Sirius cried incredulously.

"No," Harry exclaimed, "Of course not…ew."

Sirius sighed in relief. "Good, you had me going for a while."

"What's wrong with Ginny Weasley?" Remus asked.

"Nothing, she's just…there," Harry mumbled.

"So is Hermione," James reminded him.

"Hermione's different. I've known her for like ever, so she's you know, there, but not just there," Harry explained. "Do you understand?"

"I gotcha Harry," Sirius said.

James shook his head. "Okay, whatever. This fifth year girl?"

"She's in Slytherin," Harry said quietly.

"No," Sirius cried. "I forbid it! I mean it!"

"Shut up Sirius," Remus snapped. "Don't be stupid."

"She's um…yeah, I don't get her. She so…complicated!"

"That's because she's a Slytherin, Harry," Sirius clarified. "You NEVER understand them. It's just a way of life."

"What's her name?" Remus asked.

"Aaliyah Morden…according to Ginny," Harry answered.

"We had her today, didn't we?" James asked.

"Yeah, she's weird…even for a Slytherin," Sirius shared.

"Look son: don't center your whole life over a girl. Do you even like her?" James said.

"I don't know her! I don't even understand why I can't stop thinking about her," Harry exclaimed.

"Ah, don't worry about it," Sirius said with a wave of his hand. "You'll get over it. Trust me."

Harry left shaking his head. Did no one get it?

"He has it bad," Sirius announced the moment Harry left the room.

"Yup," Remus agreed.

"He's just like James was when he was obsessed with Lily," Sirius remembered. "Except, you know, Harry hides it better."

"Shut up," James shouted while Sirius and Remus laughed at his expense.

And He Sees Her…Again

Harry walked down the hall when he saw her. She had her left eyebrow raised and was smirking. "So you can't get me out of your mind, huh?" she asked. She walked up to him and slid a finger down his cheek. "Why couldn't you just tell me?"

"You're joking right?" Harry said incredulously.

She smiled slightly. "Of course I am. I really should ridicule you for your attraction, but I won't." She leaned closer and barely brushed her lips against his. "Playing with fire will get you burned," she whispered before she walked away.

Harry stayed rooted to the spot. What just happened?

Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff

Two weeks later the first game of the year arrived. Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff. Usually Gryffindor played Slytherin first, but they backed out saying they needed more time to train their new chaser seeing how Flint graduated. Draco Malfoy was captain. This did not bode well with Katie. She trained her team hard. Harder than Angelina did last year.

As a special treat, arranged by Prof. Dumbledore, the Defense Professors were commentating the first game of the year…along with the game against Slytherin…but McGonagall doesn't know that yet.

"Welcome to the first Quidditch game of the year," Remus cried. The crowd cheered loudly. "We've got Padfoot, Prongs, and myself as announcers for this game!" More cheering erupted especially from the female population led by Romilda Vance.

"Okay, welcome the Gryffindor team along with the Hufflepuffs," Sirius shouted. "Captains shake hands, Katie Bell, and some other person."

Zacharias Smith glared at Sirius.

Sirius just shook his head. "The captain of Hufflepuff seems upset I forgot his name. How the hell am I supposed to remember? Children these days are so demanding."

"Black!" McGonagall warned.

"I agree Padfoot, although what's really sad is the fact that we, grown men, are still getting berated by Minnie," James announced.

"Too true, Prongs."

"Potter!"

"Sorry," James apologized quickly.

"The balls are released," Remus shouted.

"Chaser Katie Bell has grabbed it and is making a beeline for the Hufflepuff hoops," James said.

"Get it in!" Sirius shouted.

"And….it's GOOD," Remus announced. "10-0 Gryffindor!"

The game went well for over an hour. Every time there was a boring spot, Sirius would burst out with some lame joke to get the crowd pumped again. Finally, Harry saw the snitch. He dove down in pursuit. Seeing the rival seeker behind him, he made sharp turns throwing him off of his trail. Harry caught the snitch to loud cheering.

"And Seeker Potter catches the snitch!" Remus cried.

"He's better than James," Sirius announced beaming in pride.

"He is not," James disagreed. "But he's good."

FAQ/FYI

Final pairings?!
Be patient. All will be revealed in due time ;)