Three days after the funeral a woman dressed in a navy blue suit rang the
door at the Potter house. Sirius was the one to answer the door. He was
laughing at James' hair that was now a purple color. Harry had dyed it to
last for two months. James was now chasing Harry around the house with his
wand raised.
"Hello Mr. Potter?"
"No I am Sirius, Sirius Black, I will go get James. Come in."
Sirius wasn't sure if this woman was a muggle or witch. He went into the other room and called James by magic to come see this woman. James came into the room trying to look professional but it was hard with purple hair.
"Yes how may I help you?"
"I am Katherine Heart. I am a social worker." James tensed up.
He called Harry into the room. Harry came in as soon as he was called he
was going to sit outside and listen to the conversation before he was called
into the room. He came in a sat down next to his dad.
"I have come to talk to you about your nephew." James relaxed at once.
"Ok then Harry will you please go get your mother she will want to hear anything about Dudley." Several minutes later Lily came into the room.
She shook the woman's hand and sat down. Harry had his cloak and was
listening in. James knew that he was there and didn't do anything about it.
"Now Dudley's legal guardian is his other Aunt, Marge Dursley. But we at the agency feel that she is not a good guardian for Dudley or any other child for that matter. You are his only other living relatives. We would like to have him live here until he is old enough to live by himself. We of course will want to check to make sure that your house is a good place to live. If you don't take him he will have to have a foster family. We have done an investigation of you and believe that you are fit to take care of him."
Lily nodded. "We will take him if you think that we should. After all his parents took care of Harry for fourteen years."
"If you don't mind I would like to have a look around your house." James looked about ready to protest when Lily asked the social worker something.
"Are you a muggle?"
"Goodness no! I am a half witch/muggle and I decided to get a job in the muggle world instead of a magical job!"
"Then you may be our guest to look around our house, I hope that you understood our cautions."
"Of course can't have the muggles know about our kind."
She looked around the house. She thought it was a wonderful house. "I have one other question for you. Mr. Potter is your hair always that color?"
James blushed. "No my son cursed it, normally it is as black as his."
She smiled. "I will be bringing Dudley here tomorrow please have a room prepared for him." Then she left.
Lily set to work at fixing Dudley's room at once.
"Harry dear, what were Dudley's interests when you were living with him?" "Ummm. Eating, beating me up, eating and did I mention eating?" Harry laughed. Lily gave him a stern look. "I want you to be nice to your cousin. He has been through a terrible ordeal."
"I know, I know mum, the last time before his parents died he was actually being nice to me. He wanted me to write him." Harry left the room thinking about that.
Dudley came to the house the next day looking very nervous. Lily told him to leave his bags and showed him to his room. Dudley's room was not as big as Harry's but was still pretty big. Harry was happy that it was on the other side of the house. Lily did everything to make sure that Dudley was comfortable. James could care less about Dudley. He spent as much time as possible with Harry. They were outside playing Quiddich when Lily came outside. "Harry, dear will you come down here for a second?"
Harry flew down to her.
"Harry I think that you should spend more time with your cousin."
"Why?"
"Because I think that he is lonely. He needs to spend time with someone his age."
"So did I. He made it so I didn't have any friends at all until I was eleven. He never played with me! So why should I hang out with him?"
Lily gave Harry a pained look.
"Fine. Dad we better go in."
Harry went up to Dudley's room.
"Hey Dudley how are you?"
"Fine. Harry can I ask you a question?"
"Shot."
"Why is Uncle James' hair purple?"
Harry laughed. "I dyed it."
"Why?"
"We play pranks on each other all the time, want to see some pictures?"
"Sure."
"Accio photo album." The big black book came zooming into the room. Harry flipped through the pages and showed all the pranks that he and his friends had pulled. "We did a lot of these during exams to lighten up the mood."
"You have exams? Like normal school?"
Harry sighed.
"Yes we do, though they are a little different."
Meanwhile Lily and James were discussing Harry's birthday party downstairs.
"Who should we invite?" James asked Lily.
"Well the given is the Weasleys and the Granger girls. Then there is Sirius
and Remus, who are here anyway. I was also thinking all of the Gryffindors
in Harry's year. And some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Also I think
that we should get a hold of the old Gryffindor Quiddich team, the one Harry
was on before he was captain. Oh also that nice 6th year boy who is always
hanging around Harry and his brother. That should cover it." Lily said
thinking if there were any other people that they should invite.
"Ok then next thing on the list. Party favors and food." James said looking down at the list that he had made. The spent another good hour talking about what to feed people and what to have as activities. Harry was still upstairs talking to Dudley.
"Well, I better get started on my homework. I have a ton of it and I need to get it done before the first." Harry said awkwardly.
"Why?"
"Because I am going to be in the Untied States for a month training for Quiddich." Then Harry left the room. He was really sick of Dudley's questions. He went down to the kitchen to say hello to his parents before starting his homework.
"Hello Harry how are you?" James asked as Harry walked into the kitchen. "Fine, I was going to grab a bite to eat and then get started on my homework."
"That's good you want to work hard if you want to be Head boy."
"Umm Dad, I am already Head Boy, well co-Head Boy." Harry said.
"What? Why didn't you tell us?"
"It slipped my mind." Harry said off handily.
Lily and James just goggled at Harry as he walked out of the kitchen. He was in his study working when he saw an owl with a letter come into the room. It had the Hogwarts crest on it. Harry opened his letter having the normal letter and list of supplies. His Head Boy badge was also enclosed. Harry noticed an extra piece of parchment.
Dear Mr. Potter, The form below is a permission slip for a three weeklong field trip in the fall. You will be teaming up with a partner of the opposite sex for a three weeklong class on how to survive as an adult in the wizardering world. You will need to fill out the form below and have your parent/guardian sign this form. You most also put down the name of the girl that you wish to be partnered with below.
Please send this back as soon as possible if you want the partner you choose. Sincerely, Professor M. McGonnagal
Harry went to go find his parents. He was so excited. He finally found them whispering in Lily's study. "Hey what are you two talking about?"
"Nothing." James said quickly and hid a piece of parchment under the table. Harry let it go.
"I need you two to sign this permission slip."
James took the slip and smiled.
"Well Lily they have seemed to change the rules since our time."
"What rules?"
"Before they picked the person that you were with. They put your mother with Snape. We were of course going out at that point. Your mother just about killed him. He tried to make moves on her. Of course when she told me I had a fit to. To make a long story short Snape and I both came out with a lot of bruises and cuts."
Lily smiled at the memory.
"You really got him, James. He had two black eyes and a swollen lip right?" "You forgot a broken arm." James laughed.
"I would like to do that to Snape.." Harry said. James smiled at Harry.
"If you do wait until after you are out of school then."
"Of course I can just image him now 'Potter you have a head as big as your fathers. Two hundred points from Gryffindor and a month of detention.'"
Harry imitated Snape's cold voice.
"Did you ever say that?" James asked him.
"Yeah he did. Oh that gives be a great idea for a prank!"
All three of them laughed.
"Oh Harry I can't believe that you will be turning 17 in three days! Remember Harry's first birthday James?"
"Of course I do! I was convinced that he was old enough to ride a broom. I got him up on my broom. You were so mad, Lily. You wouldn't talk to me for a whole week after that. You thought that he would fall off."
"Dad you put me on a broom when I was one? Isn't that a bit late? Knowing you I would have thought you would have much earlier then that!"
They were all laughing again. Sirius came into the room.
"Well don't we look like a happy little family? The house-elves want me to tell you dinner is ready."
They stood up and went to the dining room. Dudley was already there sitting down. He looked nervous.
"Aunt Lily, Uncle James I got a letter from my school. There is going to be a trip to Spain for the Spanish class. I need you to sign the slip and to pay the fee." He said very nervously. He remembered when Harry asked his parents to sign the permission slip to Hogsmeade.
"Of course we will Dudley, how much do you need?" Lily asked kindly. "Well the trip itself is two hundred pounds and I have to have a hundred pounds at least for spending money." He said this very quietly.
"Well we can defiantly afford that especially with the money we will give Harry for his trip right James?" She gave James a stern look.
"Oh of course, whatever you need." James said in a flat voice. Sirius laughed at his tone a voice.
"I'm glad you are so enthusiastic about that Prongs!" Sirius said in a teasing
voice. Remus wasn't there right then, it was the full moon in a couple days
and he needed to take his potion for a week before hand. James just glared
at Sirius. If Dudley was scared of James it was nothing compared to his
feeling towards Sirius. He was rarely in the same room as Sirius and never
talked to him at all. Sirius thought this was very amusing. Lily had told him
off several times for trying to scare Dudley. The next three days were spent
shopping for Harry's trip to the US and in secret shopping for his birthday
presents. They also got all of Harry's school supplies. When the day of his
birthday came Lily, James and Sirius were very excited. Harry woke up early
that morning. He wore his best robes because he knew that his parents were
going to have a party for him. He was right. But he had not expected a
party this big. He saw all the friends he had ever had at Hogwarts. Even
Oliver Wood was there. He was having a wonderful time but really wanted to
find Hermione to talk to her. When he finally found her she was talking to
Neville. "Hermione could we talk privately for a second?"
"Sure Harry. I will see you at the beginning of term Neville."
He pulled Hermione into the secret passageway to talk to her.
"Hey there, I have missed you so much!"
"Oh Harry I missed you too. Letters just aren't good enough." Harry gave her a long kiss.
"I wanted to make sure that you put me down on your form." Harry said with a little concern in his voice.
"Harry of course I put you down! How could I not!"
"Good."
Then Ron came into the secret passageway.
"Sorry to interrupt but it is cake and present time Harry."
The three walked up to the head of the table. The cake that the house- elves
had made was huge and looked wonderful. Everyone sang Happy Birthday
and Harry blew out his candles. The cake tasted as good as it looked.
Afterwards Harry looked at his stack of presents. It was the most amount of
gifts that Harry had ever seen. He got everything from candy to quills. This
had been his best birthday ever. Everyone had left by nine because Harry
needed to pack for his trip. He would be transporting his bags through a
special transport that was set up for the trip. Ron and Hermione were
spending the night so that they could all go to the Airport together. They
couldn't apperate or use floo powder because it was illegal to apperate out of
the country until you were eighteen and they would be staying in a muggle
hotel for a month. They went to Gatwick airport right outside of London.
Ron was amazed at the monorail that they had to take to their gate. Lily
was in tears when the voice came that it was time to board the airplane.
"Mum, I will see you at Christmas time or earlier then that if you come to my
games. So don't worry about it." Lily just nodded and blinked away her
tears. She hated saying goodbye to Harry. James gave Harry a hug and
reminded him to write a lot. This was going to be Harry's first time flying.
Ron's too. Hermione had flown before but had never sat first class. They
all had seats close together. Harry and Hermione shared a seat and Ron was
in the seat behind them. He was sitting by a muscular looking guy with
sandy hair. He introduced himself. "Hi I am Ron Weasley. These are my two friends Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
The man stared at Harry.
"Harry Potter!"
"Yes that is what Ron said. So are you going to play Quiddich in California?"
"Oh yes, I am a first string beater. My name is Greg Mason. What do you all play?"
"We all play first string. I play seeker, Hermione plays chaser, and Ron keeper."
"Aren't you a little young to be playing already?"
"Well sort-of. We are going into our seventh year at Hogwarts." Greg's eyes widened.
"You are not even out of school yet?"
"Nope." All three said at once. They looked at each other and laughed. They talked about another hour about Quiddich. Then Greg pulled out a small purple vile.
"This is a sleeping potion. You will want to sleep on this trip, because they only give you a day to get used to the time change." They nodded and all took a sip of the potion. Before they knew it a girl with short brown hair awakened them.
"You will want to get up now. The flight attendant said we will be landing shortly. Oh and I am Kristy Taylor, I play first string chaser."
"Nice to meet you Kristy." Hermione said. She went through the whole speech about who they were and what they were playing. They landed in five minutes. They had to go through customs. They were glad that they sent their luggage ahead of time so that they didn't have to go get it. In the airport was funny because there were a bunch of people with funny accents. (At least to them.) There was a cab driver holding a sign that said Potter, Weasley, Granger, Mason, and Taylor. They went over to the driver.
"This is us." Harry said.
The driver led them to a stretch limo. They crawled inside. There was a bar
and TV in there. They had quite a nice trip to the hotel. The hotel they were
staying was huge. A middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap greeted them.
"Welcome everyone! I am Jay Muller. The rooms will be as follows. Harry and Ron will have a room. Hermione you will share a room with Kristy. And Greg you will be with Will again."
They went into the check in counter and got their room keys. They went to their room. It was really big for a hotel room. They each had their own room and bathroom. There was a kitchen, living room, and dining room. When Harry went into the room that was his he saw a creature much like in his second year.
"Penny! What are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"Master James sent Penny to come take care of Master Harry. Penny will cook and clean for Master Harry and Master Ron."
"Oh ok, Penny, if you want. I am going to go tell Ron that you are here so that you don't scare him." Harry went over to Ron's room.
"Hey Ron, Penny is here to cook and clean for us so if you see her don't be scared."
"Who is Penny?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you, it is kind-of embarrassing. My first Christmas with my parents they gave me a house-elf named Penny. She is really nice. If you want anything from her she will give you anything you want." Harry went back to his room to sleep. It was morning his time but he was still really tired. So he changed into his boxers and went to sleep.
He was woken the next day by the smells of bacon and eggs cooking. He followed his nose and found Penny making breakfast.
"Thank You Penny." He said as he sat down at the table.
"Will you go wake up Ron and tell him breakfast is ready?"
"Of course Master Harry!"
Harry cringed. He had given up getting her to call him Harry. Ron walked sleepily into the kitchen.
"Morning Harry."
"Good morning Ron."
They sat in silence eating their breakfast. Penny kept bringing them more food and pumpkin juice.
"Well I think that is enough for us Penny. Thank you for breakfast." Penny smiled and bowed to Ron and Harry.
"So Harry how come I never saw Penny at school?"
"Because I wouldn't let her come at all with me until after spring break last year, when she insisted. My father sent her to come take care of us. Anyway lets go see if Hermione is awake yet."
They knocked lightly on Hermione's door. Hermione came to the door. "Good Morning Harry."
Harry gave her a light kiss on the lips before stepping inside.
"Would you two like some breakfast? I was just about to make some."
"No that's ok Hermione we have already eaten."
"You two know how to cook?" She asked.
"No but Penny is a very good cook and she made our breakfast for us."
"And who is Penny?"
Harry looked embarrassed. "She is my house-elf. And before you say anything I have offered her clothes and pay several time, she refuses. Oh and don't make your breakfast yet, I will go get Penny. She looked bored when we left the room."
Harry went to his room and got Penny. Penny was very happy to make another person breakfast. Then Kristy came into the kitchen. "Morning all, Hermione what did you make for breakfast? It smells wonderful."
"I didn't make it Penny, Harry's house-elf did. Here I had her make some for you too."
They waited for the girls to finish eating and then headed downstairs to meet Jay. They were ten minutes earlier then they were supposed to be. So they sat on the couches in the lobby and talked until Jay came down. He was very impressed that they were already up and ready to go. He handed out there schedules for what they would be doing everyday:
8:15- Meet in Lobby. 8:25- Take van to the pitch. 8:40- Warm up by working out in Gym. 9:15- 2:00- Practice 2:00-4:00- Lunch 4:15- Back at Quiddich Pitch. 4:20-7:00- Practice and scrimmage. 7:00-9:00- Overview of the practices. 9:10- Personal improvement practice. 9:50- Late dinner. 11:00- Get to know the team. 12:30- Return to rooms.
"Wow Hermione this schedule doesn't give us a lot of 'alone' time." Hermione gave Harry a very stern look that reminded him of Professor McGonnagal.
"Harry we aren't supposed to have a lot of 'alone' time. We are here to train."
"Oh are we?" Harry said in a mischievous voice.
"Harry no." Harry ignored her. He leaned in. They were on the sofa making out until a man with a scruffy beard came up to them.
"Hi I am William Young. But please call me Will. I thought you might want to know that we are about to leave."
"Thank you Will, I am Hermione Granger and this is, as you may have already figured out, is my boyfriend, Harry Potter.
Will's eyes widened. Harry saw his eyes do the usual flick up to Harry's forehead. They climbed into the van.
"So Will what position do you play?"
"First string beater. You?"
"First string seeker. Is this only the first string team here?"
"Yeah the second and third string had to be there an hour before us. I remember when I had to do that I was so mad. I really wanted to be first string, so how long have you been on the team? I started seven years ago straight out of Hogwarts."
"Well this is my first year, and I am a 7th year a Hogwarts."
"Really I didn't know that they let people still in school on the team. You must be really good."
"I suppose so. My two best friends are on the team too. If you left seven years you just missed my coming up. What house were you in?"
"Gryffindor. We hadn't won in years!"
"Well we have won the last two years and in my third year. In my 2nd and 4th years it was cancelled and in my 1st year I was sick for the game and we didn't have a reserve seeker."
"Why was it canceled in your 2nd and 4th years?"
"Because people were being attacked in my 2nd year and the Tri-wizard tournament in my fourth." Harry pained to remember that fourth year.
"Wow the Tri-Wizard Tournament! That must have been fun to watch! Who were the champions?"
"Victor Krum, Fleur DeLaCour, Cedric Diggory, and well me!"
"There were four?"
Hermione saw where the conversation was going and started kissing Harry. Will saw what was happening and turned to talk to Ron.
"Thank you Hermione I didn't want to continue." Harry felt a sudden pain. "Ron are you ok?" He asked because he knew that was where the pain came from.
Ron looked embarrassed. "Yeah I am find Harry, sorry about that."
Harry noticed that Ron's hand was red. He laughed.
"Is there something that I don't get here?" Will asked confused.
"Well Ron and Harry preformed a spell on each other so they could feel each others emotions and pain. Your grip was just a little too much for Ron so Harry felt the pain."
Ron blushed the color of his hair. Will just laughed.
"Wait you are a Weasley aren't you? I played on the team with your brother Charlie."
"Didn't everybody." Ron muttered he hated it when people mentioned his older brothers. Before they knew it they were at the Quiddich Pitch. After working out they each had different obstacle course to go through. Harry caught the snitch 56 times in the practice time. Near the end the whole team stopped to watch him. He kept catching the snitch and then releasing it. Ron didn't let a single shot go through and Hermione scored every point against the enchanted keeper.
"Ok team break! Potter, Weasley, Granger would you please see me after your showers."
The three of them wondered what they had done. They went with their heads down to see jay after their showers.
"Why do you three look so glum? All three of you broke world records today! There is no need for you to keep practicing this afternoon. I want you three to help the other players with their positions. Now go enjoy your lunch." All three of them had huge grins on their faces as they discussed what to do for lunch.
"We can go where ever you two want to. It is on me today!" Harry no
longer felt bad for Ron because by the end of the season he would have a ton
of money by the looks of things. They went to an American place they had
never heard of called the Olive Garden. They celebrated their success.
Before their two-hour break they all went to send owls to their parents.
When they got back there was a straight scrimmage first string vs. second
string. They won 300 to 0. Hermione got fifteen shots on the other keeper
and Ron didn't let anything pass him. Harry of course got the snitch.
Everyone was very happy as they went to the overview. Jay was very pleased with their three newest players. For the meet the team they had to stand up say their name, their position, their sting, they school that they went or still went to, and how long they had played Quiddich, Jay started.
"I am Jay Muller couch of this team. I went to Hogwarts and have been playing Quiddich since I was old enough to get on a broom." Everyone laughed.
"Hi I am Harry Potter. I am a seventh year at Hogwarts I play seeker first string. I have been playing Quiddich since I caught a rememberall after a fifty foot dive in my first year." Ron and Hermione went next. The team was surprised to hear that Hermione had only been playing Quiddich for a couple of years.
The other first stings were: Kristy Taylor, chaser, Fiona MacHall, chaser, Greg
Mason, beater, and Will Young, beater. They had a great time talking to each
other and laughing. At mid-night everyone went to bed, exhausted from
their first day of training. The next couple of weeks were spent training and
training and training some more. Even though Jay didn't think it was
possible Harry, Ron, and Hermione improved greatly working with real
Quiddich players not just kids. On the last week of training there was a
press conference for the team. The Daily Prophet was sending reporters
galore to write on the Quiddich team. People were amazed that the famous
Harry Potter and his friends were playing on the Quiddich team before they
had even graduated from Hogwarts. Ron loved the attention he got now.
They did a lot of interviews (thankfully none with Rita Skeeter.) When the
day was over everyone was really sick of answering questions. They would
be leaving in two days to go home. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were going
straight to the Hogwarts Express when they got back. Penny was very busy
the day before everyone left. She cooked and cleaned for the whole team
now and had been appointed official house-elf of the team. She was very
pleased when she got this appointment and worked harder then she had
before. Penny was making sure that they all had everything packed for the
trip. Everyone had bought a lot of souvenirs from America to bring back for
their friends and family. They were all going home with a lot more luggage
then they started with. Also the day they left they got all the posters and
logos for the team. There colors were red and white. Harry looked at the
poster that had Ron, Hermione, and himself on it. "We are going to have a
fun time decorating our dorm this year wont we Ron?" Ron just nodded. Harry knew that Ron was feeling down.
"What's wrong Ron?"
"Well it will be weird to be back at Hogwarts. I mean we have been living around and acting like adults this last month and know we are going to be back to being kids. It is kind-of depressing."
"Oh Ron only for another year Ron and then we are free to diss Snape as much as we want without being punished."
This lightened up Ron's mood a little. It was a teary good-bye to all of the other teammates. They had all grown really close in the last month. At the good-bye party Jay stood up to make a speech. "Congratulations team you have lived through training. We have the best team we have ever had this year. I would like to say that us not winning the cup is as unlikely as Harry missing the snitch or someone scoring on Ron or Hermione missing a shot!" Everyone laughed.
"I would also like to tell you that we will be playing all of our home games at Hogwarts this year in honor of our three best players!"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione had not expected this at all.
"Yes Professor Dumbledore has given us permission to expand the field for a national standard and to add more stands. Our first game will be on November 6th. You all of course have the tickets that you requested for the top box for your friends and family. Please note that all of Hogwarts was also invited so if you have siblings there you don't have to give them the tickets. And I propose a toast. To us!"
They raised their glasses.
On the flight back was very uneventful except the fact that they played Lord of the Rings for the movie and Ron about had a heart attack. They got off the plane feeling very relaxed and ready for the day because they had taken more sleeping potion. Once they found a safe place they apperated to Kings Cross station and boarded the Hogwarts Express. They found an empty compartment in the back of the train. They had already sent their luggage ahead of time to Hogwarts. About five minutes into the trip Sirius came into the compartment with James.
"Dad what are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"It is nice to see you too Harry." James said smiling.
"I thought that I would join Sirius for the train ride. I have some umm, business at Hogwarts. You call it that couldn't you Sirius?"
"Sure you could James; if giving Snape a piece of you mind is business then yes you could call it that."
Everyone started laughing.
"Actually I really wanted to hear about the last month. You didn't send your mother and I enough owls."
"Sorry dad, we were really busy. Oh and I have a present for you mum, Sirius, and Remus."
"What is it?"
"Tickets."
"To what?"
"Some games."
"Some?"
"Well season passes, top box, if that is good enough for you."
Both Sirius and James went over and gave Harry a big hug. "They must have cost a fortune, even I don't spend that much on things like that, your mum would kill me."
"Well they didn't cost me anything. All I had to do was say the number of tickets that I wanted and they gave them to me because I am on the team." The lady with the cart came into the compartment. She groaned when she saw James and Sirius.
"Not you two again. You ate all of my candy supply when you were in school you and you two friends." She complained. James pouted. "We weren't that bad."
"Oh yes you were now would you like anything? Or with you it would be easier to ask what you don't want."
James pulled out a lot of galleons. "We will have everything." The lady just left the whole cart there.
They had a wonderful trip back to Hogwarts. They stepped off the train and went over to say hello to Hagrid who was directing the nervous looking first years. There was a golden carriage that had the words 'Reserved for head students' on it. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at it and smiled. The trio climbed in. They were very surprised to see Professor Dumbledore in there waiting for them. They greeted him.
"It is traditional for the new head students to ride with the Headmaster up to the school.
You will have your own rooms this year. There will be a small common room
for the three of you. I would also like to ask you to tell everyone about the
Quiddich games that will take place here this year. I think that the school
will be very happy about this. After the feast I would like you three to report
to me after the feast tonight so I can tell you where you will be staying. It
will be in Gryffindor tower of course just in a different section. Ah we
seemed to have appeared to have arrived at the castle. I will be seeing you
shortly." Dumbledore left the carriage before they could say anything. They
climbed the stairs up to the Great Hall. They had a wonderful time at the
feast. James had been invited to stay for the meal and he accepted. At the
end of the feast Dumbledore stood up. "I believe that Mr. Potter, Mr.
Weasley, and Ms. Granger would like to tell the school some new of theirs."
He smiled and gave them an encouraging smile.
"This year the National Quiddich team of England will be."
"Playing all their home games here this year.."
"Everyone is invited to come watch us play..."
"We would be delighted if you came to watch." They said the last part together.
The students were very excited about this news and left the hall talking about it.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed to go see Professor Dumbledore. "There you are. Congratulations on your wonderful job at Quiddich training. I heard you three did quite well."
"Thank You Professor." They all said at once.
"We have got to stop doing that." Harry said looking at Ron and Hermione.
"We know." They said, again together.
Then they all laughed.
While Harry was talking to Dumbledore James was going to go find Snape. James remembered where the old potions teacher's office so he tried there first.
"Well, well isn't it a little late to be working? Oh wait I forgot about your lack of a social life and friends." James said as he walked into the office. "Potter, what do you want? At least I work; you spent fourteen years dead, why? Because you were betrayed by one of your 'friends'. So I wouldn't talk if I were you Potter."
Snape had hit a nerve with James.
"I wanted to talk to you about the way you have been treating my son the last six years. I hear that you can be an even bigger ass then what you were in school. I didn't think that it was possible."
"Well your son brings out the best in me, just like you did. I don't think he has a once of Lily in him except for those awful green eyes."
"Was that a threat Potter? My my aren't we a little over proactive of our son. What Potter Jr. can't stand up for himself?"
That was it for James. He had gotten himself worked up before and now he was really mad.
"Snape one more word and I'll..."
"You'll what? Raise your daddy from the grave to come beat me up? You Potters always need some one else to stick up for you. Lily almost died because of you Potters she deserved better."
James was about to pull out his wand to curse Snape when Snape went flying across the room. He had boils all over. James turned around to see what was there.
"Hello Mr. Potter?"
"No I am Sirius, Sirius Black, I will go get James. Come in."
Sirius wasn't sure if this woman was a muggle or witch. He went into the other room and called James by magic to come see this woman. James came into the room trying to look professional but it was hard with purple hair.
"Yes how may I help you?"
"I am Katherine Heart. I am a social worker." James tensed up.
He called Harry into the room. Harry came in as soon as he was called he
was going to sit outside and listen to the conversation before he was called
into the room. He came in a sat down next to his dad.
"I have come to talk to you about your nephew." James relaxed at once.
"Ok then Harry will you please go get your mother she will want to hear anything about Dudley." Several minutes later Lily came into the room.
She shook the woman's hand and sat down. Harry had his cloak and was
listening in. James knew that he was there and didn't do anything about it.
"Now Dudley's legal guardian is his other Aunt, Marge Dursley. But we at the agency feel that she is not a good guardian for Dudley or any other child for that matter. You are his only other living relatives. We would like to have him live here until he is old enough to live by himself. We of course will want to check to make sure that your house is a good place to live. If you don't take him he will have to have a foster family. We have done an investigation of you and believe that you are fit to take care of him."
Lily nodded. "We will take him if you think that we should. After all his parents took care of Harry for fourteen years."
"If you don't mind I would like to have a look around your house." James looked about ready to protest when Lily asked the social worker something.
"Are you a muggle?"
"Goodness no! I am a half witch/muggle and I decided to get a job in the muggle world instead of a magical job!"
"Then you may be our guest to look around our house, I hope that you understood our cautions."
"Of course can't have the muggles know about our kind."
She looked around the house. She thought it was a wonderful house. "I have one other question for you. Mr. Potter is your hair always that color?"
James blushed. "No my son cursed it, normally it is as black as his."
She smiled. "I will be bringing Dudley here tomorrow please have a room prepared for him." Then she left.
Lily set to work at fixing Dudley's room at once.
"Harry dear, what were Dudley's interests when you were living with him?" "Ummm. Eating, beating me up, eating and did I mention eating?" Harry laughed. Lily gave him a stern look. "I want you to be nice to your cousin. He has been through a terrible ordeal."
"I know, I know mum, the last time before his parents died he was actually being nice to me. He wanted me to write him." Harry left the room thinking about that.
Dudley came to the house the next day looking very nervous. Lily told him to leave his bags and showed him to his room. Dudley's room was not as big as Harry's but was still pretty big. Harry was happy that it was on the other side of the house. Lily did everything to make sure that Dudley was comfortable. James could care less about Dudley. He spent as much time as possible with Harry. They were outside playing Quiddich when Lily came outside. "Harry, dear will you come down here for a second?"
Harry flew down to her.
"Harry I think that you should spend more time with your cousin."
"Why?"
"Because I think that he is lonely. He needs to spend time with someone his age."
"So did I. He made it so I didn't have any friends at all until I was eleven. He never played with me! So why should I hang out with him?"
Lily gave Harry a pained look.
"Fine. Dad we better go in."
Harry went up to Dudley's room.
"Hey Dudley how are you?"
"Fine. Harry can I ask you a question?"
"Shot."
"Why is Uncle James' hair purple?"
Harry laughed. "I dyed it."
"Why?"
"We play pranks on each other all the time, want to see some pictures?"
"Sure."
"Accio photo album." The big black book came zooming into the room. Harry flipped through the pages and showed all the pranks that he and his friends had pulled. "We did a lot of these during exams to lighten up the mood."
"You have exams? Like normal school?"
Harry sighed.
"Yes we do, though they are a little different."
Meanwhile Lily and James were discussing Harry's birthday party downstairs.
"Who should we invite?" James asked Lily.
"Well the given is the Weasleys and the Granger girls. Then there is Sirius
and Remus, who are here anyway. I was also thinking all of the Gryffindors
in Harry's year. And some of the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs. Also I think
that we should get a hold of the old Gryffindor Quiddich team, the one Harry
was on before he was captain. Oh also that nice 6th year boy who is always
hanging around Harry and his brother. That should cover it." Lily said
thinking if there were any other people that they should invite.
"Ok then next thing on the list. Party favors and food." James said looking down at the list that he had made. The spent another good hour talking about what to feed people and what to have as activities. Harry was still upstairs talking to Dudley.
"Well, I better get started on my homework. I have a ton of it and I need to get it done before the first." Harry said awkwardly.
"Why?"
"Because I am going to be in the Untied States for a month training for Quiddich." Then Harry left the room. He was really sick of Dudley's questions. He went down to the kitchen to say hello to his parents before starting his homework.
"Hello Harry how are you?" James asked as Harry walked into the kitchen. "Fine, I was going to grab a bite to eat and then get started on my homework."
"That's good you want to work hard if you want to be Head boy."
"Umm Dad, I am already Head Boy, well co-Head Boy." Harry said.
"What? Why didn't you tell us?"
"It slipped my mind." Harry said off handily.
Lily and James just goggled at Harry as he walked out of the kitchen. He was in his study working when he saw an owl with a letter come into the room. It had the Hogwarts crest on it. Harry opened his letter having the normal letter and list of supplies. His Head Boy badge was also enclosed. Harry noticed an extra piece of parchment.
Dear Mr. Potter, The form below is a permission slip for a three weeklong field trip in the fall. You will be teaming up with a partner of the opposite sex for a three weeklong class on how to survive as an adult in the wizardering world. You will need to fill out the form below and have your parent/guardian sign this form. You most also put down the name of the girl that you wish to be partnered with below.
Please send this back as soon as possible if you want the partner you choose. Sincerely, Professor M. McGonnagal
Harry went to go find his parents. He was so excited. He finally found them whispering in Lily's study. "Hey what are you two talking about?"
"Nothing." James said quickly and hid a piece of parchment under the table. Harry let it go.
"I need you two to sign this permission slip."
James took the slip and smiled.
"Well Lily they have seemed to change the rules since our time."
"What rules?"
"Before they picked the person that you were with. They put your mother with Snape. We were of course going out at that point. Your mother just about killed him. He tried to make moves on her. Of course when she told me I had a fit to. To make a long story short Snape and I both came out with a lot of bruises and cuts."
Lily smiled at the memory.
"You really got him, James. He had two black eyes and a swollen lip right?" "You forgot a broken arm." James laughed.
"I would like to do that to Snape.." Harry said. James smiled at Harry.
"If you do wait until after you are out of school then."
"Of course I can just image him now 'Potter you have a head as big as your fathers. Two hundred points from Gryffindor and a month of detention.'"
Harry imitated Snape's cold voice.
"Did you ever say that?" James asked him.
"Yeah he did. Oh that gives be a great idea for a prank!"
All three of them laughed.
"Oh Harry I can't believe that you will be turning 17 in three days! Remember Harry's first birthday James?"
"Of course I do! I was convinced that he was old enough to ride a broom. I got him up on my broom. You were so mad, Lily. You wouldn't talk to me for a whole week after that. You thought that he would fall off."
"Dad you put me on a broom when I was one? Isn't that a bit late? Knowing you I would have thought you would have much earlier then that!"
They were all laughing again. Sirius came into the room.
"Well don't we look like a happy little family? The house-elves want me to tell you dinner is ready."
They stood up and went to the dining room. Dudley was already there sitting down. He looked nervous.
"Aunt Lily, Uncle James I got a letter from my school. There is going to be a trip to Spain for the Spanish class. I need you to sign the slip and to pay the fee." He said very nervously. He remembered when Harry asked his parents to sign the permission slip to Hogsmeade.
"Of course we will Dudley, how much do you need?" Lily asked kindly. "Well the trip itself is two hundred pounds and I have to have a hundred pounds at least for spending money." He said this very quietly.
"Well we can defiantly afford that especially with the money we will give Harry for his trip right James?" She gave James a stern look.
"Oh of course, whatever you need." James said in a flat voice. Sirius laughed at his tone a voice.
"I'm glad you are so enthusiastic about that Prongs!" Sirius said in a teasing
voice. Remus wasn't there right then, it was the full moon in a couple days
and he needed to take his potion for a week before hand. James just glared
at Sirius. If Dudley was scared of James it was nothing compared to his
feeling towards Sirius. He was rarely in the same room as Sirius and never
talked to him at all. Sirius thought this was very amusing. Lily had told him
off several times for trying to scare Dudley. The next three days were spent
shopping for Harry's trip to the US and in secret shopping for his birthday
presents. They also got all of Harry's school supplies. When the day of his
birthday came Lily, James and Sirius were very excited. Harry woke up early
that morning. He wore his best robes because he knew that his parents were
going to have a party for him. He was right. But he had not expected a
party this big. He saw all the friends he had ever had at Hogwarts. Even
Oliver Wood was there. He was having a wonderful time but really wanted to
find Hermione to talk to her. When he finally found her she was talking to
Neville. "Hermione could we talk privately for a second?"
"Sure Harry. I will see you at the beginning of term Neville."
He pulled Hermione into the secret passageway to talk to her.
"Hey there, I have missed you so much!"
"Oh Harry I missed you too. Letters just aren't good enough." Harry gave her a long kiss.
"I wanted to make sure that you put me down on your form." Harry said with a little concern in his voice.
"Harry of course I put you down! How could I not!"
"Good."
Then Ron came into the secret passageway.
"Sorry to interrupt but it is cake and present time Harry."
The three walked up to the head of the table. The cake that the house- elves
had made was huge and looked wonderful. Everyone sang Happy Birthday
and Harry blew out his candles. The cake tasted as good as it looked.
Afterwards Harry looked at his stack of presents. It was the most amount of
gifts that Harry had ever seen. He got everything from candy to quills. This
had been his best birthday ever. Everyone had left by nine because Harry
needed to pack for his trip. He would be transporting his bags through a
special transport that was set up for the trip. Ron and Hermione were
spending the night so that they could all go to the Airport together. They
couldn't apperate or use floo powder because it was illegal to apperate out of
the country until you were eighteen and they would be staying in a muggle
hotel for a month. They went to Gatwick airport right outside of London.
Ron was amazed at the monorail that they had to take to their gate. Lily
was in tears when the voice came that it was time to board the airplane.
"Mum, I will see you at Christmas time or earlier then that if you come to my
games. So don't worry about it." Lily just nodded and blinked away her
tears. She hated saying goodbye to Harry. James gave Harry a hug and
reminded him to write a lot. This was going to be Harry's first time flying.
Ron's too. Hermione had flown before but had never sat first class. They
all had seats close together. Harry and Hermione shared a seat and Ron was
in the seat behind them. He was sitting by a muscular looking guy with
sandy hair. He introduced himself. "Hi I am Ron Weasley. These are my two friends Harry Potter and Hermione Granger."
The man stared at Harry.
"Harry Potter!"
"Yes that is what Ron said. So are you going to play Quiddich in California?"
"Oh yes, I am a first string beater. My name is Greg Mason. What do you all play?"
"We all play first string. I play seeker, Hermione plays chaser, and Ron keeper."
"Aren't you a little young to be playing already?"
"Well sort-of. We are going into our seventh year at Hogwarts." Greg's eyes widened.
"You are not even out of school yet?"
"Nope." All three said at once. They looked at each other and laughed. They talked about another hour about Quiddich. Then Greg pulled out a small purple vile.
"This is a sleeping potion. You will want to sleep on this trip, because they only give you a day to get used to the time change." They nodded and all took a sip of the potion. Before they knew it a girl with short brown hair awakened them.
"You will want to get up now. The flight attendant said we will be landing shortly. Oh and I am Kristy Taylor, I play first string chaser."
"Nice to meet you Kristy." Hermione said. She went through the whole speech about who they were and what they were playing. They landed in five minutes. They had to go through customs. They were glad that they sent their luggage ahead of time so that they didn't have to go get it. In the airport was funny because there were a bunch of people with funny accents. (At least to them.) There was a cab driver holding a sign that said Potter, Weasley, Granger, Mason, and Taylor. They went over to the driver.
"This is us." Harry said.
The driver led them to a stretch limo. They crawled inside. There was a bar
and TV in there. They had quite a nice trip to the hotel. The hotel they were
staying was huge. A middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap greeted them.
"Welcome everyone! I am Jay Muller. The rooms will be as follows. Harry and Ron will have a room. Hermione you will share a room with Kristy. And Greg you will be with Will again."
They went into the check in counter and got their room keys. They went to their room. It was really big for a hotel room. They each had their own room and bathroom. There was a kitchen, living room, and dining room. When Harry went into the room that was his he saw a creature much like in his second year.
"Penny! What are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"Master James sent Penny to come take care of Master Harry. Penny will cook and clean for Master Harry and Master Ron."
"Oh ok, Penny, if you want. I am going to go tell Ron that you are here so that you don't scare him." Harry went over to Ron's room.
"Hey Ron, Penny is here to cook and clean for us so if you see her don't be scared."
"Who is Penny?"
"Oh I forgot to tell you, it is kind-of embarrassing. My first Christmas with my parents they gave me a house-elf named Penny. She is really nice. If you want anything from her she will give you anything you want." Harry went back to his room to sleep. It was morning his time but he was still really tired. So he changed into his boxers and went to sleep.
He was woken the next day by the smells of bacon and eggs cooking. He followed his nose and found Penny making breakfast.
"Thank You Penny." He said as he sat down at the table.
"Will you go wake up Ron and tell him breakfast is ready?"
"Of course Master Harry!"
Harry cringed. He had given up getting her to call him Harry. Ron walked sleepily into the kitchen.
"Morning Harry."
"Good morning Ron."
They sat in silence eating their breakfast. Penny kept bringing them more food and pumpkin juice.
"Well I think that is enough for us Penny. Thank you for breakfast." Penny smiled and bowed to Ron and Harry.
"So Harry how come I never saw Penny at school?"
"Because I wouldn't let her come at all with me until after spring break last year, when she insisted. My father sent her to come take care of us. Anyway lets go see if Hermione is awake yet."
They knocked lightly on Hermione's door. Hermione came to the door. "Good Morning Harry."
Harry gave her a light kiss on the lips before stepping inside.
"Would you two like some breakfast? I was just about to make some."
"No that's ok Hermione we have already eaten."
"You two know how to cook?" She asked.
"No but Penny is a very good cook and she made our breakfast for us."
"And who is Penny?"
Harry looked embarrassed. "She is my house-elf. And before you say anything I have offered her clothes and pay several time, she refuses. Oh and don't make your breakfast yet, I will go get Penny. She looked bored when we left the room."
Harry went to his room and got Penny. Penny was very happy to make another person breakfast. Then Kristy came into the kitchen. "Morning all, Hermione what did you make for breakfast? It smells wonderful."
"I didn't make it Penny, Harry's house-elf did. Here I had her make some for you too."
They waited for the girls to finish eating and then headed downstairs to meet Jay. They were ten minutes earlier then they were supposed to be. So they sat on the couches in the lobby and talked until Jay came down. He was very impressed that they were already up and ready to go. He handed out there schedules for what they would be doing everyday:
8:15- Meet in Lobby. 8:25- Take van to the pitch. 8:40- Warm up by working out in Gym. 9:15- 2:00- Practice 2:00-4:00- Lunch 4:15- Back at Quiddich Pitch. 4:20-7:00- Practice and scrimmage. 7:00-9:00- Overview of the practices. 9:10- Personal improvement practice. 9:50- Late dinner. 11:00- Get to know the team. 12:30- Return to rooms.
"Wow Hermione this schedule doesn't give us a lot of 'alone' time." Hermione gave Harry a very stern look that reminded him of Professor McGonnagal.
"Harry we aren't supposed to have a lot of 'alone' time. We are here to train."
"Oh are we?" Harry said in a mischievous voice.
"Harry no." Harry ignored her. He leaned in. They were on the sofa making out until a man with a scruffy beard came up to them.
"Hi I am William Young. But please call me Will. I thought you might want to know that we are about to leave."
"Thank you Will, I am Hermione Granger and this is, as you may have already figured out, is my boyfriend, Harry Potter.
Will's eyes widened. Harry saw his eyes do the usual flick up to Harry's forehead. They climbed into the van.
"So Will what position do you play?"
"First string beater. You?"
"First string seeker. Is this only the first string team here?"
"Yeah the second and third string had to be there an hour before us. I remember when I had to do that I was so mad. I really wanted to be first string, so how long have you been on the team? I started seven years ago straight out of Hogwarts."
"Well this is my first year, and I am a 7th year a Hogwarts."
"Really I didn't know that they let people still in school on the team. You must be really good."
"I suppose so. My two best friends are on the team too. If you left seven years you just missed my coming up. What house were you in?"
"Gryffindor. We hadn't won in years!"
"Well we have won the last two years and in my third year. In my 2nd and 4th years it was cancelled and in my 1st year I was sick for the game and we didn't have a reserve seeker."
"Why was it canceled in your 2nd and 4th years?"
"Because people were being attacked in my 2nd year and the Tri-wizard tournament in my fourth." Harry pained to remember that fourth year.
"Wow the Tri-Wizard Tournament! That must have been fun to watch! Who were the champions?"
"Victor Krum, Fleur DeLaCour, Cedric Diggory, and well me!"
"There were four?"
Hermione saw where the conversation was going and started kissing Harry. Will saw what was happening and turned to talk to Ron.
"Thank you Hermione I didn't want to continue." Harry felt a sudden pain. "Ron are you ok?" He asked because he knew that was where the pain came from.
Ron looked embarrassed. "Yeah I am find Harry, sorry about that."
Harry noticed that Ron's hand was red. He laughed.
"Is there something that I don't get here?" Will asked confused.
"Well Ron and Harry preformed a spell on each other so they could feel each others emotions and pain. Your grip was just a little too much for Ron so Harry felt the pain."
Ron blushed the color of his hair. Will just laughed.
"Wait you are a Weasley aren't you? I played on the team with your brother Charlie."
"Didn't everybody." Ron muttered he hated it when people mentioned his older brothers. Before they knew it they were at the Quiddich Pitch. After working out they each had different obstacle course to go through. Harry caught the snitch 56 times in the practice time. Near the end the whole team stopped to watch him. He kept catching the snitch and then releasing it. Ron didn't let a single shot go through and Hermione scored every point against the enchanted keeper.
"Ok team break! Potter, Weasley, Granger would you please see me after your showers."
The three of them wondered what they had done. They went with their heads down to see jay after their showers.
"Why do you three look so glum? All three of you broke world records today! There is no need for you to keep practicing this afternoon. I want you three to help the other players with their positions. Now go enjoy your lunch." All three of them had huge grins on their faces as they discussed what to do for lunch.
"We can go where ever you two want to. It is on me today!" Harry no
longer felt bad for Ron because by the end of the season he would have a ton
of money by the looks of things. They went to an American place they had
never heard of called the Olive Garden. They celebrated their success.
Before their two-hour break they all went to send owls to their parents.
When they got back there was a straight scrimmage first string vs. second
string. They won 300 to 0. Hermione got fifteen shots on the other keeper
and Ron didn't let anything pass him. Harry of course got the snitch.
Everyone was very happy as they went to the overview. Jay was very pleased with their three newest players. For the meet the team they had to stand up say their name, their position, their sting, they school that they went or still went to, and how long they had played Quiddich, Jay started.
"I am Jay Muller couch of this team. I went to Hogwarts and have been playing Quiddich since I was old enough to get on a broom." Everyone laughed.
"Hi I am Harry Potter. I am a seventh year at Hogwarts I play seeker first string. I have been playing Quiddich since I caught a rememberall after a fifty foot dive in my first year." Ron and Hermione went next. The team was surprised to hear that Hermione had only been playing Quiddich for a couple of years.
The other first stings were: Kristy Taylor, chaser, Fiona MacHall, chaser, Greg
Mason, beater, and Will Young, beater. They had a great time talking to each
other and laughing. At mid-night everyone went to bed, exhausted from
their first day of training. The next couple of weeks were spent training and
training and training some more. Even though Jay didn't think it was
possible Harry, Ron, and Hermione improved greatly working with real
Quiddich players not just kids. On the last week of training there was a
press conference for the team. The Daily Prophet was sending reporters
galore to write on the Quiddich team. People were amazed that the famous
Harry Potter and his friends were playing on the Quiddich team before they
had even graduated from Hogwarts. Ron loved the attention he got now.
They did a lot of interviews (thankfully none with Rita Skeeter.) When the
day was over everyone was really sick of answering questions. They would
be leaving in two days to go home. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were going
straight to the Hogwarts Express when they got back. Penny was very busy
the day before everyone left. She cooked and cleaned for the whole team
now and had been appointed official house-elf of the team. She was very
pleased when she got this appointment and worked harder then she had
before. Penny was making sure that they all had everything packed for the
trip. Everyone had bought a lot of souvenirs from America to bring back for
their friends and family. They were all going home with a lot more luggage
then they started with. Also the day they left they got all the posters and
logos for the team. There colors were red and white. Harry looked at the
poster that had Ron, Hermione, and himself on it. "We are going to have a
fun time decorating our dorm this year wont we Ron?" Ron just nodded. Harry knew that Ron was feeling down.
"What's wrong Ron?"
"Well it will be weird to be back at Hogwarts. I mean we have been living around and acting like adults this last month and know we are going to be back to being kids. It is kind-of depressing."
"Oh Ron only for another year Ron and then we are free to diss Snape as much as we want without being punished."
This lightened up Ron's mood a little. It was a teary good-bye to all of the other teammates. They had all grown really close in the last month. At the good-bye party Jay stood up to make a speech. "Congratulations team you have lived through training. We have the best team we have ever had this year. I would like to say that us not winning the cup is as unlikely as Harry missing the snitch or someone scoring on Ron or Hermione missing a shot!" Everyone laughed.
"I would also like to tell you that we will be playing all of our home games at Hogwarts this year in honor of our three best players!"
Harry, Ron, and Hermione had not expected this at all.
"Yes Professor Dumbledore has given us permission to expand the field for a national standard and to add more stands. Our first game will be on November 6th. You all of course have the tickets that you requested for the top box for your friends and family. Please note that all of Hogwarts was also invited so if you have siblings there you don't have to give them the tickets. And I propose a toast. To us!"
They raised their glasses.
On the flight back was very uneventful except the fact that they played Lord of the Rings for the movie and Ron about had a heart attack. They got off the plane feeling very relaxed and ready for the day because they had taken more sleeping potion. Once they found a safe place they apperated to Kings Cross station and boarded the Hogwarts Express. They found an empty compartment in the back of the train. They had already sent their luggage ahead of time to Hogwarts. About five minutes into the trip Sirius came into the compartment with James.
"Dad what are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"It is nice to see you too Harry." James said smiling.
"I thought that I would join Sirius for the train ride. I have some umm, business at Hogwarts. You call it that couldn't you Sirius?"
"Sure you could James; if giving Snape a piece of you mind is business then yes you could call it that."
Everyone started laughing.
"Actually I really wanted to hear about the last month. You didn't send your mother and I enough owls."
"Sorry dad, we were really busy. Oh and I have a present for you mum, Sirius, and Remus."
"What is it?"
"Tickets."
"To what?"
"Some games."
"Some?"
"Well season passes, top box, if that is good enough for you."
Both Sirius and James went over and gave Harry a big hug. "They must have cost a fortune, even I don't spend that much on things like that, your mum would kill me."
"Well they didn't cost me anything. All I had to do was say the number of tickets that I wanted and they gave them to me because I am on the team." The lady with the cart came into the compartment. She groaned when she saw James and Sirius.
"Not you two again. You ate all of my candy supply when you were in school you and you two friends." She complained. James pouted. "We weren't that bad."
"Oh yes you were now would you like anything? Or with you it would be easier to ask what you don't want."
James pulled out a lot of galleons. "We will have everything." The lady just left the whole cart there.
They had a wonderful trip back to Hogwarts. They stepped off the train and went over to say hello to Hagrid who was directing the nervous looking first years. There was a golden carriage that had the words 'Reserved for head students' on it. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at it and smiled. The trio climbed in. They were very surprised to see Professor Dumbledore in there waiting for them. They greeted him.
"It is traditional for the new head students to ride with the Headmaster up to the school.
You will have your own rooms this year. There will be a small common room
for the three of you. I would also like to ask you to tell everyone about the
Quiddich games that will take place here this year. I think that the school
will be very happy about this. After the feast I would like you three to report
to me after the feast tonight so I can tell you where you will be staying. It
will be in Gryffindor tower of course just in a different section. Ah we
seemed to have appeared to have arrived at the castle. I will be seeing you
shortly." Dumbledore left the carriage before they could say anything. They
climbed the stairs up to the Great Hall. They had a wonderful time at the
feast. James had been invited to stay for the meal and he accepted. At the
end of the feast Dumbledore stood up. "I believe that Mr. Potter, Mr.
Weasley, and Ms. Granger would like to tell the school some new of theirs."
He smiled and gave them an encouraging smile.
"This year the National Quiddich team of England will be."
"Playing all their home games here this year.."
"Everyone is invited to come watch us play..."
"We would be delighted if you came to watch." They said the last part together.
The students were very excited about this news and left the hall talking about it.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione headed to go see Professor Dumbledore. "There you are. Congratulations on your wonderful job at Quiddich training. I heard you three did quite well."
"Thank You Professor." They all said at once.
"We have got to stop doing that." Harry said looking at Ron and Hermione.
"We know." They said, again together.
Then they all laughed.
While Harry was talking to Dumbledore James was going to go find Snape. James remembered where the old potions teacher's office so he tried there first.
"Well, well isn't it a little late to be working? Oh wait I forgot about your lack of a social life and friends." James said as he walked into the office. "Potter, what do you want? At least I work; you spent fourteen years dead, why? Because you were betrayed by one of your 'friends'. So I wouldn't talk if I were you Potter."
Snape had hit a nerve with James.
"I wanted to talk to you about the way you have been treating my son the last six years. I hear that you can be an even bigger ass then what you were in school. I didn't think that it was possible."
"Well your son brings out the best in me, just like you did. I don't think he has a once of Lily in him except for those awful green eyes."
"Was that a threat Potter? My my aren't we a little over proactive of our son. What Potter Jr. can't stand up for himself?"
That was it for James. He had gotten himself worked up before and now he was really mad.
"Snape one more word and I'll..."
"You'll what? Raise your daddy from the grave to come beat me up? You Potters always need some one else to stick up for you. Lily almost died because of you Potters she deserved better."
James was about to pull out his wand to curse Snape when Snape went flying across the room. He had boils all over. James turned around to see what was there.