ATTENTION ATTENTION!! DRACO WASN'T MEANT TO SAY HARRY THAT LAST CHAPTER. IT WAS A TYPO!
...Just kidding. Carry on.
The Exchange – The Quidditch Match
"Here you go, Potter. Keep a close eye on your watch. I will not be held accountable if you change back in public," Snape handed over the vial of left over antidote.
"Wow, Professor. You actually sound a little concerned." A sly smile crept on Haley's face. "You're not growing fond of me are you?"
"Trust me. The Dark Lord would have to rise from the dead and put me under the Imperius Curse for me to ever be fond of you, Potter."
Haley shrugged. "You say this now, but I think you're just in denial, my dear Professor Snape."
The girl watched in amusement as Snape's lip curled in disgust. "Out. Now." He pointed at the door.
Haley walked over to the door and opened it. Before closing it, she popped her head back in. "I'll see you at the match, then?"
"OUT!"
Haley had to laugh. It felt so good to bother the professor when she knew she was in the safety of his house. 'It's good I didn't drink the potion right there. Then he'd be able to take points away from Gryffindor.' Another chuckle emerged from her lips as she walked into the Slytherin common room.
That morning she had spent most of her time in her room, planning out the day's events. Despite her somber mood the previous day, she couldn't help but feel excited about the upcoming game. Quidditch always made her happy.
But she had to make people believe that as Harry Potter was returning, Haley Jones was leaving. That was a little tricky. Normally, she would've just pulled out her invisibility cloak and headed on over to the changing rooms. But it would seem like Haley just disappeared into thin air and that's not what the girl wanted. She decided it would be best to pretend that she was leaving through Dumbledore's office via floo network. Once there, then she would use her invisibility cloak to hurry down to the changing rooms where she would finally take the potion. Obviously, she really had time to think it through. She let the Headmaster know her plan during their lunch period and he cheerfully agreed. Things were going smoothly, just as she had hoped.
As Haley was about to leave to go to the Headmaster's office with her cloak bundled in what looked to be a present, someone caught her wrist.
"Haley, wait."
The girl turned. "Oh. Hi, Draco. Shouldn't you be heading down to the changing rooms now? Your match will be starting soon."
"I know. I just…" The blonde rubbed the back of his neck. "Just come back to me, okay?"
Haley looked confused and a little flustered. "What?"
"What I mean is don't have too much fun back home, all right? Be sure to come back. Remember, I still owe you a dinner."
"Oh. That's right… from when I kicked your butt in flying… You're really going to need all the luck you can get today, Draco. You really suck."
"Ha. Ha." He replied, dryly. "Leave already, then."
"But just a second ago, it sounded like you wanted me to stay. Oh, Drakie-wakie, how you tease me so!" Haley mocked the other boy.
"Stay then. Watch me fly."
"Why? I've already seen you. You're horrible."
"Seriously."
"Seriously? I can't..." 'For obvious reasons…' she added to herself. Haley bit her bottom lip. "I miss my other life. I'm happy for the chance to go back, even for a moment."
At this, Draco frowned. "I see."
"Not that I don't enjoy my life here, of course." Haley quickly added.
"No, you're right. You do have a life different from this. I'm happy that you get your chance to go back to it. I'm sure you're very happy as you are. Just don't forget this life. Please."
"You sound like I'm leaving for good! It's just an hour or so, Draco. I'll be back before you know it."
Draco merely nodded. "What's that?" He motioned towards the package in her hands.
"It's… a gift. I thought it would be nice to bring it back with me."
"How nice of you. Will you bring a gift back to me upon your return?"
Haley scoffed. "You're a rich boy that has everything. What more do you need?"
"I may have many things, but I hardly have everything."
"Blah, blah. Fine. I'll think of something." This effectively lit up Draco's face, causing the girl to smile in return. "I will say this, though. I'm glad you're in a better mood today," she tested. Maybe he'll tell her what was bothering him.
"Ah yesterday…" Draco crossed his arms over his chest. "I was just upset over something…"
Haley frowned. This wasn't exactly the answer she was looking for. But before she could delve further into the inner workings of Draco's mind, Crabbe and Goyle came up to them.
"Hi, Haley." Both boys greeted.
"Hi Crabbe. Hi Goyle." She smiled. She found that the two boys were pretty tolerable when they weren't being obnoxious lackeys.
"C'mon Draco. It's time we go." Goyle said.
"All right. I'll see you later then?" The Head Boy looked at the girl.
"You can count on it." She smiled. "Good luck, you three!" When she knew that they were out of earshot, she smirked. "You're going to need it…"
Haley looked at her watch. 'Best be going then… the match starts in twenty minutes and I still need to make it out onto the pitch…'
The girl stepped out of the common room and hurried to Dumbledore's office. With the utterance of "caramel delight," the eagle sprang to life giving the girl access to the door at the top of the steps.
"Ah, Mr. Potter." The Headmaster smiled as the girl entered the room. "Your cloak, I presume?"
"Yes, sir." Haley pulled out here invisibility cloak and threw it over her shoulders. "I'll see you down at the pitch, then?"
"Of course. Make the game an interesting one, will you?"
She smiled. "I'll do my best, Professor." And with that, she threw the cloak over her head and was once again scurrying down the halls of the school. She raced out to the Gryffindor changing rooms and was grateful that they were nearly empty. The only ones left were Dean and Ron
Haley came up behind the redhead. "Ron!" She whispered.
The boy in question jumped in surprise, emitting a little yelp. Dean looked over at him with a questioning look.
"Uh, erm… spider. I thought I saw a spider," Ron lied.
Dean just shook his head and continued to put on his gear.
"Harry?" Ron whispered into the air around him, not really knowing where to look.
"I'm here. Ron, I need you to distract Dean while I change."
"Wait. Are you still in a skirt? Cause if you change back now, I've got to see this."
"Bugger off, I'm wearing jeans."
Ron shrugged. "Well I'm just saying…"
"Just go!"
The redhead laughed but did as he was told. He walked over to Dean and began a conversation about their strategy for the game. The two disappeared out of the room.
When she thought the coast was clear, Haley removed her cloak and began to change into her uniform. She wasn't wearing her boy clothes so she was afraid that if she drank the potion now, something might rip. Or maybe Ron would catch sight and find a reason to mock her. No, no. Haley did not want to risk that. So when she was finally dressed, she pulled the vial out of her jeans pocket. With one last glance at her watch, she exhaled. "Here goes."
Haley downed the potion in one gulp. She waited. Nothing. "Oh come on…" She tapped her foot impatiently. And then a familiar rumbling came from within. Haley doubled over, clutching her stomach. She felt herself filling out the clothes she wore as her hair dramatically receded. Within seconds, the transformation was complete.
"Ugh… that will never be comfortable…" In hearing his voice return to its normal octave, excitement filled him as Harry quickly picked himself up and hurried to the nearest mirror. There, stood a boy. Tall and lean, Harry Potter was back.
Harry ran a hand through his hair. It was very different than the long locks he had grown used to. But nevertheless, a grin spread across his face. "I'M BACK! I'M FINALLY BACK!" He cheered.
Quickly, Harry shut his locker and hurried outside to where his team was waiting.
"Harry!" The voice was undoubtedly Ron's.
In hearing the name, the entire team looked to the locker room door before breaking out into cheers.
"Welcome back, Harry!"
"It's good to see you, Harry!"
"Let's kick some Slytherin arse, Harry!"
It was a whirlwind of handshakes, hugs, and high-fives. Harry was definitely glad to be back.
"Speech!" Seamus called out. The rest of the team applauded this idea.
Always the people-pleaser, Harry obliged. "Hello, everyone. It's great to be back. I've missed all of you. I'd also like to thank Dean for keeping you all on your toes while I was away." Harry nodded in Dean's direction who smiled at the thanks. "Just to warn you, though, I haven't got much time here so let's win big and fast."
"Why? Where are you going?" Asked Susan, a fifth-year Beater.
"I've got to head back to the other school. They've agreed to let me play as long as I make it back in time."
"Kind of like that Cinderella, eh?" Ron elbowed his friend in the ribs.
"Only if you're my fairy godmother, Ron."
"Hey!"
Harry turned his attention back on to the team. "All right, everyone. Make my return worthwhile! Let's get out there and give those Slytherins a run for their money! And let's give me something good to go back with!"
"All right! Let's do this!" Seamus cheered, throwing his fist in the air.
The rest of the team, pumped with adrenaline, cheered as well before running out onto the pitch.
Upon exiting, Harry was met with a boom of ovation from the crowds overhead, with the occasional hissing courtesy the Slytherins. It seemed that nearly everyone was excited to see the return of the Golden Boy. The stands were filled with students and teachers alike, most donning the colors of the team they wish to succeed. Jogging out to the center of the pitch with his team, Harry took a second to look around to smile and wave at all who cheered him on.
"Potter."
Harry turned in hearing the scornful tone that called his name. Out of habit, his voice mirrored the other's. "Malfoy." It was strange looking at the blonde. Grey eyes that once shined with warmth only reflected the cold around them. It made Harry shudder within.
The two Seekers stood face-to-face. It was in that moment that Harry realized something. Something that, despite how glad he was to be back, made him ache a little inside. He missed him. Harry missed Draco. They hadn't been apart more than twenty minutes, but in seeing how disconnected he, as Harry, was to the Slytherin boy, it hurt. And it made Harry miss Draco all the more.
The sound of a whistle snapped the Gryffindor out of his thoughts. He looked to Madame Hooch. "Captains, shake hands." Harry shook the hand of the sixth-year Keeper. "Positions, please." The Chasers of each team stood in the center with Madame Hooch as the other players scurried off toward their positions. Harry watched carefully as Madame Hooch released the Golden Snitch. In an instant, the tiny ball flitted off above their heads. Next, the referee released the Bludgers. They zoomed up into the air, waiting for their chances to attack. Harry mounted his broom, preparing for lift-off. And then, with the final blow of the whistle, the Quaffle was released commencing the match.
Harry soared into the air, as did the other players. Around him, he could still hear the roar of the crowd. And as everyone else stopped at a certain height, Harry still soared to get the best look at the pitch below.
"And a great save from Gryffindor Keeper, Ron Weasley. His hair reminds me of flames dancing across an ashen log…"
Harry smiled at the commentary. He looked down at the commentator's box and sure enough, there was Luna Lovegood, complete with her massive lion hat. He could also see Professor McGonagall lecturing Luna to keep the commentary game-related. The Ravenclaw didn't seem to care.
"Now Michaels of Slytherin carries the Quaffle. He's known for having quite a beautiful nose. I hope he doesn't break it against a Bludger today."
Harry laughed, but soon concentrated on the task at hand. Fifteen minutes had already passed since he drank the antidote. He needed this to end quickly.
An uproar of cheers came to Harry's attention.
"Ten points to Slytherin for an excellent shot by O'Malley. O'Malley rhymes with dillydally. Don't dillydally, O'Malley. You've got a game to play."
A glint of light caught Harry's eye, but it was only a Bludger whizzing by. "Come on, come on… where are you?"
"Another ten points to Slytherin! A nice shot by Kaur. There really should be more girls out there like her. Professor McGonagall, wouldn't you agree?"
Harry quickly maneuvered to the side, effectively dodging a Bludger sent to him by Crabbe.
"That was a close one. Hello, Harry! How are you?"
Harry just waved at the girl and continued his search for the Snitch.
"Oh! And a direct hit to Malfoy courtesy Gryffindor's Burwell."
Harry's heart jumped in hearing the commentary. He looked over to where Draco was to see the boy rubbing his shoulder. Other than that, he merely looked annoyed. Harry briefly wondered if the boy was all right, before the commentary caught his attention once more.
"Ten points to Gryffindor! Good job, Finnegan! He's got a lovely accent. I'd be surprised if no one's heard it though. He's always talking."
And there! Over by the Slytherin's goal posts flitted the tiny Golden Snitch. Harry made a dive for the ball.
"Looks like Potter's spotted the Snitch! Look how fast he's flying! I hope he doesn't fall off his broom."
Harry chased the Snitch, but before he could make a grab for it, it zoomed up into the sky and out of Harry's sight. "Damn!" He glanced at his watch. He had forty minutes left.
"Ooo. Next time, Harry!"
"Oof!" The Gryffindor Seeker lurched forward, tumbling off his broom so that he held on by the tips of his fingers. The Bludger that had hit his back swung back around for another attack, but with the agility and reflexes of an acrobat, Harry settled himself back onto his broom and sped off into the sky.
"And with a strike from Goyle, a Bludger nearly knocks off Gryffindor's Seeker! That's not very nice! Susan, get him back!"
Harry stretched, rubbing his back where the Bludger struck.
"Thank you Susan!"
Harry looked at Goyle who was massaging the left side of his head and stopped himself from laughing out loud.
"Kaur has the Quaffle. She's zooming past Thomas, Finnegan, and Riley. She shoots! Ten points to Slytherin for another excellent shot by Kaur. Beep beep goes the Kaur!"
This time, Harry had to burst out and laugh. It was a wonder why Professor McGonagall continued to allow Luna to do commentary. But Luna made the game more interesting in her own little ways. Returning his concentration on the match, Harry scanned the area.
"Look at those trees… aren't they excellent this time of year?"
There! Flitting along the edges of the pitch was the Snitch, and again Harry flew into a dive. This time, Draco dove for it as well, sending the pair of Seekers into a race against one another.
For a split second, Harry glanced over at Draco. Determination exuded off the boy. He was a flurry of green and silver and he sped side-by-side red and gold. And briefly, Harry thought of the last time they were in the air during their time of the bet. He remembered how Draco was first to spot the Snitch and how close he was to reaching it if it hadn't been for Harry's last burst of speed. How many times in their Quidditch careers had that exact occurrence happened? Draco was always mere millimeters away from victory. And Harry knew that when it comes down to the wire, the same would happen again, perhaps for the last time as this just might be the last game he would ever play against the Slytherin team. In that instant, flying side-by-side with Draco, with his arm stretching out to grab the tiny golden ball, Harry contemplated something he never would have thought before. Let. Draco. Win.
And as if he were hit by some invisible source, Harry came to an abrupt stop, leaving Draco racing along by himself. 'Grab it, Draco! Come on!'
However, Draco simply looked over his shoulder before stopping abruptly as well. Harry sat on his broom in utter disbelief. He didn't even notice the other Seeker fly over to him.
"What the hell, Potter?" Draco growled.
Harry shook himself out of his stunned state. "You stopped."
"You stopped."
"But you…"
Draco simply rolled his eyes before flying upward. He looked down on the other boy. "Let me make one thing clear, Potter! If I'm going to beat you, I'm going to beat you!"
Still, Harry remained somewhat stunned, trying to figure out what just happened.
"That was odd. Both Seekers froze mid-flight. Maybe the Krizzlesacks are back!"
The Gryffindor snapped back from his thoughts. A grin began to spread across his lips. "Oh, it's so on." Once again, Harry soared up into the air until he had a good view of the pitch below. He took another glance at his watch. Twenty-five minutes to go.
"Oh! And another nice save from Weasley! See Ginny? He's not a complete klutz…"
Again, Harry just had to laugh. Suddenly, Draco went into another dive. Harry immediately followed, spotting the Snitch by the Gryffindor goal posts. Harry urged his broom to go faster. After a few short moments, they were neck-in-neck once more, both outstretched to grab the Snitch. Then the thought that had stopped him earlier re-entered his mind. Let Draco win. The joy that would light up Draco's face is all Harry wanted to see. He wanted to see those eyes light up again. He wanted to see that smile grace the other boy's face once more. It was simple. All he had to do was let. Draco. Win.
…
Yeah right.
With a sudden burst of speed, Harry lurched forward, wrapping his fingers around the Snitch, thus bringing an end to the match.
"With a score of 160 to 30, the Gryffindors win! Congratulations Gryffindors! Well played, Slytherins! Can I go now?"
Harry hopped off his broom onto the pitch. The crowd was cheering once more, with the exception of the Slytherins who were, of course, booing. Harry didn't care. He won. He glanced once more at his watch. 'Damn! Fifteen minutes!'
He handed the Snitch to Madame Hooch before running off into the changing rooms. He swiped his clothes out of his locker.
"That was brilliant!" Seamus grinned, strolling in with the other boys of the team.
"Another victory for Gryffindor!" Dean cheered. "Brilliant work, Harry!"
"Everyone was great," Harry smiled.
"Yeah, but what happened to you and Malfoy in the middle of that, eh?" Ron scratched his head. "It's like someone cast a spell on both of you."
"Er… nothing. It was nothing." Harry bit his lip.
"Who cares?" Seamus shrugged. "We won! Party in Gryffindor Tower!"
"Sorry, I can't join you guys." Harry frowned.
"What?! But you'll be our guest of honor! Did you not hear that crowd? Everyone was excited to see you!" Seamus's smile faded.
"Sorry. I told you, I have to get back."
"Are you really going to school in America?" Dean stepped forward. "What's it like? You're on the west coast, aren't you?"
"Um, yeah. It's nice there. The people are friendly." Harry lied.
"Where exactly is the school though? Is it by the beach or is it in the mountains? Do they play Quidditch there as well? What are your professors like? What's the Headmaster's name?"
"Enough with the third degree, Dean!" Ron cut in. "Blimey. I'm sure Harry will tell us all about it when he's back for good. But for now, if Harry has to go, let him go. We can party enough for him," the redhead winked.
Harry mentally thanked Ron. It was no wonder why he was his best friend. "Right. Well, I'm sorry I can't stay longer. Congratulations again. I'll see you when this is all over." The raven-haired boy hurried over to the door, his uniform still on, his cloak and girl clothes bundled together under his arm.
"Wait! When will it all be over?" Dean called.
Harry didn't stay to answer and instead pretended to not hear. 'Was Dean always so curious?' Harry just shrugged it off as he rushed down the corridors towards Dumbledore's office.
While running past, various students who had made their way back into the school congratulated and greeted Harry. The boy felt bad that he couldn't properly greet everyone, but it was better than having them see him change into a girl.
'Seven minutes…' This was his mantra as he hurried towards the Headmaster's office. Then a voice caught his attention.
"Potter!"
Harry wanted to stop but couldn't risk being seen.
"Potter!"
Harry glanced at his watch. Six minutes. He slowed down and looked over his shoulder. He was a little surprised to see that it was Draco who was following him. The other boy was still in his uniform as well, with the exception of his robe. He slowed down, coming to a halt by Harry's side.
"What is it, Draco? I'm in a rush." Draco's eyebrow arched in hearing his given name escape the lips of the other boy. Harry didn't even realize it at first as he had said it out of habit.
"I, um… How's your back?"
Harry was stupefied, but answered anyway. "A little sore. It'll definitely bruise but that's not much of a problem. Um… How's your shoulder?"
"Oh. It's all right. It hurts if I move it like this," he demonstrated. "But, I'll live."
"That's good…good."
This was really awkward. The two were standing in awkward silence, not even looking at each other.
"Oh, enough of this," Draco rolled his eyes. "Why did you try to let me win earlier?"
"Ummm… cause I didn't think you'd realize that that was what I was doing?"
"You're an idiot."
"You're the idiot. You could've won! You were millimeters away from victory and you pulled away from it."
"What makes you think I want to win that way? When I beat you, it will be because I'm better than you, not because you pity me." Draco crossed his arms over his chest.
"I don't pity you."
"Then why did you do it?"
"Because I wanted you to smile…" The words rushed out of Harry's mouth before he could stop them.
The surprise on Draco's face quickly turned to amusement.
Then, a beeping rang from Harry's watch. "Shit! I've got to go." He turned around to hurry off towards Dumbledore's office.
"Potter, wait!" Draco called.
Despite himself, Harry paused again and looked at Draco.
"You better not try a stunt like that when I see you in the finals for the cup. I will make it there, believe you me."
Harry smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
And then, much to the Gryffindor's surprise, Draco smiled. Not his usual smirk of evil pleasure, but an actual smile. And he was smiling at Harry. Harry made Draco smile. It warmed his insides more than winning the match ever could. He wanted to stay. He wanted to talk to Draco as himself. But he had to go. And with that thought in his head, Harry took off once more for Dumbledore's office.
Harry yelled out the password, leapt three steps at a time and threw open the door to the Headmaster's office.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, good of you to join me." Dumbledore nodded in greeting.
When the familiar rumbling came back to his stomach, Harry held a hand up to the Headmaster. "Hold that thought, sir." Again, Harry clutched his sides and fell to his knees. He felt the same pulling sensation on his chest as he did before, and watched as his hair dramatically grew. When it was all over, Haley sighed. She was back. She didn't move off the floor though. As if frozen, Haley just stayed where she was, kneeling before Dumbledore's desk, a blank stare strewn across her face.
"Mr. Potter?"
Haley looked up. "I guess I was kind of hoping I'd stay. Stupid of me, really…"
"Mr. Potter, don't be so glum. If you recall, your antidote is well on its way. I'd estimate about two more weeks and you'll be back to being a boy once more."
Haley forced a smile. "Good." Finally, the girl got up off the floor. "Professor, is there somewhere I can change? I didn't really have time…"
"Of course. You can use my private lavatory. Just go through that door, there." He pointed the way.
She nodded, taking her clothes with her. When Haley closed the door behind her, she looked up and saw her reflection. There was no mistaking it. She was a girl again. Haley collapsed onto the toilet seat and covered her face in her hands. She didn't know why, but she just felt like crying. She wanted this to stop. She wanted to stop lying to her friends, to everyone, to Draco. Most of all Draco.
'But if I hadn't changed into a girl, I never would have gotten so close to him in the first place…but maybe…' Haley exhaled and tried to shake off all her emotions. She began to change back into her casual wear, numbing herself from her thoughts. When finished, she stepped back outside and collapsed into a chair in front of the Headmaster. She stared off to the side. "If you don't mind Professor, may I stay here, just for a while?"
Professor Dumbledore offered the girl a small, understanding smile. "Of course you can."
Author's Note/Disclaimer: I own naught Harry Potter and other related objects other than Ethan, Leir, and… well… this story. Muahahaha…
As I didn't read the fifth book before I started this story, there were no traces of Luna. But upon reading said book, I fell in adoration of the quirky witch. So there you have it, Luna Lovegood makes her debut. She'll probably be back cause she's probably my favorite after Draco and Harry.
I didn't realize how sad Harry might be after changing back after all that had happened. But after writing all that did happen, I was sad for him. And that's why he's sad. Get it? Overall, I just think Harry would miss his life, despite liking his other life.
This chapter was going to be longer… but the next bit would have made this really long. And I wanted to give you something before I head off to work. Yes. Lucky you. KEEP REVIEWING!! YAY REVIEWS!!
