Chapter 4 Family
The quartet of 'Puffs left the Charms classroom in high spirits. The 'history' class they'd had was not only informative, but entertaining as well. Where else in the world could students actually talk to people who'd been alive during the events that they were talking about?
It turned out that the Friar had been one of the first graduates to come out of Hogwarts. It was amazing hearing him talk about the Founders and what life had been like at the castle all those centuries ago. The gray lady, they'd learned, was the daughter of none other than Rowena Ravenclaw. The usually dour ghost had actually smiled as she recounted tales of her time at Hogwarts. Sir Nicholas had been a revelation too, with tales of an England that was at the cusp of its power during the reign of Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth I.
"That was awesome!" giggled Susan.
"You aren't kidding, Sue!" added Hannah. "Binns class seems like such a waste of time now, doesn't it?"
"They knew my mother…they actually spent time with her…talked to her…" said Harry.
Susan looked toward her friend, and grabbed his arm as they continued walking along the empty corridors of Hogwarts. "That's good, right?"
"Yeah, it is good. It's just, I don't know, touching. There are people in this world, and the next for that matter, that knew my parents."
"What's so peculiar about that?" she pressed.
"For eleven years I knew nothing about Mom; knew nothing about Dad. But I'm in Hogwarts for a few days and I know stuff about them both that I never knew before." he said softly.
"Harry, the things you will learn about your parents, your family, will just get better. You've left your old life, and now is time to begin your new one." added Neville. "My life has certainly changed since I've met you, so has Hannah's, so has Susan's."
Harry looked curiously at Neville, questioning.
"I've had no friends in my life. Meeting you and the girls has changed that. I've got a brother now, and two wonderful girls I call friends. My life may have not been as horrible as yours, but it was still difficult. Gran, while a wonderful woman, is a harsh taskmaster. Ever since I could read, my life has been one of endless classes on everything pertaining to Magical Britain. Can you imagine a six year old studying law, procedures of the Wizengamot, or pureblood etiquette?"
Harry looked at him blankly. "Why would she do that?"
"For you."
"I don't get it, why me?"
"She knew you'd come back to us Harry, she knew you'd need all the help you could get. So she had me trained."
"But why, Neville, how can you not resent me for that?"
"Because you're family, Harry; sure, I wish I could have gone outside and played like a normal kid, but you and I gave better and bigger things to do. We have a world to change." he said with a smile.
"Well, whatever it is you two are going to get up to, I want in." said Hannah. "You two would be useless if Susan and I weren't there to help you."
"Oh, I agree with Hannah. Although useless might be a bit harsh…maybe ineffectual or perhaps even hopeless." said Susan with a grin
Neville looked to Harry with a raised eyebrow. "What do you think, Lord Potter?"
"Well, I don't know, Heir Longbottom. I think 'useless' might be a bit much, too. I think, Neville, that without the girls we would be free, liberated; unencumbered, even." he said with a big smile. Neville started laughing at that.
The two girls before them looked horrified and offended, and it was a knowing grin that Harry and Neville bolted toward the safety of the 'Puff common room. The girls chasing behind them promising infinite pain when they caught up to them
ooOOooOOoo
"Thank you for agreeing to see us, Headmaster. Forgive us both, please, for cancelling on you the other morning. Amelia and I had business with young Lord Potter that could not be avoided." said Augusta as she and Amelia both sat in front of the large desk that belonged to the person toward whom a lot of anger was directed.
"Of course, Dame Longbottom; though busy, I am happy to set aside a few minutes for you both." said the man behind the desk.
Amelia snorted disdainfully, her anger increasing every moment she was in the presence of this man. "Enough with the pleasantries, Albus; would you care to answer some questions we have regarding Harry?"
"I'll answer anything I can, but know that I will not be able to answer all your questions." he replied with twinkling eyes.
"I'd like to start with a question regarding Harry's placement with the family you left him with. Why? Why would you even consider leaving him in such a place? Nowhere in Jamie or Lily's will does it say that he should have been left with the Dursleys'." Albus paled at the question.
"You couldn't possibly know the contents…" said Albus hotly.
"Ah, but we do know the contents of the will, Headmaster. Harry was kind enough to retrieve a copy of said will from his parent's vaults. It makes for some interesting reading, but you already know that don't you, having been a witness?" continued Amelia.
"I had that will sealed! What you've done is illegal!" he yelled at her.
"Come, come, Albus, no need to become vexed with Amelia. Harry is now Lord Potter, which means that he does indeed have the legal right to view his parent's will. He was most intrigued to find out that he should have been placed with me or Amelia should anything happen to his parent's. Amelia, what is the charge against someone who takes a child away from those who are supposed to be the child's guardian?"
"Kidnapping, Dame Longbottom. And as Harry is the-boy-who-lived, I would imagine that the resulting penalty for such a deed would be commensurately worse."
"He was not kidnapped," sighed Albus tiredly. "I placed him in the home of his relatives, fully intending him to live a happy and healthy life."
"And we've seen how that has turned out, haven't we?" growled Augusta. "By what right…?"
"At the time, by my right as Chief Wizard of the Wizengamot; now, as Harry's magical guardian in our world." interjected Albus.
"Something that no longer holds true, correct, Chief Wizard?"
"Indeed." Albus said, resigned to the fact that these two formidable women had him over a barrel when it came to Harry.
"Harry has asked that I take over his guardianship." said Augusta. "I've rejected that offer in favor of becoming Regent of House Potter until such time as Harry deems he's ready to take on the Head of House duties. Yes, he is viewed as an adult, but he'd be the first to tell you that he's not even close to being ready to take up those duties. Preparing him will be my duty. Amelia?"
"Headmaster, why did you take Harry away from Lord Black?"
"Because he was the likely cause of Lily and James being murdered that night, it's as simple as that. To then be accused of murdering his friend Pettigrew, along with those poor muggles, well, you can understand my reluctance to have Harry anywhere near him." answered Albus. He had a vague feeling that he was being set up here, a feeling that he was unaccustomed to feeling.
"And were you satisfied that all proof indicated that Lord Black was guilty of those things?"
"Proof? The proof was lying dead in a house in Godric's Hollow! The proof was the severed finger of Peter Pettigrew! The proof was the dead bodies of muggles that littered the streets of London!" he screeched at Madam Bones.
"And don't you find it in the least bit odd that the pureblood Lord of one of the most distinguished families in Britain was just tossed into prison without so much as a hearing?" she replied coolly. She'd faced Death Eaters; she was not going to be intimidated by some whiskered old codger, even if he was the most powerful wizard in the world.
"Oh, and I suppose you mentioned these things back then?" he asked sarcastically.
"No, to my shame I didn't. I believed the lies, just like everyone else. And even if I'd known, I was only a Junior Auror; no one would have listened to me. But you, Headmaster of Hogwarts, Chief Wizard, Supreme Mugwump, everyone would have listened to you."
"I had bigger concerns that night, Madam Bones, such as seeing to the needs of a child whose parents had just been murdered."
"Yes, of course, sir. And being the benevolent and compassionate man that you are, you saw fit to place him in a home where he was starved and beaten for years on end. Lord Potter will be praising your kindness and compassion to all who will listen, won't he? Broken arms, broken ribs, scars from lashing…"
"Why are you bringing Sirius up?" he said, trying to ignore that last statement.
"Lord Black," she said, emphasizing the title, "is Harry's godfather, and first in line for guardianship where Harry is concerned. You did know that, didn't you?"
"That's irrelevant; Black is in Azkaban and will remain there for the rest of his life."
"Perhaps now it is; it wasn't so irrelevant back then. Why would you send Hagrid to get Harry?"
"I have complete confidence in Hagrid to do as I ask of him."
"And by telling Hagrid to grab Harry you circumvented every single law regarding guardianship that I can think of when you decided to give him to that family. You should have given him to Sirius. He would have taken Harry to Alder Glen and raised him like his own son. He would have made sure that Harry knew all about his heritage and the duties he would have to carry out when he reached adulthood. Why was it so vital for Harry to go to the Dursley's?"
"Wards." responded Albus simply.
"I'm sorry, did you say wards? What kind of wards?" asked an intrigued Amelia.
"Powerful blood wards that had been keyed to Harry thanks to the sacrifice of his mother; he had to be in a home with blood relatives. It was the only way to guarantee his safety from Death Eaters that were still loyal to Voldemort despite His destruction."
"Forgive my ignorant question, Albus, but are these familial wards that you are talking about?" asked a confused Augusta.
"Indeed!" he said smiling at Amelia. Finally, someone was beginning to understand.
But the look Augusta gave him was not one that could be described as happy. Quite the contrary in fact. "You stupid, whiskered, maggot eating disgrace! Have you any idea the harm you could have caused Harry?" she yelled.
"I'm sorry?"
The woman was trying to contain her obvious anger. "Familial wards are very sensitive, correct Albus?"
"Yes…"
"The recipient of those wards, Harry in this case, would have had to feel at home in that place, is that not also correct? Do you think that Harry thinks of that place as his home?" she roared at the Headmaster.
The realization that in his 'infinite wisdom', he had overlooked one of the key elements in the ward scheme was not going over well with Albus. That's when all hell broke loose on the precious silver instruments that sat behind him. Popping, hissing, mayhem, and minor explosion rang throughout his office, as those instruments were blasted into smithereens.
"Let me guess, monitoring tools? Keyed to Harry, I'm sure. Well, as it's obvious that those things are no longer functioning then whatever 'impenetrable' wards you had set up are now beyond useless. Amelia, I find myself in the unwelcome position, what with being on the school board and all, of wanting my Neville and Harry both taken out of this school."
"Augusta, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I don't think that the Headmaster will let Harry be. I believe it is his intention to use him toward some goal of his. I think Susan would do better away from Hogwarts as well, and I think she'd agree that being with Harry would be better for her." said Amelia, gazing angrily at Albus.
"Then I think our meeting here is done. Headmaster, we thank you for your time." she said sarcastically. "Amelia, what say you and I head down to Minnie's office and fill out the necessary paperwork to get my grandkids and your niece out of school?"
"No!" yelled Dumbledore.
"Excuse me? I don't believe you have any say in the matter, Headmaster."
"You mustn't take Harry from the school!" he pleaded.
"Why not?" asked Augusta.
"You just can't…"
Amelia looked to Augusta, who just rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders as she kept making her way to the door, so she followed.
"Ladies, please…!" said the voice of the Headmaster from behind them.
ooOOooOOoo
"So let me get this right, you want me to put a firstie on the team?" asked the bewildered quidditch team captain.
"No," said Madam Sprout, "what I said was that you should give him a tryout and see what you think. Madam Hooch has very highly praised Mr. Potter's flying ability. So much so, that she even convinced Professor McGonagall to grant a dispensation of the ban on first years being on quidditch teams."
"Really?" he asked skeptically.
Pomona chuckled to herself. "Really. She seems to think that he'd be a splendid seeker. I realize that Cedric is the team seeker; all I am asking is that you give the boy a chance. If worse comes to worst, you'd have a standby available for the future."
"When do you want me to have the try-out?"
"How about now? Gather your team; I'm sure you'd like their input as well."
"Yes, Madam Sprout, I'll gather them up. Meet the kid down at the pitch?" Pomona nodded at him. The captain left the common room on search of his team mates.
"You up for this, Harry?" asked Pomona of the nervous Harry.
"Are you sure about this, ma'am? I didn't think I was anything spectacular up there."
"You just go out there and do your best. I'll be watching, as will you friends I believe." she said casting a glance at a trio of her 'Puffs who were trying very badly to be inconspicuous. Knowing they'd been caught, two of the trio approached Harry at a run.
"Harry, mate, you have to do this. I've never seen anyone fly the way you did." said Neville excitedly.
"Neville's right, Potter, you will go out there and kick some butt!" screeched Hannah, and noticing the arched eyebrow of her Head of House added "Sorry, Madam Sprout."
Harry looked to Susan, who unlike the other two, was walking slowly toward Harry. "Are you nervous?" she asked him.
Harry nodded.
"Do you remember what it was like flying with Hedwig?"
A wide smile appeared on Harry's face.
"Remember that when you're up there in the air, alright?"
His faced changed into a look of determination.
"That's it, Harry." she said reaching for his hand. "C'mon, there's a seeker position waiting for you!"
Susan would never say aloud how nervous she was for Harry. Seeing him fly that afternoon had been one of the more harrowing moments of her young life. But when Harry's beautiful owl had joined him, that smile of his made her all tingly inside, she'd felt absolute joy at seeing Harry so happy.
She, along with Neville and Hannah, took up seats in the stands to watch the tryouts.
"Sue, relax, Harry's got this in the bag. He's just got to get over his nerves, he'll be alright." said Hannah, trying to calm her best friend down.
"Look at him," said Sue pointing towards the pitch, "he's so small!"
"He may be small, but he can fly like the wind. The others won't be able to get near him." stated Neville with confidence.
"Alright, settle down everyone, settle down. Now, Madam Pomfrey has asked us to give Mr. Potter here a chance at joining our team." said the 'Puff captain to his assembled team, some of whom were looking at Harry with a little irritation and skepticism.
"Mr. Potter…"
"Harry, please."
"Very well then, I'm David Foyle, this year's captain of the Hufflepuff quidditch team. Cedric Diggory over there is our current seeker. Ced, get him up in the air and put him through his paces. While they're up there, team, we'll be doing the evaluating."
"Hey, Harry, I'm Cedric. You ready to give this quidditch thing a try?" asked the friendly fourth year, who approached with a smile on his face.
"It's alright if I'm a little nervous? I've only flown a few times, so I'll hope you take it easy on me."
"A few times, really? The way Madam Hooch was describing it, one would have thought you'd been flying since you were in nappies!" he said with a grin.
"Nope, first time was yesterday."
"Well, Harry, let's get in the air and see what you've got." said a bewildered Cedric.
David was looking on along with the rest of the 'Puff team, most of them certain that Madam Sprout was just making them do this to please Dame Longbottom, as she was a powerful figure on the Hogwarts board of governors. Cedric, it seemed, was going a little easy on the boy, but no one could deny that the kid was sticking with him.
"Ced, take him through the slalom course!" yelled David.
"Watch me do this, Harry, and then follow me. The point is to go through the course as fast as you can without getting hit by the bludgers that will be trying to knock you off your broom. Don't be scared if you do get knocked off the broom, the ground has a cushioning charm on it to prevent any injury. So it'll kind be like landing on a soft mattress. You ready?"
"Lead on, Cedric!" exclaimed Harry.
Harry's trio of friend's were watching in wonder, clapping madly as their friend flew along the pitch. "It's slalom time. This is where Harry will show them. Look at the team and their captain, they're just sitting there with condescending looks on their mugs!" said Susan harshly.
"Easy, Sue, this is Harry's first time on a quidditch pitch. I'm sure the team is just a little unconvinced is all." said Neville.
"Humph," she huffed, "I'll unconvince them…"
"There he goes!" cried Hannah.
David was sitting on the pitch, legs splayed out before him, hardly paying attention to the proceedings. It was when Ana, one the chasers, cuffed him on the shoulder that he began to pay attention. "Ow, what the hell was that for?" he asked massaging his shoulder.
"He's crazy…"
"Huh?"
Ana grabbed his chin and moved his head so that he was now looking at the slalom run. His jaw dropped as he stood up hastily and watched the flying display before him. "Kid is crazy…" he muttered.
Harry was having the time of his life. This was like one of those rollercoaster's that he'd seen on the telly. The loops and dives before him were fun; made all the more enjoyable with the added danger of flying objects that were trying to knock him off his broom. At one point he was flying upside down with his head two or three inches above the grass, holding on to his broom with arms and legs.
Cedric didn't know what to think. He was at the end of the run, looking on in open-mouthed amazement as this eleven year old madman was doing things on his broom that even he, with years of experience, would be too terrified to even try.
"David," yelled Cedric at the top of his lungs, "let a snitch out to play. Let's see if he can seek and catch."
"Sue, sweetie, ease up on the grip; you're gonna break my fingers!" Hannah yelped.
"Sorry!" she apologized. "He's going to be the death of me. Remind me to have words with him when he lands."
"Susan, look at him, have you ever seen him this happy? Well, aside from when he's with you anyway." cut in Neville.
Susan blushed a bit, looking warily at Neville. "He is not."
Neville glanced at Hannah, who shrugged his shoulders and smiled. "Oh, please, Sue! That boy lights up like a Christmas tree every time he sees you."
"Really?" she whispered to Hannah.
"Oh, Sue…look at you, eleven years old and already crushing on a boy. What will your Aunt think?"
"She's met Harry, and I'm pretty sure she likes him. I don't think she'd be too disapproving if he becomes my boyfriend in two or three years."
"Two or three years, really?" Hannah smirked at her friend. "You're going to wait two or three years?"
Susan blushed harder, averting her gaze from her grinning friend. "Well, probably not." she said softly.
ooOOooOOoo
"David, you have got to put Potter on the team!" yelled the other six members of his team.
"As what, huh? Cedric is the acknowledged 'Puff seeker, and a friend, I will not toss him off the team for a first year, even if he is crazy and flies like a bat outta hell!"
"David?" interrupted Harry, who was standing silently next to Cedric.
"What is it Harry?"
"How about having me as a backup seeker? Or even a rotating seeker? If we go up against a team that Cedric would do better at than me, then obviously he plays that team."
"He's right, David; I couldn't in good conscience field him if we're playing Slytherin, but if we put him up against Ravenclaw or Gryffindor…" added Cedric.
David was thinking hard, aware that putting Harry on the team would be a blessing to Hufflepuff that could see it winning the Cup for years to come. "Alright, we'll do it that way. Harry, welcome to the team!"
A huge sigh of relief came out of Harry, as well as sporting a huge grin that was quickly making his jaw ache. In all his years in muggle school, he'd never made a team. Dudley had seen to that, making sure he was too hurt to play or tryout. But now he'd made it, and on his own as well. The boy with self-esteem issues was slowly coming out of his shell and gaining some confidence.
"Cedric, I want you to take up Harry's seeker training. I think it would do us a world of good to have backup chasers as well, so when you're not practicing the seeking I want you both to join the chaser line and be trained for that position as well."
"Yes David!" said both Harry and Cedric smiling.
"Alright, dismissed for today guys, remember practices start next Tuesday. Our first match is against Ravenclaw in a months' time. They've a good team this year. We can win though; we work hard and beat them the Hufflepuff way." It was to the roar of his players that the happy team made their way off the pitch.
"Incoming redhead, Harry!" said Cedric, as he pointed to the stands. Susan was racing towards him at full speed, slowing down only slightly when she was a few feet away and launching herself at him and embracing him in a tight hold.
"You're going to have to be more aware of your surroundings than that if you want to be a good seeker, Harry!" laughed Cedric as he left the pitch. Hannah and Neville were making their way to the hugging duo, although at a much more sedate pace.
"You scared the crap out of me, Harry" whispered Susan said into Harry's ear.
"I did?" he asked hesitantly. "Why did I scare you?"
"Because you fly like a maniac, Potter!" she screamed at him as she let go of the hug and took a step back.
"I'm…sorry?" he mumbled.
"You better be." she said, trying to calm herself down. "Okay, I'm calm, sort of. Did you make the team?"
The huge grin made a reappearance, and he nodded his head vigorously. "Cedric and I are going to share seeker duties. I'll be like a substitute, and also learn how to be a chaser. I think David said they were going to play me against Ravenclaw next month!"
Terrified Susan made a jarring change into proud Susan. She hugged Harry again, and squealed in delight. "Oh, Harry, I'm so proud of you."
"Did I hear right, Harry, you're going to be on the team?" asked an excited Hannah.
"I told you, didn't I?" said Neville, confidant in his brother's abilities.
ooOOooOOoo
"Harry," intoned Augusta seriously, "I'd like you to meet a friend of the Longbottom family. Broderick Bode, I'd like you to introduce you to my grandson, the Lord Harry Potter."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir." said Harry, extending his hand in greeting. He looked at the tall and thin man before him; the man had a pale face and was extremely thin and frail looking. He gazed at Harry appraisingly, almost as if he were evaluating him.
"A pleasure, Lord Potter." said the man in a voice that was barely above a whisper. "I knew your grandparents, and was honored to count them as friends."
"Harry, Broderick here has consented to take you and Neville on as students. He will be your trainer when it comes to all things physical, whether it is dueling, or fighting, and will also include a regimen of physical fitness. Neville has been studying under him for a year now." added Augusta.
"Lord Potter, if you and Neville will follow me, please?" he said as he nodded to Augusta and turned on his heels.
"Bye, Gran!" yelled Harry and Neville over their shoulders as the followed the man.
"C'mon Harry, one doesn't keep Master Bode waiting." said Neville as he pushed Harry along. "He's an Unspeakable."
"Uhm, I have no idea what an Unspeakable is, Nev."
"Oh, right, well, an Unspeakable is a wizard that works in the Department of Mysteries. They're called Unspeakables because none of them are allowed to speak about their work. They are an odd bunch, but are known as some of the better trained wizards in the Ministry. Listen Harry, this training is going to be brutal, but will be worthwhile in the end. Just remember that what we're learning will let us take care of our families and the people we love."
Harry resolved himself to do just that: protect the people he loved.
"Master Bode?" asked Harry of the tall man as they entered an unused classroom.
"Harry?" responded the man.
"Thank you for taking the time to help Neville and me out, sir." said Harry.
"We shall see how thankful you are after I put you through your paces!" The man turned, a wand appearing in his hand, and began waving it about. Harry was wide eyed as the classroom transformed into a gym of sorts.
"Harry, I know you've only been in school a couple of weeks and that your knowledge of magic is pretty limited. We are going to change that here. Magic that you should have already been familiar with will be taught to you. And you're a runt Harry! I aim to whip you into shape." he said with an evil grin.
"Oh crap!" whispered Harry to Neville.
"Told you so." Neville whispered back.
The next two hours seemed to Harry to pass very, very slowly. When Neville and he finally made it back to the 'Puff common room, it was all he could do to not just collapse on his bed. He was tempted to just pass out by the door, the bed seeming a bit too far away for his liking.
"It'll get better Harry, I promise you."
"Nev, the man is a menace. I think my left butt cheek is going to be red for the next several years!"
Neville laughed, remembering how true that was. "Nah, just a year or so and your cheek will go back to its normal tone."
Harry sat on the bed, and looked at his best friend intently. "We really are doing this for our loved ones, Neville?"
"We are, brother. By all accounts, the Death Eaters are still a force to be reckoned with. They don't think too kindly of you; or me for that matter. You did kick the crap out of their boss, after all." he said with a grin, and then his face took on a more serious look. "If we were faced with them right now, I don't think we'd stand a chance. The thought of not being able to defend Gran, or you, or the girls…that scares me more than actually facing them; so I'm going to train to be the best I can be. Can I ask you a question, Harry?"
"Of course, anything."
"What would you do if Susan was in danger?"
Harry stood from the bed, and Neville was surprised by the look in Harry's eyes. The green seemed to be smoldering, as if flames had been lit behind them. "I'd never allow that to happen!"
"It will Harry, sooner or later it will. Keep that in mind the next time we have Master Bode's class. Susan and Hannah's lives may depend on how well we prepare. At some point we should convince them to join us; it wouldn't hurt for them to be able to defend themselves."
Harry relaxed, and vowed to himself to study to the best of his abilities.
"Has the Headmaster found us a potions tutor yet?" Harry asked.
"Nah, Gran told him to go…well he told him to go do something not nice to himself. He was trying to get one of his old allies to come and teach us. From what she said though, the man is an attention seeking prat who'd only come because it's you he'd get the chance to teach. But she's found someone for us, and she should be starting our lessons in a few days."
"Do we know who?"
"Yes, actually, we're getting Hannah's mom to be our tutor. She's a Healer."
"Like Madam Pomfrey?"
"Yup, just like Madam Pomfrey."
"You guys talking about Mom?" asked Hannah as she and Susan walked into Harry's room. "She owled me yesterday to let me know; she's really excited about teaching us. You'll like her Harry; she's funny and will probably tease you more than I do."
"Great, just great, that's all I need. Nev, help?"
Neville put both hands in front of him. "Sorry, but you are entirely on your own."
"Oh, and don't think for a minute you're going to be safe, Longbottom." added Hannah with a grin.
Susan walked up to Harry and hugged him. "Don't worry, Harry, I'll be there to defend you from her."
"Promise?" he asked.
She looked in his eyes and could see the vulnerability reflected therein. "I'll always be right next to you Harry, no matter what."
"Good, I wouldn't have it any other way." he said with a big smile.
"Who's hungry? After that workout I could eat a hippogriff!" asked Neville as his stomach growled approvingly at the idea of being fed. His three friends laughed at him as the four left Harry's room to get to dinner.
ooOOooOOoo
The weeks passed rather quickly, or not, depending on your point of view. For Harry and Neville, time seemed to crawl. On top of their normal load of schoolwork, the boys had their lessons from Master Bode who seemed to take some sort of sadistic pleasure at putting the young boys into all sorts of painful routines, both physical and magical.
Harry was happy with his progress, though. Under the distinctly excruciating tutelage of Master Bode, Harry was slowly but surely catching up to Neville in ability. His brother could still kick his ass in a duel, but he didn't think that would last much longer given how much effort he was putting in to improve himself.
Susan smiled at Harry, noticing him as Neville and he approached them at the entrance to the great hall for dinner. "You're still limping, Harry, are you sure you're alright?"
"I'm fine, or rather, I will be fine eventually. That man is a menace. I haven't been able to sit properly since I met him!" Harry wasn't amused at Susan's giggles.
"Go on, go sit, I brought you something." she said, pulling he arms from behind her back. Harry looked down and noticed the feathery pillow that she was holding.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" he said, hugging her in gratitude.
"You're very welcome. Neville, where's Hannah?"
"She was helping her mother in our potions classroom. I think they were getting the supplies ready for class tomorrow. Said she'd be up as soon as she was done down there. We've still got time, the Halloween feast doesn't start for a bit yet, I'm sure she'll be here on time."
"You keep a seat for me, Harry?" she asked. "I'm just going to pop down and give them a hand. Hopefully we can get done and be back before dinner."
"Hurry back or I'll eat all the treacle tart!" he shouted as she left.
"She'll kill you if you eat all the tart, Harry." smirked Neville.
"I know, just encouraging her to come back a bit more quickly. It's my first Halloween feast, something I want to share with all three of you."
"More specifically, Susan…"
Harry pinked, "and what, it's wrong that I want that?"
"No, brother, not at all; I'm just teasing you. And don't worry, I'm sure Susan knows it's your first feast and will want to spend it with you as well. How's your cheek?" he said with an evil grin.
"Not bad, at least he picked the other one today." Harry laughed. "You see what Sue gave me?"
"Awww, look at you with a pretty pillow for your butt."
"Silence, Longbottom….hey Longbottom, at least it isn't me who has 'bottom' as part of his name."
They glared at each other for a bit, and then burst into laughter.
"Don't mention that around Gran, she gets a little peeved about that."
"Trust me I won't. Scary Gran is not something I'm looking forward to ever seeing!" said Harry. He made his way up to the 'Puff table and sat, making sure to leave a space for Susan. People had already started to filter in, as slowly but surely the other House tables began to be filled.
"How come we don't wear costumes on Halloween?" asked Harry.
Neville looked at him curiously. "Who'd want to put on a costume, and why would anyone want to put on a costume?"
"Uhm, never mind; must just be a muggle thing. Look, Dumbledore is apparently going to give a speech. I wish the girls would hurry, they're going to miss dinner."
"Relax, mate, I'm sure they're on their way."
"Welcome all to another Halloween feast!" intoned Dumbledore from his podium. "We gather here today to celebrate…"
A loud crash was heard from the doorway, as Professor Quirrell came running in. "Troll! Troll in the dungeon!" the professor yelled before passing out in a heap on the floor.
Harry looked at Neville with a raised eyebrow. "Susan!" Harry stood, turned, and ran out of the hall.
"Harry, wait. Harry! Dammit Potter, wait up!" said Neville as he himself took chase after his brother.
ooOOooOOoo
"Okay, well that just sucks! I got the Bulbadox powder all over me." squealed Susan at the mess she'd just made of herself.
"Run along to the bathroom, my dear, and wash off; that stuff will cause a rash if you don't get it off you soon. Hannah, go give her a hand, would you?" said Amanda Abbott.
"Sure thing, Mom; c'mon Sue, or we'll miss the beginning of the Feast. Don't want to keep your boyfriend waiting now, do you?" she smirked.
"He's not…fine, let's get to the bathroom so I can clean up."
"Boyfriend?" asked Amanda with a grin.
"Oh, sure, Mom; hasn't she told you? Our darling Susan Bones here landed the most eligible wizard in the world as her boyfriend!"
"Would you stop, please!" said Susan with a deep blush.
"See, she doesn't even try to deny it!" laughed Hannah.
"Go on now, girls, you can tell me all about Harry later, okay?" Amanda said with a laugh.
Susan, holding her hands in front of herself so as not to get more of the caustic powder all over the place, left the potions lab followed by the bubbly blonde. "You're evil!"
"Nah, you love me and you know it."
"I may love you, but you're still evil! Let's hurry; this stuff is starting to burn."
Hannah and Susan quickly made their way into the girls' bathroom, where Hannah turned on the spigot. Susan gratefully placed her hands under the running water, while Hannah reached for a bar of soap which she handed to Susan.
"Here, let me roll up your sleeves. Get all of it off, that stuff is nasty!"
"Oh, this feels good. That stuff was really starting to burn." Susan, with nose raised, noticed that the air around them had suddenly become a trifle malodorous. "Did you just let one rip?"
"NO!" barked Hannah. "I was just going to ask you the same thing, what is that smell?"
It was then that they heard the growl behind them. The girls turned, and noticed the huge troll before them, a look of confusion on its face. The troll raised its club and roared, taking a swing at the two girls. They both yelled in fear, ducking to avoid the incoming club.
The weapon shattered the sinks, sending pieces of porcelain everywhere. The troll saw that it missed its intended target and raised its club once again. The girls, frightened into inaction, merely held each other in fear. It was then that Harry rushed into the bathroom, having heard the scream from the girls as well as the roar of the troll.
Taking a second to assess the situation, Harry launched himself at the girls and tackled them just in time to have the troll swing at them. The whistling Harry heard above his head meant that, luckily, the troll had missed for a second time.
"Neville!" yelled Harry.
Neville rushed into the bathroom, a look of astonishment on his face. "Ideas?" he yelled.
"Distract him!"
"Oh, sure, obviously, why didn't I think of that?" Neville looked around the floor, and managed to grab a large piece of sink and heaved it at the troll. The porcelain just bounced of the trolls' tough hide. "Damn, I wish I knew more magic!"
"Run!" Harry yelled at the girls, who crawled away quickly, hoping to hide in the stalls.
Harry stood and faced the troll, knowing that allowing the beast to continue its rampage would end in Susan being injured or worse, not something he would ever allow.
From his vantage point, Neville noticed Harry stand and face the troll. "Run, you dumbass!" he yelled. But Neville was surprised when Harry stood his ground and looked up to the troll, who was once again raising its club.
Harry felt anger at the threat before him. 'How dare this thing threaten my best friend?' he thought. Remembering the feeling he had in charms class, Harry called his magic to him, surrounding himself in its warmth. With a casual flick of his wrist, the humongous club was ripped from the troll's grasp. Another flick, the club reared and swung a massive blow that impacted with deadly accuracy. For a second, the troll wobbled in place before crashing down with a loud thud that shook the room.
"Susan!" yelled Harry as he ran to her. She looked at him in awe before breaking down into sobs at the danger that she'd just been in. Harry reached for her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "You okay, Sue?"
She nodded slowly and then sprang into his arms, wanting only to be held and comforted. Neville had run to Hannah and found himself also with an armful of witch, as the blonde held on to him tightly.
"Hannah, Susan?" yelled Mrs. Abbott as she ran into the bathroom. Neville helped Hannah up, and she ran to her mother's arms. "What happened?"
"Neville and Harry saved us Mom. They saved us…" she cried.
McGonagall and Snape chose this moment to come running into the bathroom. "Mr. Potter, what is the meaning of this?" she asked.
Susan moved her head to look at the professor, astonished and perplexed at the reaction that Harry was getting from the Deputy. With Harry's help she stood and walked toward the professor. "The meaning of this, Professor, is that Neville and Harry saved both our lives!"
McGonagall raised an eyebrow at the impertinence of the redheaded first year student. "They should have let a professor handle it, Ms. Bones."
"Hannah, do me a favor and go get Professor Sprout. Have her call my aunt and Madam Longbottom as well." Hannah looked at her mother, who nodded in agreement; she ran from the bathroom towards the great hall as fast as she could.
"Minerva?" asked Dumbledore as he walked in and surveyed the scene. "What happened here?"
"It seems that Mr. Potter and Longbottom decided to take on the troll by themselves!" she said pointing at the two boys. Snape's eyebrows rose at the comment, wondering why McGonagall was taking that tack. It was obvious to him that the two boys had only been there to help their friends.
Albus walked over to the troll and examined it. "Why, Mr. Potter, did you find it necessary to kill the poor beast?"
Neville and Susan both got angered at the question. Even Mrs. Abbott stood before Harry in a protective manner. "That…THING…was about to kill Hannah and Susan, and you're more upset that Harry killed it defending them than you are about them being in danger?" roared Amanda.
"Now, now, Mrs. Abbott, there is no need to get upset; it was merely a question." he said, eyes twinkling.
"Upset? Upset? Are you kidding me? How the hell did a troll get into the Hogwarts in the first place, Headmaster? This is a school!" she yelled in Dumbledore's face, poking his chest with a pointed finger.
"Sir…" began Harry.
"Lord Potter?" asked Albus.
"I wasn't my intention to kill it, sir. I was just afraid that it would hurt Susan and Hannah."
"Be that as it may, Lord Potter, you should have let a professor handle the situation."
"Bollocks!" yelled Madam Longbottom as she walked into the bathroom. She went to Neville and hugged him, pulling in Harry as well. "You boys okay?"
"Yes, Gran." answered Neville. Harry nodded his head.
"What happened, Neville?" she asked.
"Madam Longbottom…" began Albus.
"I'll get to you in a moment, Headmaster. Go on Neville."
Susan walked up and grabbed Harry's hand. "Madam Longbottom, Hannah and I were here in the bathroom cleaning up after I spilled something on myself. That's when the troll came in and started attacking us. Harry and Neville came in and took care of the troll before either of us got hurt or killed. I don't know why the Headmaster is so upset. Yes, Harry killed the troll, but he did it because he was defending us." she finished, squeezing Harry's hand tightly.
"You defended you friends from this troll, Harry?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am." he said softly.
"I see. Well, there you have it, Headmaster. I don't see what the problem is. My grandchildren have just saved two of their friends from injury." she said with a glare.
"Oh, Merlin, Harry. What have you done now?" asked Pomona as she ran into the bathroom with Amelia and Hannah in tow.
"Did you do this Harry?" asked Amelia, astonished.
"Susan was in danger." he said softly.
She nodded at him, "Thank you, Harry." She reached for Susan, who ran into her aunts arms. "You okay, Sue?"
"Yes, Auntie. Harry came in and saved me and Hannah before we could get hurt." she answered.
"Thank you, Harry. I don't know many Aurors who could have faced a troll unaided. You should be commended for that."
Augusta snorted. "Not according to Minerva or Albus here. They seem to be more concerned over the fact that Harry killed the troll than they do about the damn thing being in the school in the first place!"
"Really…and why is that Headmaster, Professor?" she asked. "And how did a troll manage to get into the school, Headmaster? Surely the wards would have alerted you to that fact?"
For a microsecond the twinkle left Dumbledore's eyes. Amelia caught it, wondering if anyone else had as well. "Ladies, I am merely ascertaining what happened here this evening, as was Professor McGonagall."
"You didn't answer my question, Headmaster." she said.
"Madam Bones, this is an internal Hogwarts problem, nothing that the DMLE need concern itself with. I will send you a report as soon as I find out the entirety of the story."
"I look forward to that, Headmaster. And make sure you find out about the wards, I'd like to know if we need to have them examined to see if they are functioning properly. Come, kids, let's get you back up to the great hall. You lot haven't had dinner yet and I wouldn't like it if you missed the Halloween feast."
"Amelia…"
"No, Headmaster, no more questions. The story has been explained to you. Harry, Neville, and the girls will make themselves available to you to answer any more questions tomorrow. Madam Longbottom and I will be there, of course, as will Professor Sprout. Let's go guys."
"Harry, you're going to give me a heart attack one of these days!" yelled Professor Sprout. "Going against a troll? As a first year? Are you kidding me?"
"Ma'am…"
"No, stop, Harry. I'm sorry, you did the right thing. I was just frightened is all. But the four of you are alright, so let's just be grateful for that." she looked at the young man. "Harry, Neville, you did the right thing, and don't let anyone tell you differently. You protected your friends and your family, no one could have asked for anything else. And while you scared the living daylights out of me, I am proud of you both. Fifty point to Hufflepuff, for each of you."
Amelia and Augusta had big smiles and looks of pride on their faces as they looked at Harry and Neville. They both also noticed that Susan seemed to be attached to Harry, with no intention of ever letting go. He looked at her with affection, holding her tightly as they made their way to dinner. The ladies smiled at each other, a look of understanding passing between them.
ooOOooOOoo
"Wait, hang on a damn minute! Did you say that Harry and Neville killed that troll that Quirrell was on about last night." asked their prefect, Michael Blake.
"Language, Mr. Blake!" admonished Pomona.
"Uhm, sorry Professor, it just kind of took me by surprise is all."
"No, it's quite alright; I think my words were probably a bit stronger and harsher than yours. Although I did wait until I was in my quarters to express them." she laughed a bit before turning serious. "Harry killed that troll to defend Miss Bones. Tell the rest of the House what happened, and please instruct them to leave Harry alone in this. I believe he feels guilty about what he had to do and I don't want him being bombarded with questions from everyone."
"Ma'am…"
"Yes, Michael?"
"How does an eleven year old face up to a troll and defeat it?"
"I don't know, I really don't." she replied.
"Well, I'll just have to make sure that no one bothers the four of them. It was a disturbing night for them after all, no need to compound it with silly questions from all of us. What about the other Houses, though?"
"Professor Flitwick and McGonagall have informed their Houses about the events of last night. I don't know about Professor Snape or the Slytherins."
"Good. Don't worry ma'am. I'll get our other prefects to keep an eye out on them and make sure they are alright."
"Thank you, Michael. Did you get a chance to talk to Madam Bones?" she asked.
"Just for a few minutes; I was a little in awe of her so I might have come off as a blithering idiot. I'll try to do better the next time, if I get a chance."
"She's a good woman, if a bit intimidating. I'm sure you'll do better next time. Just make sure you keep your grades up, that'll be sure to impress."
"Ma'am, did you realize that we are in first place in the House Cup race?"
"We are?"
"Yes, ma'am; I know it's only November and that we have a long way to go until the end of the school year, but with Harry and his gang racking up points, we might actually have a chance this year. When was the last time we 'Puffs won the Cup?"
"My first year, which would have been back in…well, a long time ago!" she said with a smile. "I think we may also have a very good chance at the Quidditch Cup. We've a good team this year. A double Cup could be in our future."
"Hey, guys, we were just talking about you. Heading down to breakfast?" asked Michael of the approaching troll bashers.
"We are, although we're waiting on the girls to join us." answered Neville.
"Let's head down together, alright. Gossip, like a bad smell, seems to spread quickly at this school. I don't want any of you guys to get accosted by the curious from other Houses."
Neville and Harry looked toward Madam Sprout. "It's a good idea boys, everybody in school has probably already heard what happened last night. People are going to be nosy and looking at you four strangely, so to curb that I'm having Michael and some of the other prefects shadow you all for a few days. Please don't think of this as babysitting, we're just looking out for you. You ready for the game, Harry?"
"Yes, ma'am; David and Cedric are pushing me hard, but I'm having fun. I can't wait for the first game." he replied.
"Good. I'm hoping for a good showing in the Cup race this year."
"We'll try not disappoint you, ma'am."
Pomona laughed, "Just keep away from trolls and any monsters you may encounter. That's all I ask for, okay?"
Harry blushed, but nodded at her. "I'll do my best."
Once the girls had arrived the four, plus Michael as an escort, headed down to the great hall for their morning meal. "Madam Sprout wasn't kidding, was she?" asked Neville.
"What are you saying, Neville?" asked Hannah.
"Well, Professor Sprout said that because of what happened last night the whole school is probably going to be very curious about what happened."
"I'm sorry, but that's just kind of creepy. I don't like being stared at like that." said Susan, as she hid behind Harry.
"Don't worry, Sue, that's why Michael is here. He'll make sure we aren't disturbed too much." said Harry as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Come on, let's get something to eat and then we can head back to my room. We might as well keep out of sight; hopefully things will die down when Monday comes along."
She looked up at him and smiled. "You're right, Harry. I guess I am hungry."
Draco Malfoy was seething. The blonde ponce was glaring at his nemesis from across the hall. Potter and Longbottom both had smug looks on their faces, and the girls that accompanied them had looks of adoration on theirs. It incensed him that that half-blood was acting the hero. He stood with determination, aiming to bring Potter down a peg or two. Motioning to Crabbe and Goyle, Draco walked toward the 'Puff table.
"Inbound git, Harry." said Neville, noticing the quickly approaching Malfoy.
"Hasn't he got anything better to do?" wondered Harry in frustration.
"Let me handle him." said Susan, squeezing his hand.
"What, I can handle a troll but I can't handle that poncy git?" he asked with a grin.
"Of course you can handle the poncy git; I just don't want you to terminate the poncy git."
"Let her handle it, Harry. She'll put him in his place. Slytherin moron has no idea what he's getting into with Sue." added Hannah, to which Neville nodded in agreement.
"You guys want me to handle it?" asked Michael.
"Nah, Susan's got it. Thanks though." said Neville.
"Potter!" yelled the blonde. "Spreading lies about your accomplishments? Trying to make yourself feel like a big man? A troll, really? I bet it was a kneazles, and you just confused it for a troll because you're a stupid half-blood!"
A collective gasp was heard in the entire hall. Silverware was dropped onto plates, and mouths hung open in disbelief at the Slytherins statement. Snape, having heard this, face palmed. With a sigh, he rose from his seat and made his way toward his idiot godson.
"Heir Malfoy, you've just accused Lord Potter of lying. Do you wish to retract your statement?" asked Susan calmly.
"What? No! Sit down and shut up, Bones, I'm not talking to you. How can you stand to soil yourself by touching him is beyond me. You're just a blood traitor bitch just like your aunt!" he yelled. Snape quickened his pace.
Harry slowly stood and faced the moron. "Would you care to repeat that, Malfoy?"
"Which part, you idiot?" he replied.
"You've just insulted the future Lady Bones and the Head of the DMLE in one sentence. I advise you to shut your mouth and go back to your table." Harry said in an icy tone.
"I don't suppose you'd care to settle this like a gentleman, Malfoy." asked Neville as he stood.
"What, a duel? I accept. Name your weapon. We'll do this right now!"
Harry looked at Neville and raised an eyebrow. Neville smiled and made a fist. Harry understood and nodded. "We're doing this the muggle way, Malfoy. You can show me how superior you are I suppose."
"To scared to face me with magic, scarhead?"
"No, Malfoy, I just don't want to hurt you too badly. At least without magic you'll only end up with a bloody nose."
"Hah, says you! Fine, let's go. Quidditch pitch in fifteen minutes."
"Mr. Malfoy, what is the meaning of this?" asked the approaching Head of Slytherin.
"I've been challenged to a duel by Potter here. I have accepted and we're on the way to take care of this now."
The look that Snape gave Harry almost made him laugh out loud. It almost seemed apologetic. "Mr. Malfoy, you will stop this now and retract your decision to agree to this duel. You are too young to be involved in a magical duel."
"It's not magical; the coward here has challenged me to a muggle duel. No magic allowed. I have accepted."
"Does this happen to Harry a lot?" asked a curious Michael to Hannah.
She sighed and nodded. "Malfoy has been a pain in the ass since the first day. I think this has been coming for a while though. He insulted Susan; Harry won't let that go unanswered."
"No, I suppose he wouldn't at that. He can win?"
"He's only been training for a couple of weeks, but yeah, I think Malfoy is going to get his ass kicked." she replied.
"I better go get Madam Sprout. She'll want to know about this." he said as he left the table.
"Malfoy fifty points from Slytherin." said Snape, to the astonishment of everyone in the hall. "Further, you will serve a week of detention with Mr. Filch!"
"We'll see about that, Professor, just wait until my father hears about this!"
"Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Potter, you will both stand down. Professor, please see your student back to his table." said Dumbledore, seeming to appear in an instant.
"No, I have been challenged! I wish the fight to proceed."
"Mr. Potter?" asked the Headmaster.
"If he apologizes to Susan and Madam Bones, I will willingly take back the challenge." stated Harry.
"Never!"
Snape had finally had enough. "Insufferable child, you will apologize and you will do it now. We will then go to my office and summon your father where you will explain to him the reasons you have insulted an Heir and a Lord! Do it, now!"
The look his godfather gave him, along with the threat of his father, seemed to frighten the stupid boy. Shaking with anger he faced Harry. "Lord Potter, Lady Bones, forgive my outburst."
"I know you didn't mean that, Malfoy, but I'll accept that for now. Lady Bones?" said Harry. Susan looked at Harry and nodded.
"Thank you, Lord Potter. Very forgiving of you." said Dumbledore.
"To my office, now!" roared Snape as he led Malfoy and his goons away from the Hufflepuff table.
"Oh well, let's enjoy the rest of breakfast." said the Headmaster as he turned and walked back to the dais.
Neville and Hannah were trying, very badly, to contain their laughter. Susan and Harry sat back down and looked at their two friends in amusement. "It's too bad, that could have been fun." said Harry. The 'Puff table broke out into laughter.
Madam Sprout came over to the table, red in the face and glared at Harry. "Really?" she asked.
"What?" asked Harry innocently.
Pomona, with years of experience in dealing with children behind her, could only barely contain her absolute amusement at the precocious child before her. She grabbed her nose and rubbed it in frustration.
"Professor," said Hannah, "Harry did nothing. He was merely standing up for himself and Susan from the verbal assault of Mr. Malfoy."
"It's true, ma'am. Malfoy came over here in a snit and yelled at Harry and Susan." added Michael.
"Harry, please, for the love of Merlin, would it be possible for you to go a day without getting into some sort of trouble?" she asked.
"I really am trying, Professor." he said meekly.
ooOOooOOoo
It was finally time for the first game of the Hufflepuff season, and Harry was anxious and nervous as he made his way down to the pitch accompanied by his teammates.
"Who got you the Nimbus 2000, Harry?" asked David.
"It was my Gran, Madam Longbottom. She's really excited that I made the team. I don't know if I'm more nervous about playing or the fact that she's going to be in the stands!" he answered.
"Good broom, that. I don't think the 'Claw seeker has a broom that quick, use that to your advantage while you're up there. This team is tough, alright; don't be intimidated by their size. And they will try to intimidate, you know, push you around and stuff. Think you can handle it?"
"I don't like being pushed around." he said in an icy voice that chilled David a bit. Oh, they were so going to win today!
"Just like that, Harry. Don't let 'em get the better of you."
Cedric, who'd been following behind Harry, spoke up, "Harry, their seeker is pretty green too, and, she's only a second year. But she has the advantage over you in that she's actually been playing the game for a while. Just stay on her, and do like I showed you. Go out there and grab the snitch for the 'Puffs, kid."
Harry nodded at the older boy, and nodded in agreement. As they walked into the stadium, a wave of cheers erupted from the gathered crowd. Seeing so many people, Harry began to panic a bit.
"Harry." asked a small voice. "Harry!"
Brought out of his stupor, he noticed someone holding his hand and looking up to him worriedly. "Hi, Sue, you come to watch me play?"
"No, I'm going shopping! Of course I came to watch you play! I told you I'd always stand by you, didn't I?" she retorted.
"Sorry, I'm a little nervous." he said.
"Understandable. Remember what I told you at the try outs?"
"Fly like I'm flying with Hedwig?"
"Exactly. Don't feel overwhelmed by all the people out there. Concentrate on the game, catching the snitch, and not braining yourself on a bludger."
"Your confidence in me is overwhelming, Bones." he said with a cheeky grin.
"Git, keep it up and I'll show you overwhelmed! Please be safe, Harry? If anything should happen to you, I can see a lot of detentions coming your way from Professor Sprout. You've managed to stay out of trouble for a couple of weeks now, don't go ruining that." she grinned at him. "Just have fun, and come back uninjured, please?"
"Promise." he replied.
Susan didn't know what came over her, but she hugged Harry as hard as she could and placed a kiss on his cheek. Blushing brightly, she turned and ran to the stands, leaving an astonished young wizard behind with a look of astonishment on his face.
"Ah, dammit Bones, I think you broke him!" David yelled at the retreating redhead. "Play your heart out, Harry, and I promise you that the witches will be lining up to give you kisses."
Harry was touching his cheek with his fingertips, "Witches?"
"Oh yeah, win today, and you'll get tons of kisses from all the girls in school." David said with a smile on his face.
"I don't want all the other witches to kiss me." he said sincerely. "Just Susan."
"Well then, when all the witches show up to kiss you, make sure that Susan is around to hex them away, or you'll be sporting lipstick on your cheek for weeks. C'mon, get in the air and fly a few laps. Don't do anything crazy, you're just warming up. Keep the crazy stuff for the game."
"Yes, Captain!" grinned Harry as he mounted his broom and to the sky.
"She's right, he's a git." said David to Cedric.
"Maybe, but he's our git, and he's going to help us win the Cup this year; don't forget that."
"You're right. Okay, keep an eye on him and see if there is anything we need to work on next practice. I don't fancy him flying against Slytherin, and I'd rather him be prepared just in case."
"Yes, Captain!" replied Cedric with a smirk.
"Git, I'm surrounded by gits; the whole bloody lot of you!" he roared as he mounted his broom.