Harry whistled as he walked towards the Leaky Cauldron. His thoughts weren't focused on anything specific; just bouncing around, waiting until Ron caught up to him. The Leaky Cauldron wasn't particularly full; the lunch crowd was just starting to filter in. Harry made his way over to a table with two chairs and looked around to see if the popular pub held any familiar faces. Just as Harry was about to take a seat at the slightly wobbly wooden table, he spotted Oliver Wood. Oliver was engaged in an argument with a large, muscular man covered with tattoos who insisted that Transylvania was going to make it into the next World Cup. Oliver clearly had a different opinion. Harry started to make his way over to Oliver, happy to see a familiar face. "Oliver," he called across the pub, now bustling with the lunch crowd. "I see things haven't changed. How have you been doing," Harry asked, finally reaching his chair.

"Harry." Oliver's face lit up "How are you? I haven't seen you since the 1994 World Cup. Come on over; I'll buy you a firewhiskey," Oliver's argument with the large man next to him was now forgotten as the two friends made their way across the pub.

"How has life as a Quidditch star been for you, Oliver?" Harry asked once they had taken a seat.

"We are excited to get back to work after not being able to play last season," Oliver answered. He looked at the waitress. "Two glasses of firewhiskey, please," he said politely. She giggled and left. He turned back to Harry.

"So, how is it being the star keeper for a professional Quidditch team?" Harry asked.

"Well, it sure was nice, but actually, I have decided to retire from playing Quidditch."

"No." The shock was evident on Harry's face.

"Instead, I am going to be the assistant coach for Puddlemere United" Oliver said, his grin almost splitting his face.

"That's a relief. I was about to ask if you were feeling okay," Harry said, a smile appearing on his face

"Well I got hit with nasty spell by those frakking Death Eaters. I had never heard of it until then; it's called Gangreo. Makes the flesh rot and fall off. Thankfully, the guy that got me was a dimwit, and of course the healers were able to slow it even slower, so hasn't gotten that far but I can't play anymore." Oliver held up his hand encased in a black leather glove.

Harry looked sorry for a moment but then decided to direct the conversation back to his coaching "So how is the coaching going so far"

"Good, speaking of which, tryouts are next week for the B team; we would love to see you out there. You were one of the greatest seekers on the school team." Harry's jaw fell open.

"You mean me, right?" Harry questioned, his smile had now reached an almost painful point.

"No, I'm talking about the idiot at the bar that thinks Transylvania is going to win the Cup with the keeper they have right now," Oliver scoffed, almost offended and looked at his watch. "Shit. I have a meeting in ten minutes. I had better get going." He got up from the table and yelled a goodbye on the way out the door.

Harry was ecstatic to say the least. He loved everything about Quidditch; from the freedom he felt on a broom, to the competition he felt during a match, and now he could get paid to do it.

The Train was bustling. They were approaching Hogwarts, the snack cart had passed and people were changing into their robes and preparing for their arrival. In one compartment Ginny, Neville and Luna were discussing their summers. Neville was describing the garden he had installed at his grandmother's house excitement lighting up his features as he talked about his favorite subject when Hermione returned from her Prefects meeting. The train ride had gone off without any major trouble, although some of the younger students went a little overboard on the magic ending with some disastrous and somewhat comical results.

Neville had briefly considered not returning to Hogwarts, but Professor Sprout had written to ask if he would help her to restore the greenhouse. Neville was all too happy to oblige. So, he would be returning to a schedule filled with Herbology classes, which was something he was looking forward to.

Hermione was very pleased to be given the position of Head Girl this year. Ever the academic, she couldn't wait to lead the example for the first years. She only hoped she was a better influence on them then she was on Harry and Ron, both of whom never quite picked up on her study habits.

From the outside, George had been faring surprisingly well. Ron knew that the first weeks at the joke shop were hard, but things were seemingly slightly better when Ron walked in. The shop was booming, but that was no surprise as the joke shop was immensely popular.

Ron made his way through the aisles of the crowded shop until he reached the back room where George was laughing loudly at something his friend Lee Jordan was saying. George had been doing much better since Lee Jordan had begun shown up. Ron decided that there was no real need to interrupt their obviously entertaining conversation and instead settled for walking through the shop looking to see if anything would come in handy against Harry, who had pulled a particularly devious prank last week that involved fake spiders.

After wandering around the shop for several minutes, finding several products that would help him, he headed back towards George to give his regards. He saw him in the backroom, now staring at a mirror. Lee must have departed.

"Hey," Ron said, George was mesmerized by the mirror. He jumped at Ron's touch. Before he knew it, George was pointing his wand at his throat. George backed down as he realized who it was.

"Sorry," George murmured as he turned back to the mirror.

"What are you doing?" asked Ron. George sighed.

"This mirror was enchanted to be kind of a hub for two pocket mirrors. Sirius gave us the idea to get these two-way mirrors. We just added a third here. Everytime, I look in it and hope to see Fred's face staring back at me with a grin on his face. But, he's gone now." George looked down. Ron embraced him and patted his back.

In short order, George composed himself.

"I figure Fred would want you to have this," George said, fishing around in his pocket and finally withdrawing a mirror. He handed to Ron. Consequently, Ron grew large goblin ears.

"Hey, you right foul git," Ron stammered, dropping the mirror. George weakly laughed.

"That was his birthday present to you. I figured at least it would remind me of him, and give me a laugh," George smiled. Ron sighed. He knew that George was just trying to have fun and honor his other half. George flicked his wand and his ears shrunk back. "That truly cheered me up. The look on your face was priceless," George chuckled. Ron smiled. "Seriously though," George continued. "Here is the real two way mirror," George gave him a ornate silver mirror. "If you ever feel the need to talk to me, go ahead.," George said, his tone reflecting his seriousness.

"Thanks. Harry says 'Hi', by the way," Ron said. He then managed to extricate himself before George could prank him again.

Ron began to head back to the Leaky Cauldron.

Hey thanks again to everybody who read we hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review and favorite.

-TDlizardmen