Sacrificial Second Chance

by NaruAndHarrHaremFan

Harry dies killing Voldemort,and is given the chance to go to a world where his parents are still alive.See how he handles all that life throws at him.HaremSisterIncest Powerful/Harry NevilleBWL

16. Chapter 16 beta

AN: Chessicfayth, thank you for being my beta. Important AN at the bottom about new Poll.

Blood pounded in his ears, in tune with the rapid beat of his heart. His muscles protested any movement, for each jolt brought with it a sense of fire bleeding through them. Quick jagged breathes taken in, only to be ejected from his body as fast as they came. Feet which only ever touched the ground for a second at a time, feeling as if the earth itself was trying to pull them back down. His body, coated in sweat, screamed at him, begging and pleading to give it the rest it craved and deserved. Harry loved every second of it.

Currently the long haired first year was in the work out area that the Room of Requirement had provided for him. His labored breath and the sound his feet making contact with the running track were all that could be heard in the giant room.

It had been over a week since he had started to use the room, and it had become his habit to come at least twice a day since. The first night he had used what the Room had created, he had worked his self to the point that he hadn't even attempted to open the book on meditation. He knew he would have only ended up asleep after a few words.

Much like his first night, Harry had ended up pushing himself as hard as he could with each visit. There was just something about the way he felt after exhausting himself that had him addicted to pushing his body to its breaking point. Though he had never been drunk, or felt the effects of any drugs, he was sure what he was feeling what a muggle fitness expert, he had seen on the Dursley's telly once called a natural high.

However, even with his new found love of pushing his body, he had no intention of going as far as those body builders he had once been forced to watch with Dudley (when his cousin had started getting into boxing). Whether it was because Dudley thought they were cool and had emulated them, or some other reason he didn't know about, any thought of himself looking like a steroid freak was enough to make him shudder with nausea. No, the type of body he was aiming for would be lithe. A body made for speed.

Since Kar had told him about the abilities he would be gaining, the thought of him flying through a forest at the speed of a unicorn had been what he was looking forward to the most out all of his hopefully soon-to-be-acquired abilities. He had read up about them after his dream with the god, and had found that they were able to out run any of the currently made brooms on the market. This had only served to make him more excited to unlock his speed. Unfortunately, while his workouts had only continued to become better for him, his meditation has been slow going. However, after he had read more into the book the Room had provided him, he found this was how it was supposed to go. Meditation was meant to be a slow process that could not, and would be rushed.

When he had found this out he had been greatly disappointed. He had really wanted to get better control of his emotions, but more so than that, he had really wanted to start on the path to becoming an animagus. He dreaded to think how long he would have had to wait. If he had only learned about how meditation was part of becoming an animagus this summer. He would more than likely have to wait another year to complete the transformation.

At the present time, Harry was slowing from a run down to jog. Pulling out his wand, he used it to check the time. It appeared he was already twenty minutes late to meet Cho in the library. Perfect, he was right on schedule.

Slowing to a walk, he made his way over to his bag, which he had recently put an expansion charm on. It was filled with many different things, including the few items he needed at the moment. Namely, a change of clothes to wear after he finished cleaning himself in the shower he had made the Room create.

As he entered the changing room that had been created at the same time as the showers, he looked around and noticed that it looked identical to the boys (and he was assuming girls) side of the quidditch locker rooms. It was very simple design, cubbies set against the opposite wall of the one with the entrance, with two more set on the wall beside the others making an L shape. Directly in front of them was one long bench that had the same L shape to it, so no matter which cubby you used, you could sit down while still having access to your things.

Forgoing a cubby, Harry threw his bag down on the bench. He quickly stripped before making his way to the open roomed showers. There were no dividers for personal privacy, just one large open room, with showerheads placed every few feet on all of the walls except for the one where the entrance was located.

Not that he would be ashamed of his body and try to hide it like he had been in his last life. As he had gotten older the first time around, his body had slowly gotten better from a mixture of sunlight (the cupboard under the stairs had wreaked as much havoc on his body as Vernon's fist had), quidditch training, and a constant stream of three whole meals a day.

This body however, had never been subjected to the horrors known as the Dursleys. The new body he now occupied was in much better shape than his last had been, and was bigger than he had been early on in his third year (in more ways than one). Now that Harry looked back on his old self, the state of his body was one of the few reasons he had been so reluctant about getting close to anyone of the opposite sex. At least he didn't have that problem now.

Harry cut the water on at the first showerhead he came to, enjoying the spray of the near scalding water as it washed over his aching body. The feeling of relief he received after his work outs from the almost blistering water was as much of an addiction to him now as the work outs themselves. He was lucky to have a time turner, because he knew when he finally did force himself to leave the streaming liquid, he be even later than he already was.

By the time he had left the shower he was running late by forty minutes. Still, even with his tardiness, he slowly made his way over to his bag. It had become a routine for him to use his wand to dry after showers, and this time was to be no different. It was quicker to use his wand and there was the added benefit of not having to carry around a towel.

Reaching into his bag he pulled out his new changing of clothes. As he did, an envelope that had somehow become hung in his clothes fell to the floor. Kneeling down so fast that his knee painful collided with the tiled floor, he picked up the envelope, holding it as if it were a priceless artifact. And to him it was priceless. In side were the first letters he had ever received from his mother and Iris.

Flashback

It was Wednesday morning, and the first year Ravenclaws were following the routine that had been laid out for them only two days prior. Eating breakfast as a whole group. Even Daphne, with her aversion to large bodies of people, would join them. Always taking a place next to Harry or Padma.

"Does anyone have any idea why we only have classes for the first two days during our first week of school?" Padma asked, sounding dejected.

Her question was answered by a number of shaking heads. Judging by the looks on the faces of a good portion of her year mates, Padma was not the only one to be upset about their lack of classes.

"Good morning, my young ravens." squeaked Professor Flitwick. None of them had noticed his arrival, but were none the less happy to see their head of house.

The diminutive duel master had entered the hall ready to start his daily routine (of reading the Daily Profit and trying to find the truth hidden in all the lies while enjoying a good strong cup of coffee), when he saw the looks on the faces of his first years. Like any good head of house would, he had made his way over to them to see what was bothering them and if there was any way he could be of help.

"Why the long faces? The day is young and beautiful, perfect to go exploring the castle grounds. Or, if you're not the type to enjoy the great outdoors, go discover a good book in either Ravenclaw tower or the school library." He could tell his words were cheering them up, and seeing them happier made him happier. "There is so much for you to do, but if none of these options will help with what is upsetting you, you're all more than welcome to tell me the cause of your dejected looks, and I will see what I can do to help."

The first years all looked at the tiny professor with respect. He had cheered them up in a few sentences, and without even knowing what was bothering them. More than one of them were thinking how lucky they were to have the part goblin as they're head of house.

Stephen was the first to regain his focus. Clearing his throat he asked, "We were wondering why it was we only had classes on Monday and Tuesday this week?"

As Stephen spoke, Flitwick gained a look of understanding. "Ah yes, many a Ravenclaw have asked that same thing. The answer is quite simple. Tradition."

"Tradition?" Morag asked doubtfully, voicing the others' thoughts. They didn't see what that had to do with their classes.

"It is unknown when, or why it started. It's just the way it has been for a great number of years, and how it will most likely be for many, many more." His first years nodded in understanding. "But if I was to make a guess as to why it started, I'd say it was to give all you first years a taste of what classes will be like, and a short reprieve, before you start going to them daily. At the same time it gives you all a chance to learn the school grounds better, making it easier to find your way to each of the classes."

"Are we going to have to wait until next week before we have our first Astronomy lesson?" Kevin asked.

"Unfortunately yes," answered the professor. "Your first lesson with Professor Sinistra, will be at midnight next Wednesday."

"Aw man," Harry whined. "I was really looking forward to that class."

"Why?" Blaise asked from his right, while Daphne gave him questioning look from his other side.

"Because the class has a great view," Harry answered with a blissful look on his face.

Before Blaise could reply, Flitwick had started squeaking in laughter. "I'll be sure to inform Sinistra that you think so, Mister Potter," said the professor as he started on his way up to the teachers table.

"No! Professor, I was joking!" Harry called in a stage whisper. "Don't tell her!"

"Ha, you got busted!" Terry said snickering along with the others at their friend's troubles.

"Do you think she'll be upset?" Lisa asked to no one in particular.

"I don't know, but we're about to find out." The group of first years followed the path his hand was pointing to.

Up at the staff table Professor Flitwick was trying to tell Professor Sinistra what Harry had said through his giggles. Slowly as she listened to her fellow college, Sinistra's eyes widened a small fraction. Turning she raised a single dainty eyebrow at Harry.

Harry felt himself flush in embarrassment and tried to hide from her gaze behind his curtain of hair.

"This is the first time I've seen someone make you blush." Daphne said in her monotone. She showed no emotion, as she cut the strawberries on her plate. "It's hilarious."

Harry ignored all of his friends who were laughing at his expense. "Daphne!" He whined. "Don't be mean!"

Before anyone could say anything else, the sound of hundreds of owls beating their wings as they flew into the Great Hall reached them. Harry quickly dropped his whining act and looked for any sign of white in the mass of black and brown owls.

Harry had yet to get a response back from his family. He knew it was unlikely, but he couldn't fight the feeling that after getting his letter they'd be too disappointed in him and wouldn't write him back. Or, just as bad as the first possibility, something could have happened to Hedwig on her journey and she was somewhere unknown, hurt and alone. After losing her the way he did last time, he had grown overly protective of her. He knew if he saw someone trying to hurt her, he would most likely react as violently as he had to Draco on the train.

Just when it was looking like he would have to go another day without a word back from them, Hedwig landed in front of him, a letter tied to her leg.

"Hey girl!" Reaching out, Harry stroked her head.

Harry was the only one in their group to get mail on this morning, so it was natural that his friends were watching him and his beautiful owl. When he greeted the snow colored bird, they could all hear the relief in his voice.

"I was worried about you." Harry admitted continuing his ministrations. "Would you like some bacon? Or did Ivy load you down with some before they sent you off?"

Hedwig gave him an offended look, but when she nipped his fingers, she did so lightly.

"No I wasn't calling you fat. You're surrounded by beautiful girls at the moment, and I still only have eyes for you." He told her giving her some of the meaty treat she loved so much.

Hedwig took the offered bacon, raising her leg she offered his letter in return.

Harry quickly opened the envelope and found two letters inside. Ignoring the blushes his words had elicited from the girls around them, he started to read the first letter that was from his mother.

Dear Harry,

I'm so happy to hear that you were sorted in to Ravenclaw. Though I do have to say, it didn't come as a surprise to any of us here. I myself was almost placed in Ravenclaw, but the hat told me that I would prosper in Gryffindor. So I chose the Lion's den instead. And by the looks of it, it seems that Iris and Ivy will both end up following you into the house of knowledge. They love reading almost as much as you and me. Almost!

However, all that aside, I was very upset to hear about you getting into arguments with those boys. It's even worse that both took place before you were even sorted. Please honey, try and stay out of trouble. I know you've changed for the better and that you were not the one to start those confrontations, but I also know how you can get when upset. I know it will hard on you to ignore them, but please try. It can be difficult when you're young to try and ignore what others say. Just remember that no matter how awful their words may be, they're only just that, words!

'I wonder if she'd still feel that way if she knew what Malfoy said.' Harry pondered for a second, before going back to his mother's letter.

Also, I was hoping to avoid the subject, but since you asked I won't lie to you, or disrespect you by ignoring the question. Yes, Ivy is still upset. But honey, you can't let it get to you. She's still young and not used to being separated from someone she loves for an extended period of time. Over the summer you became her favorite person. It's only natural that she would be upset at you leaving. I know your father, Iris, and I all felt the same sadness when we parted ways. She will get better with time. And just between you and me, I'm working on something so that you can see her and the rest of us any time you want. I won't say anymore, but expect a package some time soon.

Now that those two bits of nasty are out of the way, I can ask about something that intrigued me in your letter. What's this about the Sorting Hat stopping the sorting to talk to you? I'm so jealous! I sounded like a squealing fan girl when I found out (You will never tell a soul about that! I'm your mother you have to listen to me!). You have gotten to have one-on-one time with an artifact of the founders. I was an Unspeakable, and even I never received an opportunity such as that! The only problem is that when you wrote about it, you only vaguely told us what you two talked about. I need to know more! Details, give me some details!

Alright, now that my small bit of crazy is over, I should probably go. Be sure to write to us often, and know that no matter what, we all love you and miss you.

Sending you all her love

Your mother,

Lily

Harry was beaming after reading his mother's letter. It was a strange thing, how a piece of parchment with a few sentences on it could make him feel so loved. Folding her letter up he quickly unfolded the other. When he saw that it was from Iris, he felt a wave of serenity wash over him and he started reading.

Dear Harry,

First, I just want to say good job on calling out Bigbottom and standing up to the slick haired prat. The first has always been full of himself, and the other has always given me the creeps, with the way he would always watch Daphne, Astoria, and me. As a reward, the next time you do something that deserves a good thronging, I'll let it slide. But don't get used to it, because it's a onetime only deal. In fact, I want you to stop whatever it is you're doing right now, and go tell Daphne that if you should get out of line, then she is to hit you until you behave. Go ahead, I'll wait here until you get back...

Harry smiled. He could see her sitting at her desk, waiting to continue her letter as if she were here, really waiting for him to tell Daphne what she wrote.

"Hey Daphne," he said stealing the girls attention away from another strawberry. "Iris has informed me that should I get out of line, then you are to hit me until I get me back in to said line."

Daphne's response came in one of her lip twitches and a nod of the head.

Having given the introverted girl Iris's message, he went back to her letter.

Good boy. I may have you trained yet!

So I've got to say, it's weird not having you around. It's only been a day and already I miss you and the time we would spend together. I miss our flying lesions, watching you as made breakfast with Ivy, the time you would spend with me making potions, and the sound of your voice as you would read to Ivy and me. Man, that's a lot to miss about someone, when they've only been gone a day. I didn't realize how much time we had started spending together until we got home from sending you off. I can see why Ivy took you leaving so hard. I wasn't doing much better myself.

This is why you better make the quidditch or duel teams (though I have no idea if you're interested in dueling. You've never spoken about it). Don't tell Dad I told you this, but he said if you make any of those teams, we'll surprise you by coming to watch your matches. So you better make it... you know, for Ivy and Mom's sake. As for me, well I wouldn't mind seeing Daphne again before Christmas.

Joking aside, I'm going to ask you something, and I hope you'll do it for me. I'd like you to keep an eye on the girls that showed up at my party. Every one of them are close friends of mine, and I know you can watch out for them. I doubt there will be anything they will need protecting from, but just in case watch over them. But more importantly, take care of yourself. I don't want to hear about you getting hurt. If I do, I'll come and show you what it really feels like to hurt.

Be careful and remember to write me

- Iris.

The smile Harry was giving off as he finished his letter would have powered a Patronus as strong as the one from his third year. It was this that Daphne noticed about him.

"Good letter?" Daphne asked softly, so as to not be over heard.

"Yeah," Harry answered honestly, "it was perfect."

~Flashback End~

Fully clothed, Harry stood in front of the exit to the Room and pictured it opening up on the same floor as the library. Feeling a shift in the air, he knew it had to have worked. Pulling up his hood, he disappeared from view and exited the room.

Just as he wanted, when he exited the Room he found himself down the corridor from the library. Seeing two fifth year 'puffs opening the entrance, he ran as silently as he could up to them, sliding in behind them with no one the wiser.

Harry made his way into the maze of bookshelves. Reaching a section of the library that he could tell was rarely used by the amount of dust on the books, he stopped and pulled his time turner out of the mokeskin pouch tied to the belt loop of his jeans. Glancing around one more time, making sure no one was near, he gave the tiny hourglass a single turn.

He had used the time turner at least once a day, for over a week now. He no longer found the sight of the world blurring around him to be fascinating as he once did. Once the world had come back to a stop, Harry made his way to the restricted section while searching through his bag for the gift Remus had given him for his birthday.

As he entered the more populated area of the library, Harry had to start dodging students who were unable to see him. Just as he reached the roped off entrance of the restricted section, he found the blank paged book he had been searching for.

Getting as close to the ropes blocking off the restricted section as he could, Harry tapped the cover of the gifted book with his wand, before reaching out and doing the same to a random book on one of the many shelves in the roped off section.

Straightening himself out, Harry excitedly flipped through the pages hoping to see some kind of text. To his immense relief and total excitement it had worked.

Barely restraining himself from whooping in joy, he looked to see what he had copied. It turned out to be a spell book written by a mercenary. Harry hadn't even aware that the wizarding world had mercenaries, but learning about their presence wasn't a surprise. Taking a closer look, he saw that there were stories of what the mercenary had done, coupled with all types of useful spells. Just flipping through the pages he caught glimpses at a memory charms, a tracking charm, many different wards, and even a spell on how to create illusions to fool your foes.

Smiling to himself, he tucked his new favorite book under his arm, and went in search of somewhere he could turn visible again.

By the time he had found a place to take his robe off (and made his way back out of the jungle of bookcases) Cho had arrived. She was sitting by herself with a book opened in front of her, but instead of reading, she was continuously looking around the room for something. Harry was guessing (and hoping) it was him.

He quickly crossed the room, making sure to make just enough noise for her to hear him coming. He didn't want to pop up out nowhere and scare her. His attempt to announce his presence worked. He was only a couple of feet away from her when the sound of him bumping into a chair caused her to turn.

He felt his stomach squirm when he saw her eyes light up at the sight of him.

"Sorry if I'm late," he apologized. He slid into the seat beside her. "I made it here a little early and went ahead and grabbed my book."

"It's fine," she said giving him a smile. "I've only been here for small time myself. I went ahead and found what I needed as well." She held up a book on potions. "I want to thank you for letting me come with you. I know we're supposed to be silent while here, but it's still comforting having someone to be silent with."

Cho had overheard Harry talking to Blaise earlier in the day about needing to make a trip to the library. Before she had known what she was doing she had asked if she could meet him there.

When she asked to join him, it had come as much of a shock to Harry as it had her; but in a way it wasn't an unwelcome one. He had readily agreed, and had told her to meet him there at three.

"Oh," he said sounding and looking hurt. "Anyone would have done, huh? And here I was hoping you wanted to spend some time with me."

Cho was shocked that he had taken what she had said wrongly. "I-I do, I didn't mean it like tha-" She stopped her apology when she realized he was messing with her.

Sighing she crossed her arms sending him a mock glare. "You're as bad as Katie! You love messing with me!" She jutted out her shiny bottom lip, in a cute pout.

Harry smirked at her as he ripped his eyes away from her lips. "You say that like it's a bad thing!"

She simply rolled her eyes at him, trying to hide her smile. "I seem to only attract the attention of troublemakers."

"That, and the fancy of every boy within at least two years of age of you." Harry snickered as she turned red at his words.

While he enjoyed making her blush, he also enjoyed being able to talk to her. So decided it was best to go easy on her. At least for a little while, anyway. "I saw the notice board this morning. Quidditch tryouts are this weekend. Do you plan on going out for a spot?"

"Yes I am. My friend Marietta told me about them." It would have taken someone with a higher level of skill in reading body language than Cho to notice Harry tense at the mention of Marietta. He still felt anger toward the girlfor betraying him and the rest of the DA, but shook it off to better listen to his crush. "I see myself as more of a seeker, but last year's runner up for the spot is trying out again this year, and I don't see myself being able to beat him. So I'm going to try out for a chaser spot instead."

"I hate to say it, but I'm kind of happy you won't be going out for seeker."

"Why?" Cho asked, while going through her bag.

"I'm going to try out as well," he told her. "I'd rather be on a team with you, than face off against you and one of us lose."

A look of concern crossed her face as she stopped digging in her bag. "Just be careful. The boy I told you about before is well-known for being an... aggressive flyer." Her dark brown, almost black eyes bored into his, showing that she was truly worried about his safety.

"Don't worry about me. I'm more than capable of taking care of myself." He said, feeling an overwhelming need to press his lips to hers. Knowing it was too soon to make a move like that, he reluctantly broke eye contact with her.

Needing something to distract himself from her eyes, Harry started searching his own bag for some of the blank scrolls his mother had given him. She had known that he'd want to copy spells and information using Remus's gift, and thought the instant ink drying scrolls would come in handy. "Especially when I'm in the air." He told her.

Having been digging in his bag, he missed Cho's disappointed look when he turned away from her. A look she quickly hid from the world.

"Is that you being overly confident, bravado you're putting on, or are you really as good as you think you are?" She asked in a teasing voice. She had started to dig in her own bag again.

Without looking at her he smiled and answered. "I guess you'll just have to wait and see." He was still digging through his things and was thinking the expansion charm might have been a bad idea, when he caught a glimpse of movement in her bag. What he saw shocked him. "Is that paper talking about the break in at Grinngotts?"

Cho nodded her head, pulling out the several days old, copy of the Daily Profit. "Yes it is. I was reading it Friday when it came out, but I lost track of time and had almost read all the way through lunch." She gained an embarrassed look as she spoke. "When I realized the time, I shoved it in my bag and made a mad dash for the Great Hall. I had completely forgotten about it until you just saw it."

"Do you mind if I take a quick look at it?"

Cho handed it over and went to looking through her potions book while he read.

The paper turned out to be the same issue as he and Ron had read back in his first year. Was it just chance that he had happened upon the same paper that had lead to him to trying to protect the stone in his first life? Or did he have the misfortune of having a third god, named Fate, taking an interest in his life? Either way, he wasn't sure what the right move was, or how it would affect the future.

Should he try and protect the stone from Voldemort, or would Neville be the one to save the day? Harry didn't know what action he would be taking, but he was sure one thing. He was going to have to hunt down the Mirror of Erised, and make sure it was placed as the last protection. Without it, getting the stone would be all too easy for Voldemort.

"I feel sorry for whoever the bad timing thief is. He now has a nation, of blood-thirsty goblins after his head. But I'm sure whatever it is they were after was worth it." Harry joked. When he didn't get a response from her, he looked up to see her staring at her book. The thing that was strange about this was that Cho, had a look on her face that spoke of being uncomfortable with hints of fear thrown in. "Cho," he said placing a hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," she said giving him a forced smile.

"If I did something to make you uncomfortable, then I'm sor-." Before he could say anything else, Cho had started shaking her head.

"No, i-its not you," She said, but winced as she realized she had said too much.

"If it's not me, then who?" Harry asked, almost bordering on demanding.

Cho didn't answer, only glanced across the room, before looking back down toward her book.

Harry followed the direction of her glance, and saw someone he had last seen in news paper articles after his death. Standing across the room, not even pretending to not be watching them, was none other than Cedric Diggory.

The sight of the boy he had once watched be murdered, was like a physical blow to Harry. Memories of the other world's Cedric swam through his mind at a speed that was almost nauseating. Cedric standing to the cheering of all of Hogwarts, him pacing back and forth minutes before facing his dragon, him spinning with a stunning older Cho in his arms during the Yule Ball, and the surprised look on his face as the green light of a killing curse struck him. The cheerful feeling he had gained since meeting Cho for the evening quickly died away, only to be replaced with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

Harry had closed his eyes as he thought of Cedric, but as he opened them, he received his first good look at the older Hufflepuff. What he saw shocked him more than when he had first seen. Gracing Cedric's handsome features was a look of pure unfiltered hate. So intense was the look that the part of Harry that had been hardened by war, screamed at him to strike down his former friend before the boy had the chance to do the same to him.

Harry swallowed, trying to fight down the taste of bile in his mouth. "Wow, bloke really knows how to stare, doesn't he." Harry joked, even though he saw nothing funny about the situation. The look in Cedric's eyes was unnerving him. He had seen that kind of stare before. But for all Harry was worth, he just could place where.

"Tell me about it!" Cho said, not sounding any more amused than Harry had. "He started watching me toward the end of last year. It wasn't much, just his eyes trailing me as I left a room, or entered. But since coming back this year, his stare is almost - I don't know what it's like, but it scares me." She turned her almost black eyes on him again, but this time Harry held her stare. Knowing that looking away would be the wrong thing to do.

"Maybe his mum never taught him it's not nice to stare at people." He joked once again. He was hoping to ease her worries by being playful.

She knew what he was attempting to do and her eyes held gratitude for his efforts, but were still shining with nervousness.

"Listen, I can tell you're still upset. If I were you, I'd make sure to be around people at all times. Marietta, Katie, random groups of passers by. Anyone, just be sure to not go off by yourself."

Cho nodded, but threw a worried glance in Cedric direction. "Maybe Katie and the group thing would work, but Marietta wouldn't." She wasn't looking him in the face as she spoke, and once again missed his reaction to her friend's name. "She thinks I should be happy such a good looking guy is interested in me. She would most likely help him corner me," she said not noticing the contempt her voice held as she talked about her 'friend'.

Harry knew she was still upset, so he decided to go out on a limb, hoping he could help ease some of her concerns. Knowing it could very well come back to bite him in the ass later. Pulling out his wand, Cho and Cedric both watch as he flicked it, just before a shimmering dome appeared around Cho and himself, before blinking out of sight.

"Now then, no one can hear what's said between the two of us now." He told her earning a surprised look from Cho. Over her shoulder Cedric seemed to be swelling in anger. Was it possible that he had been able to listen to what they were saying this whole time? It wouldn't have been hard to do. All it would take is a simple charm for enhancing his hearing and he could easily have been listening in. Harry knew he was going to have to be more careful about what he said and where. "Now I'm going to ask you something, and I want the truth out of you, alright?"

Cho's nervousness had died down and was being replaced by curiosity. "I'll try to be honest, but if I don't want to answer something, I won't."

"I would expect nothing less." He paused for a second to think about how to go about his plan before continuing, "Do you think I'm a bad person?"

She seemed surprised by his question, but answered quickly anyway. "Of course not!"

"Even after you saw me pull a knife on someone? Even though you know I most likely have weapons on myself at this second?" He stared at her looking for any signs that she was about to bolt. "Do you still trust me after all that?"

She took longer to answer this time, but still her answer was the same. "Yes."

"Then I want you to take this." Reaching into his bag he quickly pulled out his invisibility cloak. He chuckled at her shocked look, as he dug into the robes pocket, before pulling out the same dagger he had held to Draco's throat. He had made sure to sit in a way that had Cho blocking Cedric's view of what he had.

At seeing the dagger, Cho held her hands to her mouth, trying to stifle her gasp of shock. Looking around to make sure nobody was looking, she grabbed his invisibility robe using it to cover the blade in his hand. "You're trying to give me a knife?" She asked in disbelief.

"Nope," he said popping the 'p', "I'm trying to give you a dagger."

Her look of disbelief only increased. "Why would I need this?"

"Let me answer your question with one of my own." Getting a nod he continued. "When he looks at you, do you feel like he might try something?"

Cho almost glanced at Cedric again, but stopped herself from doing so. "I don't know. I just know that when he watches me - I feel frightened."

"And that's why I'm giving this to you." He placed a hand on top of hers. Both of which were still using the robe to cover the blade. "In all honesty, I don't think he'll try anything, or maybe it's just me hoping he wouldn't. Either way, you might accidently end up alone with him, and he decided he wants to try something. If you were to try and duel him to get away, do you think you could win?"

"No," she answered honestly.

"Then you should take the dagger." He told her. "Most wizards think that if they get your wand, they've won the fight. If you have this, then you could protect yourself from any would-be attackers. And if nothing else, it will give you a better sense of protection."

She hesitated for a moment, before uncovering it and taking it from his hands with her own shaking ones. As carefully and as fast as she could place it in her bag. "Thank you."

"No problem," he said, giving her one of his charming smiles he knew girls loved. "Also, just a heads up, but that dagger, is what some might call... uh, how do I say this... " He sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. "It's what some would call a dark object!"

"What?" She attempted to yell, but only managed a weak squeak. She glanced around to see if anyone had heard him. But stopped when he remembered he had put up a sound ward. "Please tell me, why you're trying to give me a dark object?"

"I didn't say it was dark. I just said some people would call it dark." Harry said lamely.

"And why would they say that?" She asked wincing.

"It kind of, maybe, sort of... blinds anyone who gets cut by it." He said rushing the second half.

Cho seemed to be taking tips from Daphne on face expressions. She stared at him with a blank look that had Harry wondering if Daphne had taken some Polyjuice potion with pieces Cho in it.

"However, all you have to do is cut them again, and their sight returns." Cho was still at a loss for words. "If you think about it, it's a lot safer than trying to use a normal blade on someone."

This broke through to her. "How so?"

"If you were going to use a normal blade on someone you'd have to hurt them a great deal to stop them." Cho wasn't in Ravenclaw for no reason. She could connect two and two. "If you use this one, you can just knick someone with it and would be able to get away without causing the other person great injury, or possibly death."

Cho silently watched him for a time. How long it lasted before she said anything else, Harry didn't know.

"The hat was right." Cho stated. He gave her a questioning look, before she elaborated. "When it said that you'd do well in Slytherin, it was right. You're very talented at getting people to see things you're way. It doesn't help that as you do so, you flash that charming smile of yours, distracting them."

Harry smiled, "You think I'm charming?"

"And manipulative," she said softly, a smile playing on her lips. "But for some reason, the more I'm around it, the more I like it."

Cho's words made Harry's stomach do the same little flip it had done when she first saw him. He was about to reply, but stopped when he saw that Cedric had disappeared during their talk.

"It looks like you're personal fan boy is gone."

Looking over her shoulder, she saw that he was right, and let out a deep sigh. "Thank Merlin, for small miracles."

From that point on the two spent the rest of the time talking and enjoying the time with the other. He copied down spells he wanted to keep, and planned to read about the merc's adventures, at a later time. While she continued looking through potion books, searching, for an elusive answer to one of Snape's impossible questions. Before either of the two knew it, it was already six. Leaving them with only an hour time frame to get down stairs for dinner.

"If we're going to eat in the Great Hall, then we better hurry up, and head down." Harry suggested as he packed his things.

"Yeah," Cho said, sighing. "You're right."

"What's wrong, didn't enjoy your time with me?"

"No, that's not it. I've had a great time," she told him honestly. "I just can't figure out this problem Professor Snape gave us."

"Maybe I can help." Harry offered. "My mom and sister both love potion making. So it's only natural they've dragged me into it as well."

"I have to find the missing ingredient in this potion, and then identify said potion." Cho said, handing him a piece of parchment with a list of ingredients, showing what order they were to be used in. There was a blank spot where the missing ingredient went.

Harry recognized the problem right away. Ron had pissed Hermione off when they were given this problem, back in their second year. Meaning she refused to help them, causing them both many hours of free time, spent trying to find the answer. She had eventually forgiven Ron and helped them.

"The missing ingredient is chopped root of Belladonna." Harry told her knowingly. "The potion itself is a weak calming draught, used only to calm nerves before taking test and the like."

Hearing this, she grabbed one of the potions books she had gotten during their time in the library. Flipping through it, she quickly found its section on calming draughts. A look of disbelief found its way to her face. "After all this time spent searching, the answer was sitting right next to me."

"How about I put all these books up, while you check out that one? When we're done we'll meet at the entrance."

"That sounds good to me," Cho said gratefully.

Ten minutes later, and they were making their way down to the Great Hall, side by side.

"Just to let you know, that was pretty amazing back there." Cho said, as they made their way down one of the many staircases at Hogwarts.

"What was?"

"Knowing the answer to Professor Snape's question. I know all the other second years have yet to find the answer. But here you are, a first year, and you knew the answer right off the top of your head." Cho sent him an admiring look that had Harry feeling heat in his cheeks. "It was very impressive!"

"Oh, that's nothing." Harry said fighting his embarrassment. "My sister Iris, is a year younger than me. She would have been able to figure that question out with less information than we had. She takes after mum, and is a genius when it comes to potions."

"I remember, you telling Hermione, Katie, and I about her." Cho said, recalling the look he had when he had talked about her on the train. Cho couldn't help but to think that it wasn't the way most people looked when they talked about siblings. But then again, she could be wrong. After all, she didn't have any brothers or sisters. "Since she's a year younger, she'll be coming to Hogwarts, next year won't she?"

Harry gave a small laugh. "Yes she will." Harry answered. "It's funny, because she was born on August 31. A day later and she would have had to wait another year, before she could attend."

"That would be horrible," Cho said with a smiling along with him. "To be denied entry by a single day. It'd be enough to drive someone crazy!"

As she said this, the two descended the stairs into the entrance hall. Where they found the door to the Great Hall closed.

"Why do they close the doors?" Harry said, not expecting an answer. "It's like they want to make it so that we can't sneak in. It's inconsiderate, is what it is."

Cho giggled cutely. "And here I thought you'd be the type to like making a big entrance."

"Oh, I do!" Harry reassured her. "But all we're doing now is getting something to eat. I hardly call that an occasion to make one of my grand entrances." He glanced over at her to see her smiling. "But then again, I was able to put smile on those pretty lips, of yours. Maybe this does call for a big entrance."

As he pushed the door leading into the Great Hall open, most of the school turned to see who had shown up late, but didn't go silent like they had the tendency to do when focusing on something, or someone.

Cho, who had a light blush from his lips comment, a moment before, was now glowing red at all the attention they were under.

"I think we're late." Harry said loudly and sarcastically.

His comment drew everything from snorts of amusement to despise filled sneers. Harry ignored them all as he made his way to a part of Ravenclaw table with an open spot big enough for two. Cho followed closely behind him, trying to copy his look of indifference, at all the staring.

Just as the two were about to sit, Harry saw that most of the professors were watching them. Feeling cheeky he sent them an exaggerated wave and a crooked smile.

Each professor reacted as he thought they would, to his greeting. Dumbledore, Flitwick, and Sprout all smiled and waved back. McGonagall sent him a disapproving glare but nothing more, and Snape seemed to take it in much the same way he would if Harry had spit in his face. But much to Harry's surprise he didn't start yelling at him. He just seemed to glare at him like a giant bat from across the hall, his black eyes roaming over every detail of Harry, as if looking for something he had done wrong. And as it turned out, Harry had.

"Mister Potter," Snape called gaining the halls attention. Harry was sure he hadn't meant to call him out in front of the entire school. Snape just wasn't that kind of person.

"It is against Hogwarts policy for you to have your bag with you at dinner. It is only allowed at breakfast and lunch to help students be on time to their lessons." Snape informed Harry and the rest of the hall. "Your and Miss Chang's bags will have to be confiscated until the end of the meal." Snape finished in his oily voice. Harry could see he was enjoying being petty, by the light in his onyx colored eyes.

"Sure thing professor," he said cheerfully, seemingly having no problem, with handing over his property. On the inside however, was a different story.

After giving Cho the dagger, she had placed it in her school bag. If Snape was to get a hold of either of their bags, there was no doubt in his mind that the Potions Professor would go digging through each bag.

Beside him it seemed Cho had come to the same conclusion. Harry had to give the girl props, she was hiding her fear well. The only signs he could see of said fear, were her widened eyes, and the trembling of her hands.

Leaning over he placed a calming hand over her shaking ones. "Give me your bag! I have a plan." He lied to her in a whisper.

Harry felt like shit when she calmed down almost instantly, handing over her bag without question. It showed just how much she trusted him. And what had he done? Lied to her! He really hoped he could figure a way out of their current predicament. Because if he couldn't, they would both be out of Hogwarts by curfew.

With a bag on each shoulder, Harry sluggishly made his way past all the looks of pity, indifference, and amusement. Most in the hall had seen, or heard about how the Potions Master, took great joy in embarrassing students. While also trying to get them to over react, so he could take points. When Harry's fellow first year ravens heard this, they had been more than surprised. While Snape had refused to give Harry his rightful points during their lesson, he hadn't shown them any of his vindictive side, and had only come off as grumpy.

At the Gryffindor table, he could see Katie watching him. Her pretty features set in a way that spoke of her dislike of what was happening. Whether it was because he had been called out, Cho being called out, or a mixture of the two, he didn't know. The twins on the other hand, were watching him, as if awaiting something from Harry. Knowing them, they most likely were expecting some big prank, from the one they suspected of knowing their idol's identity. Neville and Zacharias, were both looking pleased with themselves. As if it had been they who had brought about his current predicament. As a whole, the table seemed to be filled with more pleased expressions, than those who felt sorry for him.

If Harry was to be honest with himself, the fact that most of the Lions didn't like him came as no surprise to him. After all, he had run his mouth to Neville on the very first night at Hogwarts. And even though Neville's bigheadedness was clear for all to see, even Harry had to admit that it was not unfounded. Neville was an excellent student, and the Lion's new celebrity. It was only natural that Neville's enemies were now enemies of the Lion's Den.

Harry's own house seemed to have a few more looks of concern for him than there would have been just over a week ago at the beginning of the year. All of his year mates, who Harry could honestly call each one of a friend, looked to be upset about how the Potions Master was singling him out. Percy had taken to glaring at him, as if he had planned all this out just to make him look bad. While beside him Penelope, and a few seats down from her, Alice, looked to be worried about their young friend.

Even in his panic filled state, Harry felt happy to have so many in his house that cared what happened to him.

Hufflepuff was a surprise to Harry. There were by far more looks of understanding than those of dislike. The 'puffs in his year looked on with much the same looks as his own house's first years. Michael Corner was the exception to this. He seemed to be fighting to keep the joy he was feeling off his face. Cedric, who Harry had expected to have the biggest smile of all, had much the same look of loathing as he had wore earlier that day in the library.

Once again, the hate in Cedric's eyes was shocking to him. There had to be something wrong with him. Yes, Harry could see a guy getting upset about the girl they liked being around other guys, but the way Cedric looked at him made him think the older 'puff would kill him if given the chance. Sending Cedric one last look, Harry knew that he would have to not only watch out for Cho from now on, but his own back as well.

Harry didn't bother sending the Slytherins more than a glance. Him saying Voldemort's name at the opening feast had earned him glares from all of those who believed in blood purity anytime they had seen him. He did however almost give a laughing Draco, Crabb, and Goyle a heart attack when he looked each of them in the eyes. Needless to say, the three found the table in front of them very festinating after meeting his eyes.

As he drew near the hooked nose professor, thoughts of those around him gave way to ideas on how to hide the weapon. All of them as farfetched as the one that came before it.

The only reason Harry was able to keep his cheerful smile in place as he walked toward what he was sure was his and Cho's expulsion, was that the snail's pace he was moving at was quickly causing Snape to become more and more upset. His pasty colored skin, had a hint of red to it that Harry knew, was one of his many signs of anger.

'Good,' Harry thought, enjoying the man's anger. 'I can't believe I even entertained the thought of this Snape being different. Just like his other self, he loves his power trips.'

Thinking about how unfair the situation was, Harry thoughts crossed what Snape had said. And just like that, he knew how he was going to keep his things away from the greasy haired man.

He knew doing what he was planning would put him on Snape's 'shit list', but from where he was standing, it looked as if he already was. And if he wasn't, well being on his bad side was better than being kicked out. It was only a bonus that he'd get to play Snape at his own game.

Harry's slow march had finally carried him on to the platform, where the professor's table sat. He was only a few strides away from Snape, who already had his open hands out for the bags, when Harry turned on the spot, heading along the table all the way to the other end, where Professor Flitwick was sitting.

"Here you are professor," Harry said cheerfully, "our bags."

The only noise in the hall, was the sound of laughter coming from a group at the Gryffindors table. Harry was almost positive he could hear Fred and George laughter coming from the group.

"Potter!" Snape snapped, before he could hand over their bags.

'Ah! Now that brings back memories.' Harry thought. "Yes, professor?"

"Twenty points from Ravenclaw!" Snape said, somehow managing to sound smug and pissed, all at once.

"On what grounds, sir?" Harry asked innocently. He could feel the glares from Ravenclaw, being split between Snape and himself.

"Disobeying a teacher!"

"Would you care to elaborate, sir?"

"I told you to give me your and Miss Chang's bags." Snape spat. "You may have given your bags up, but not to me like I instructed you to. It's too bad you don't know how to follow simple instructions. If you had, you wouldn't have lost any of those points I've heard about you gaining your house."

It was true, Harry had gained his house quite a lot of points. Harry had impressed all of his instructors by getting perfect scores on all his work, both written and practical.

There were only three classes where he hadn't gained any points. History, because the professor wouldn't notice him, even if he was to sleep through his class. Which he had, much to the shock of his class mates. He hadn't gained any in potions, because Snape was an ass... and because he thought Harry had an unfair advantage. Astronomy, was the final class he had yet to gain any points in. The reason for this being that Ravenclaw had yet to attend a class on the subject yet. He was hoping to rectify that tonight, in their first Astronomy lesson of the year.

When word of all his point gaining reached the older 'claws, it had won over a small portion of those who disliked him in his house. Unsurprisingly, it hadn't changed Percy's view of him at all. But Harry was kind of happy about that. It meant that anytime Percy would try and call him out on something, he wouldn't feel bad about messing with the older boy.

"Actually, professor you didn't!" Snape eyes flashed dangerously, but before he could respond, Harry cut over him. "You said that Cho's bag and my own would have to confiscated, but you never specified who had to confiscate them." Snape realized he was right, and he had only made himself look bad.

"You only assumed that I would hand them over to you. Though why I would, when our head of house is sitting just down the table from you, I don't know."

Harry ignored the death glare Snape was sending him and the now louder laughing coming from the Gryffindor table, as he handed his and Cho's bags over to his smiling head of house.

Having parted with the bags, he turned to Professor Dumbledore, who was smiling grandfatherly at him.

"Headmaster, would it be too much of a bother to ask that the points that were wrongfully taken from Ravenclaw, because of someone else's mistake, be restored?" Harry asked, looking head on into the sparkling blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore. "As Professor Snape so kindly pointed out, those points taken were just a few of those I have gained for Ravenclaw. But when it comes down to it, every single one counts."

"I think that could be arranged," Albus replied, looking as if he was about to burst from his mirth.

Harry gave the Headmaster a kind smile in 'thanks'. "If you don't need anything else, I'll be going to get my dinner before its stopped being served."

"I believe we're finished for moment Mr. Potter." Albus told him kindly. "Go ahead and go back to your seat and enjoy your meal."

Nodding his thanks to the Headmaster, Harry turned, heading back to his spot beside Cho. As he crossed the hall, he took in the stares he was receiving. They were much the same as before, but now instead of looks of pity there were ones of appreciation. However, it still looked as if half of the room was sending him contempt filled glares. The muggle saying, 'you can't please all of the people all of the time,' flashed through his mind as he met their looks with those of his own.

Making it back to his seat, Cho gave him a relieved smile as he sat next to her.

"That was close," he muttered, taking a sip from his goblet.

"Too close," Cho agreed. She glanced around to see most of the table watching them. Not wanting to be over heard, she lightly moved his long hair behind his ear, enjoying its soft silky feel, before leaning in to whisper to him. "Do you think the professor will find... 'It'?"

He had to suppress a shudder, when he felt her breath playing along his ear and neck. "No," he answered, turning to look her in the eye. "Professor Flitwick is a good man. He wouldn't search our things unless he had a reason to. We should be fine."

"Uh huh." she replied unintelligently. It seemed, staring in to his eyes from as close as they were, had served to addle her brain.

"Cho."

"Yea?" She answered, still focused on his eyes.

"Eat." He told her gently.

Flushing, she turned back to her meal. Harry on the other hand, looked around the room to see who was still watching them.

Staring at Cho and himself, from over at the Gryffindor table, was Katie. She had been watching them both with a frown etched on her pretty face, a look of jealousy in her doe colored eyes. It took her a few seconds to realize that Harry was now staring back. Quickly she traded her frown for a forced looking smirk as she wiggled her fingers as if tickling him.

Harry sent her a smile of his own before she turned to one of the Weasly twins. As he watched her interact with her friends, Harry had the distinct feeling she was forcing herself not to stare in his direction.

Grinning to himself, he started filling his plate as he made a mental note about spending some time with the brown eyed Gryffindor.

It wouldn't be until later that night that he would wonder what exactly it was he was attempting when it came to his female friends.

S2ndC

Harry awoke with his dorm mates that night with less than an hour to get ready for class. Tonight was to be the night they had their first Astronomy lesson of the year.

Harry could only laugh as he and the rest of the first years made their way to the Astronomy Tower. Harry may have been in an eleven year olds body, but he was more than familiar with having to get up at this time of night for Astronomy. His year mates on the other hand, not so much.

All around him where groaning and moaning first years, who shuffled sleepily through the corridors as they rubbed the sleep out of their heavy lidded eyes. If he hadn't known any better, Harry would have sworn he was the lead in some zombie movie.

Once they reached the top of the Astronomy Tower, their groaning quickly died down as the student buried themselves in their robes. The lesson was to be held outside, on top of the tower. There was no shelter against the icy wind as it lashed at their exposed skin sounding like howling wolves. But even with the frosty wind blowing at them, most of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff were still asleep on they're feet.

Harry who was one of the last to make up, was met by Daphne as soon as he climbed through the trap door. She had pulled her robes up, so that the only part of her that was uncovered was her pretty ice blue eyes. Looking at her, she reminded Harry of the way Middle Eastern women wore veils to hide their faces.

"P-please. Warm. N-now!" She pleaded as her frame shook with her trembling.

His wand was out and casting before she had finished asking.

"I can already tell, I'm going to hate this class," Daphne admitted softly. She had pulled her robe off her head after getting Harry's warming charm, but was still pulling it tightly to her as if to not give the chilly night wind another chance at freezing her.

"You'll be fine. I'm just going to have to teach you a warming charm. That way if you ever get cold and I'm not around. You'll be able to cast one on yourself." Harry told her, before the two fell into a comfortable silence. Both failed to see the person climb through the trap door.

Professor Sinistra was running late. By the time she had made it up to where her class would be held, all of those she would be teaching were there. Seeing her students half awake, she gained a mischievous smirk. Holding up her wand, she gave it a little twist, making a loud Bang come out of her wand.

Harry still had his wand out when the sound went off. He jumped in fright, quickly turning as he landed, his wand held high to fend off what had made the noise. However, as soon as he saw that it was Professor Sinistra who had scared him, her wand still smoking in her hand, his hand blurred from the speed he used to pocket it.

Sinistra looked around at the shocked Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs, with a sweet smile on her beautiful face. She really enjoyed messing with student during their first lesson.

"Welcome, to Astronomy," she greeted, ignoring the large number of glares and the two or three love stricken looks she was receiving. "How did you like my little wakeup call?"

The lesson went smoothly after their professors surprise wake up call. Much to the class's relief, she had not gone on and on about her subject, like all the other professors had. A simple warning of 'Don't fall off the tower,' and a quick over view of what they would be covering in their time together and she had them star gazing within thirty minutes of the class starting.

When the class had been told to find a spot to set up their telescope, Harry had taken a spot between Kevin and Hermione, and made short work of the assignment Professor Sinistra had given.

He had just finished, when he glanced over at Hermione. He was surprised to see how distracted she seemed. She would look through her telescope for a few brief seconds, before throwing embarrassed looks at something behind them.

"Hermione," Harry whispered.

Even though Hermione barely heard him, he still managed to make her jump. She sent him a guilty, yet puzzled look.

"I know it must be hard on you always losing to me in class. But that is no reason for you to give up completely! I'm sure if try hard enough then someday you might tie with me."

Hermione glared at him, before a determined look crossed her face as turned back to her telescope. For the remainder of the class, she would only raise her head to quickly jot down answers on her star chart.

Though she didn't see him, Harry smiled at her determination. He had known his words would light a fire under her butt.

Since classes had started, Hermione had been unable to beat Harry in any of their classes. It was clear for all to see how upset she would become when out done by him. Even though he wasn't the only one to outdo her, he was the only one to outdo her in all of their classes. Harry figured it was the fact that the classes seemed so easy for him, while also being a bit of a trouble maker that upset her about being out done by him.

All this added up to her seeing Harry as being the one to beat. This mind set had created a friendly rivalry between the two. And while Harry couldn't call them as good of friends as he once had, Hermione was happy. To him that was all that mattered.

It was very late, or very early, depending on how you look at it. When Harry strolled in to the Ravenclaw common room. Followed by the exhausted forms of his fellow year mates.

As they made their way to the stairs leading to the dorms, and more specifically their beds, Harry was making his way over to see if there were any new notices.

"Hey guys, guess what!" He called excitedly from his place by the notice board. Slowly his year mates turned to him, all with questioning looks. "Tomorrow, we have our first flying lesion."

At once, all of the boys looked as awake and excited as Harry did. As a group they rushed over to see the notice. On the girls side however, only Su Li and Morag seemed to care about the coming lesson. They too made their way over to the boys, while the rest of the girls either rolled their eyes at the annoyingly awake group, or pretended they didn't exist as they sleepily made their way to bed.

S2ndC

"Aggh!"

"Hey Anthony."

"Yeah?"

"Shut it!" Kevin ordered. Hearing his friend groaning was getting on his last nerve.

It was the morning after their first Astronomy lesson, and all of the Ravenclaw first years were sitting in their common room waiting for ten o'clock to roll around. Normally, they would do what most 'claws with too much time on their hands do, and use the time to read. But the thought of their first flying lesson made attempting to do anything constructive near impossible.

"I'm sorry," Anthony apologized, slumping down into his chair. "I just can't seem to sit still for La Fay's sake. I mean we are going to fly. In the air! On brooms!" He hopped out of his chair and started pacing, back and forth. "How in the name of Merlin am I supposed to calm down?"

"I know, I know." Kevin said waving off his apology. "I'm excited to. I just wish I knew more about what we're doing. Besides knowing we're going to be flying on brooms, I don't know what to expect. It's got me a bit snappy."

Padma, who was one of the few that wasn't hyper ventilating, spoke from behind her book. "If you really want to know about flying, from someone who I hear is excellent on a broom, then you should talk to Harry."

"Huh?" Harry asked as he laid down his copy book. He noticed that most of their band of friends were looking at him. The exceptions being Padma, Daphne, Blaise, and Mandy. All of whom were hidden behind books. Hermione had the all too familiar book 'Quidditch through the Ages', in her hands but had joined the others in staring at him.

"I told them that if they had any questions about flying, they should talk to you." Padma answered once again from behind her book.

"I have no problem answering anybodies questions." Harry responded, earning himself a round of grateful smiles. "But if you don't mind me asking, how do you, Padma, know I'm a good flier?" He asked staring at the book that blocked his view of the girl.

"Also," he said turning to face the group, "I'm surprised most of you don't know more about flying. After all, most of you are half-bloods and pure-bloods. I would have thought most of you would have grown up flying."

"The reason I know you're such a good flyer is simple." Padma said finally lowering her book. "Iris told me and the other girls how amazing you are on a broom, amongst other things."

"Other girls?" Harry questioned warily.

"Over the summer my sister, Daphne, Astoria, Hannah, Susan, Iris, and myself all had a sleep over." She told him, not caring that the others was listening in. "All Iris talked about was how amazing you are. Which was a big change from how she used to talk about you." She paused to give him an apologetic smile. He returned it with one of his own, showing her it was fine. "But during one of her lectures about how amazing you are she told us how skilled a flier you are. She said seeing you fly made her want to learn."

Harry was beaming as he listened to Padma talk about Iris bragging about him. The fact that he was hearing second hand about how she had talked to her friends about him had made his day. But if he was to be honest with himself it, under all the elation he was feeling, was deep fear and worry.

It honestly scared him how much of a sway she had over him. He didn't know what he was going to do about the longing he felt for his sister. Especially since Kar told him the need he felt for her was a part of his soul and would always be there.

How would he react when she came to Hogwarts and guys started looking at her? What would he do when she started looking back? But even worse that. How would he react the first time he saw a guy kiss her? Make out with her? Some unworthy tosser, trying to put his hands on her? How bad would he be, when she found someone to share herself with?

The thought of a man touching her quickly wiped the smile off his face as a sick feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. It was quickly becoming clear to Harry why he had acted as violently as he had to Draco's words. He had never before though of his sister in any way that involved sexuality with some other bloke. Yes, he had thought of how beautiful she was many times and had wondered how her lips would feel and taste, but that was as far as it had gone. The prospect of her doing that with anyone made his blood boil.

"Harry," Daphne called out to him in her soft monotone. "Are you alright, you look like you're going to be sick?"

Harry blinked in surprise."Yeah, I'm fine," he lied. In truth, he was close to losing his breakfast. "I just lost myself in thought. Sorry guys!" He tried giving them a smile to show he was in fact, okay. But all he managed was a strained smirk.

The ravens nodded that it was okay, even though they knew he wasn't. They had watched his face go from joy, flash almost too fast for them to notice to anger, and finally ended with him looking as if he was sick. They knew whatever it was he was thinking about was private and respected him enough to not question him about whatever it was that was bothering him. If he wanted them to know. He would tell them.

"Now then, why is it most of you don't know how to fly?"

"I'm guessing that most have spent some time in the air, they just don't live in places where they can fly when they want." Blaise supplied. "Or they're like me, and haven't ever shown a big interest in flying." Around the group there were nods of agreement.

"I wanted to learn," said Terry, "but my mom is way too protective for me to enjoy myself. The one time I tried riding a broom, she practically spent the entire time hovering cushions under me." He rolled his eyes at the memory as those around him laughed.

Harry nodded as he chuckled along with the others. He understood only too well when Terry spoke of his overly protective mother. The memory of Lily worrying over him after seeing him flying was still fresh in his mind.

"When flying, the first thing you have to realize is that if you let your fear rule you. You'll just end up getting hurt." Harry told them knowingly. "When scared, your body becomes tense and you make bad judgments. Try to keep your body lose and enjoy the feeling of being in the sky."

"Another thing that will help you when flying, is when on a broom, don't look at it as if it's just some magic object between your legs." Harry shook his head in amusement at the few boys who had started sniggering at his choice of words. "Think of it as extension of yourself."

"What do you mean by that?" Hermione questioned, giving him the same look she did her professors. While she didn't agree with him on many things, she could not deny that he had a brilliant mind and was a person to be respected when it came to his power and knowledge.

"When you walk, you don't ask your legs for permission to move, or if they feel like going on a stroll." He smiled along with his audience, all of who were paying him rapt attention. "You just get up and walk. Flying is the same. If you want to go up. Pull up! If you want to go forward. Lean forward. The broom is a part of you! Act like it!" Telling them all he could, he picked his book back up and started reading more about the mercenary's life.

Knowing he was done giving tips, discussions broke out between those who were eager to learn how to fly. Talking about what all they wanted to try. While others voiced the fear they were experiencing and how they didn't know if they'd be able to let it go, like Harry had instructed them to.

When the time finally did come for their first lesson. They made their way down to the Quidditch pitch, where they found themselves standing in parallel lines, facing each other. Like in most of their classes they were having it with Hufflepuff, making it so that both lines were mixed with Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs.

Unlike the Gryffindors and Slytherins, they didn't care if the person beside them was from their own house, or another. This was in thanks in small part to Harry's actions during their first charms lesson. Since that day and his little speech about sitting with whoever he wanted, the two houses would mix with the other, unafraid of making friends outside their own.

As those around him talked and laughed, passing the time. Harry decided to check out the broom he would be using. Kneeling, he saw that his broom was very old, with broken and bent twigs that pointed in all directions. The handle was scuffed and pot marked from years of hard use. Translation, it was a piece!

Throwing a quick look at the others brooms and finding them all in the same condition, he wondered if his advice about not fearing the broom could be safely applied to the relics they were expected to learn on. It wouldn't have come as a surprise to him if the brooms failed to sweep a floor, let alone hold someone up in the air.

His musing was interrupted by the arrival of their flying instructor. She had short, silver hair that looked as if she had just gotten off of a broom after a rather intense flying session. Her face reminded Harry strongly of a bird. Her cheek bones that were quite high for a woman and she possessed sharp intense eyes that darted back and forth above her slightly pointed, beak looking nose. If her looks where anything to go by, Harry would guess that the woman's animagus form to be an American Bald Eagle.

"Alright class, no dilly dallying." She called out to them. "First, I want you to stick your hand out..."

The lesson had gone a lot smoother than his original had. No one was hurt, nor did anyone try breaking the rules. It wasn't long until Madam Hooch had given them permission to fly around as they would like, with a stern warning not to attempt anything out of their skill range.

Harry, who hadn't been on a broom since before coming to Hogwarts, had searched and found a bone white stone the size of his palm on the pitch. Mounting his broom, he flew high above where all the rest of his class had gone and a ways off from them. Not wanting to accidently hurt someone, he faced away from the direction of the others and chucked the small stone as hard and far as he could.

He hung in his spot, high above the ground, watching the stone lazily as gravity added to its ever increasing momentum. Just as the stone passed the halfway point between the ground and the height he was suspended at, he laid flat to the broom that, had been used by the school even before his father and mother had attended Hogwarts.

Harry was an excellent flyer and was able to make the broom go at its maximum speed. Pushing it to the point that the handle vibrated painfully in his hand and had started to give off a faint whining sound as he pointed the broom straight down at his target and the ground.

Far faster than he had expected to on the school broom he had caught up to the stone. Casually he reached out and grasped it, pulling it out of its fall before he leveled himself out. As he flew low to the ground, feet grazing the dew covered grass, he gazed pensively at his make shift snitch.

He was drawn out of his musing by the sound of cheering from overhead. Above him were the rest of the Ravenclaws, and all of the Hufflepuffs. From the way they were cheering and flying toward him, Harry guessed that his dive hadn't gone unnoticed by his class mates.

Getting that familiar feeling in his chest that one gets when being praised for doing something their proud of, he raised the stone high in his fist much in the same fashion as he had every time he had made one of his many catches while playing as seeker, for Gryffindor.

He continued flying around the pitch waiting for the group to catch up with him, however. It soon became apparent to everyone that even though he wasn't pushing the broom he was using to its limits, they would be unable to catch up to him anytime soon.

As funny as he thought it would be to lead them around the pitch like a mama duck does her babies, he landed near Madam Hooch, who was giving him a calculating look.

"Mate that was amazing!" Kevin yelled as he landed beside Harry. He was the first of the group of first years to touch down. "I was sure you were going to crash."

"Blimey," said a stunned looking Morag. "Your sister wasn't joking about your skills on a broom, aye."

"Please Harry, teach me how to fly like that," begged Lisa, using her pretty golden eyes as an incentive to teach her.

Just as Harry was realizing letting himself be surrounded by a group of excited first years was a bad idea. Madam Hooch came to his rescue.

"Mister Potter!" She called to him. At once the pumped up group around him parted to give their flight instructor a path to him.

"Yes Professor?"

She came to a stop just a couple of steps away from him, fixing him with the same calculating look from before. "That was some impressive flying you just did. I haven't seen one of these school brooms do any flying as pretty as that since taking post her at Hogwarts."

He blushed at the complement. It wasn't every day that a former pro complements your flying.

"That means a lot coming from you, Professor!" He told her honestly.

"Oh," she said in surprise. "A Harpies fan, are ya?"

Harry couldn't fight the smirk that broke out on his face. "What's there not to be a fan of? Seven pretty women, playing and winning in a male dominated sport. Add good food and a bit of Fire Whiskey and you have a party."

Everyone around the two paled and took a step back as they listened to Harry's response. They knew he was going to be killed and didn't want to be in the line of fire when Madam Hooch went after him. What happened next however, no one expected.

Madam Hooch let out a loud bark of laughter. "It seems like it wasn't only James talent on a broom that you inherited from him," she said as she wiped at her eyes as her laughter died away, "but his charm and sense of humor as well."

"Better those attributes than his looks." Harry stated with a mock shudder. "You have no idea how joyous I am that I take more after my mother in the looks department." Though as Madam Hooch laughed once again, Harry thought about how Iris's looks took more after their father and she had to be one of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen (and he had seen Fleur on her wedding day).

"I like you kid." She had forgotten that she was supposed to be teaching her class, and was now more focused on Harry. "Do you plain on trying out for your house team next year?"

"I do, but first I'm going to try out this year."

Madam Hooch gave him a pensive look. Was he being cocky in thinking he could make his house team, or did he have the ability to back up his plan?

"You do know the chances of you making the team are miniscule, right?" She asked him bluntly, not bothering to hide the disbelief in her voice. "You'll not only have to beat out older students, but do so on a school broom." She glared at the brooms in the hands of the first years with contempt. "And even if by some chance you were able to beat the more experienced players, you may still end up getting passed over for your chosen position, by someone who is allowed to have a better broom than you."

"I know all that," He told her, surprising those around him with the confidence in his words. "But it doesn't matter, really. I plan on beating anyone who gets in my way. And if my beating more experienced players, on a piece shite broom isn't good enough for them, then I don't want to be on their team."

Madam Hooch was impressed by the first year. So much so that she didn't care that he had cursed in front of her, a professor. Not that she was the type to get upset about a word being used. She found herself looking forward to the Ravenclaw tryouts, and seeing if he could back up his claims on winning a spot on a house team with one of the 'shite' brooms.

"I'm assuming you're going out for the seeker spot, right?"

"Yes."

"Then it's you're lucky day then boyo!" Using her wand she conjured a number of snitch sized balls, of many different colors. All of which hung in the air around her shoulders as if waiting for her command. "I'm going to help you prepare," she said smirking deviously. "Now Fetch!" She yelled as she flicked her wand causing the conjured balls to shoot off in all different directions.

Harry mock glared at her for being treated like a dog before a smile escaped to his lips. In one fluid motion he hopped on the battered, old school broom and had taken off after the pretend snitches, barely missing the head of Michal Corner in his rush after the projectiles.

He knew he was going to make the team. After all, he had played for Gryffindor for six years. How hard could it be to make it on the Ravenclaw team?

AN: This chapter was already finshed when the last chapter was posted. Thats why this chapter was posted so soon after ch.15. Now as for ch17... well lets just say I've hit a wall. I've been having trouble with writing it. I made some head way with it, but don't expect to see 17 for a while. Sorry!

On my profile, I have posted challenges I'd like to see taken on. They are all story ideas that I myself would like to write, but with how little time I have and the fact I doubt I could find someone to beta them for me, I don't want to attempt them. Now if I could find someone willing to beta them I might take a run at them but I'm having a hard enough time trying to get all of this story beta'd.

Some of you may remember when I said I didn't think the polls I posted where that big of a part of the story. I still don't. This new poll however, is. I admit that I need help and thats why I'm letting a poll decide the out come. The poll is about Daphne, and whether or not she should be added to the harem. And just to let you know there is more than one option.

Finally I would like to send out a plea for help! Anyone who would be kind enough to beta early chapters of this story please PM me. Even if its only chapter, it would be very much appreciated.

Like always thank those of you who review and I hope to see all of yours soon.