As I am NOT the original author of the Harry Potter series, who as anyone should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here. On with the story.

Chapter 28 Quidditch?

Tuesday morning Molly Weasley was puttering around the Burrow making breakfast for two after a summer of feeding four or more depending on which of her children decided to spend the night at home when the delivery owl dropped of the Daily Prophet. She removed it from the owl intending to place it as always beside her husband's plate for him to read prior to leaving for work at the Ministry of Magic when the headline caught her eye, "Harry Potter Married?"

Arthur Weasley descended the stairs into his kitchen surprised to see his wife seated at the kitchen table reading the morning's paper while their breakfast sat on the stove smoke appearing from several pans. "Molly are you alright?" He asked concerned at his wife's unusual behavior.

"What, Oh yes Arthur perfectly fine." Molly replied distracted as she quickly folded up the paper before placing it beside his plate.

"Why then is breakfast on the stove burning?"

"OH darn," Molly said getting up and examining the smoking pots before she proclaimed, "Arthur I've ruined breakfast."

"Don't worry love. I'll catch something at the Ministry and pick up a paper at the same time. That way you can finish reading this one."

"I'd better warn you before you leave. The prophet says that Harry's married Hermione." Molly replied.

"Do you think it's true?"

"Ginny said she was wearing his ring after the Yule break and had a big confrontation with Malfoy." Molly stated

"I'll definitely leave this one with you. I'm sure there will be extras at work for me to read if I can't find one to buy." Arthur replied leaning over and kissing Molly goodbye before he disapparated.

Molly cleaned up her kitchen and made herself a new pot of tea that she was sipping while recalling a moment from last summer when she was watching Hermione watch Ron unobserved. She was looking him over like someone trying to reach a decision. Ron had grown up with five older brothers and a lenient father. That experience had left him with a lot of rough edges and far too few manners for a sophisticated girl like Hermione. Molly was aware from her son's complaints and her daughter's comments that Hermione spent the pervious years of schooling trying to smooth Ron's rough edges much to Ron's distress. Now she appeared to be judging the result. Molly knew that lack of money was not a problem. Hermione appeared to be immune to concerns about money. No Molly decided, it was Ron's rough edges that would determine if Ron passed inspection or not and in her mother's gut she knew her son was coming up short. Molly had thought her daughter still nursed a crush on Harry last summer but given how quickly she'd hooked up with Neville Longbottom after exchanging a series of letters. She felt her daughter had moved beyond the crush stand and might be coming in to her own as a young woman.

Watching the owls Hermione started when Winky appeared for just an instant leaving Hermione's copy of the Daily Prophet on the table beside her. Down at the Gryffindor table Ginny had glanced at a copy and was watching her friends at the head table realizing there was a great possibility of an explosion.

"Oh, I'm surprised it took them this long." Hermione said showing the headline to Harry.

"They claim they received an owl with the news and can't confirm it yet. Oh my this is rich." Hermione said not looking up as she read.

"What?" Harry asked looking over.

"Did you know you were trapped in to marriage by a plain dirt poor muggle born witch who is hoping to escape you-know-who's wrath by marrying well." Hermione answered.

"You've got to be joking. I'm his number one target."

"Not according to the Prophet. I've got to get one of these for my scrapbook. This one is going to mum and dad." Hermione stated only to be quickly handed several. "Thanks." She replied.

"They actually called you a plain muggle born? I guess they didn't see what you wore to that art gallery." Harry countered.

"That's your favorite outfit?" Hermione asked as she filled her plate.

"You've go to admit you look incredible in it." Harry countered.

"Yes I do but could you see the reaction if I wore something like that to Hogsmeade."

"If Dumbledore saw that outfit he'd die of a heart attack." Harry replied.

"What about that outfit I wore to that show we attended? Think Snape would notice it?"

Harry thought back to all the sexy outfits she'd worn during the summer. The one she was referring to wasn't one of his top five but he had to admit when she wore it more that one man got slapped by his date. "That wrap dress that was all gauzy and appeared to show things but really didn't," he asked getting a silly grin on his face.

"Yes, that one."

"Possible if I wore it." He teased.

"That is just sick Harry." Hermione replied putting the paper down and buttering the croissant that Winky had brought with the paper. A bite later she was looking at the croissant with a disgusted look on her face saying, "I miss Anna's cooking."

The next two day's classes passed quickly. Hermione had heard Dumbledore's comments and concentrated on her note taking knowing Harry would not remember much of the classes. She occasionally caught snatches of his thoughts as he worked his way through the various arguments and implications of his playing Quidditch for Gryffindor. During the free time they had after class and prior to dinner they retreated to their rooms where Harry used her as a sounding board insuring his reasoning and arguments were sound.

As the meal ended Hermione left to return to their room while Harry followed the other professors to the staff conference room. "What is he doing here?" Professor Snape asked as Harry entered last the door shutting behind him.

"He is a professor Severus. He has as much right to be here as you do." The Headmaster announced from his seat. A snort of disgust from professor Severus Snape signaled his opinion of that statement.

Harry for his part knew this was just the beginning of a stress filled meeting Hermione had reminded him throughout the afternoon that he needed hold his temper and be seen as an adult. The meeting began with a discussion of items obviously left over from an earlier meeting. Harry did as Hermione suggested should this occur and kept his mouth shut and his mind open noting who was agreeing with whom mentally mapping out the power structure. Hermione had cautioned him that it would take several meetings before he could reliably determine which way an issue would go depending on one or two key people. Half way though the meeting Harry was wishing the mental communication ability he had with Hermione worked over a little distance and was not restricted to when they were physically close. This meeting was as bad as History of Magic, but unlike History of Magic he couldn't prop a book up in front of him and go to sleep.

"My Quidditch captain inquired rather Professor Potter would be allowed to play seeker for the squad as he has for the past five years." McGonagall said causing Harry's ears to perk up and his attention to return.

"Minerva he only played one game last year receiving a lifetime ban for his attack on my seeker. He can't play for anyone." Severus replied in a condescending manner.

McGonagall looked like she wanted to hex Severus at that moment but Dumbledore spoke up before any wands were drawn. "Severus you know that ban was rescinded along with all the educational decrees that Dolores issued. To use that in this discussion is beneath you." He said chiding his Potions master.

"Be that as it may. He is a professor and to allow him on a house team would remove any shred of impartiality that he should have as a professor." Severus replied directly to Harry challenging him to respond.

It was only the voice of Hermione in his head constantly repeating her parting words, 'Whatever happens you need to keep your temper under control.' That allowed Harry to sit outwardly calm and allow Severus's comments to roll off like spells off a dragon's back. They might tickle the dragon a little but on the whole it would take more than one to really annoy a dragon.

"Harry you have not spoken yet what is your opinion." Dumbledore asked.

Looking the table over Harry could see only McGonagall and possibly one other that were definitely on his side. Severus was dead against him and Professors Sprout and Flitwick where probably keeping an open mind while aware his removal from Gryffindor would increase their houses chances of winning the Quidditch cup. "Actually Headmaster I'm not sure what to say. Obviously I would prefer to play Quidditch but Severus does make a valid point. I believe I can maintain that impartially and play for Gryffindor but what would the appearance be to someone who doesn't know me well? I would need the backing of the staff and be monitored more than I am now to insure I am treating all students equally." Harry said knowing no matter how carefully he crafted his arguments during discussions with Hermione he lost this point to her every time just as he knew he would now.

Pomona Sprout spoke up, "I have full confidence that Harry could maintain his impartiality in the class room while playing for Gryffindor I am sure my house would have no problems with it." She said firmly.

"Your house would be the only one." Severus countered in a whisper that still carried around the table. While his mind calculated the votes should it come to that. His house would stand a far better chance of winning the cup should he manage to keep Harry off the Gryffindor team.

Dumbledore looked around the table sizing up the vote. No matter how much he personally wanted Harry to continue playing it was obvious significant opposition existed to breaking the barrier separating student and professor any further. It had taken all his persuasive power to obtain agreement on Harry becoming an assistant Professor while still a student then he had changed it to a full Professor without discussion, no he decided this battle was not worth the price to fight. "Are there any further comments?" Dumbledore asked wanting to give anyone who wished to speak a chance while signaling this would be his decision. After a moment's pause he continued, "Seeing no one wishes to add anything. Harry I say this with regret but you will not be allowed to play Quidditch while you are a Professor, Minerva you may inform your captain of my decision."

Harry looked at McGonagall saying, "With your permission I would like to notify him of my inability. I think it would work out better in the long run."

McGonagall glanced at Dumbledore and catching a slight inclination of his head replied, "Of course Harry, if he gets overly excited you have my permission to remind him the position he occupies can be given to someone else."

"Would it be possible for me to offer my services to every house squad should they need a seeker to practice against?" Harry asked looking at Dumbledore.

"If Madam Hooch is willing to work with you I believe that would be allowed." Dumbledore replied.

"I would find that enjoyable. Perhaps you would also be willing to assist me with some classes showing some of the more advanced skills needed to play that position," Rolanda Hooch Hogwarts' flying instructor said.

"Of course Madam if it will get me in the air I'm willing." Harry replied.

"I doubt Mr. Malfoy needs the training," Snape said with a sneer.

"I should point out the only time I was beaten to the snitch by any other seeker it had a dementor escort. I agree however that Mr. Malfoy would not benefit from my help," Harry countered.

"Gentlemen this is not a productive discussion." Dumbledore said interrupting their confrontation.

After a few other items they adjourned for the day with McGonagall looking at Harry as they exited saying, "It is best done quickly."

"I'll get Hermione and head up to the common room." Harry replied.

Ron did not take the news well at all he ranted, raved, but generally kept it with in the standards for the common room. Half an hour later he looked at his sister saying, "Ginny I guess you're the seeker, and we need another chaser." Naturally as with all things Potter his removal from the Gryffindor Quidditch team made it into the Daily Prophet. The only thing surprising about it was it took two days instead of the usual one.

"Potter bared from house team! thinking of quitting Hogwarts!" Screamed the headline on the Prophet Friday morning as everyone ate breakfast.

"Harry, who was around when Ron made that comment about you quitting teaching?" Hermione asked glancing up from the paper.

Harry thought for a moment before saying, "Us, most of the team, the Creevey brothers, that's about it."

"I think we should have a little talk with the Creevey brothers. I suspect those two might be doing a little tattling to the wrong people." Hermione said a calculating look on her face.

On a Monday three weeks later Fred and George Weasley were opening, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, their store in Diagon Alley for the day when the first person through the unlocked doors was Oliver Wood their former Quidditch captain. "Hey you two how is business?" Oliver asked a big smile on his face.

"Very good Captain."

"What brings you to our store."

"At this time of day?" Fred finished up their normal ping pong way of talking.

"Actually I need a favor. I've managed to stick my neck out."

"Say it isn't so."

"You said something."

"Without thinking it through?"

"Stuff it you two and listen. I'm sure you read in the paper that Harry isn't allowed to play on any house team at Hogwarts."

"Of course Ron is beside himself. He was counting on Harry to help the team."

Oliver looked at the twins astonished that only one of them spoke. Shaking that thought out of his head he continued. "At my urging Puddlemere United looked into to the rules governing the drafting and signing of students."

Fred and George exchanged suddenly curious looks as they realized where this conversation might be going. "And?" one of them prompted.

"And it turns out that legally Harry Potter can sign a professional contract." Oliver Wood finished up.

"So what are you doing visiting us?"

"Not that we don't mind seeing you Ollie."

Oliver looked them both in the eye before saying, "If the reserve keeper for Puddlemere United happened to contact Harry Potter other teams might get suspicious but if say members of the family he normally spent summers with and who have nothing to do with Quidditch contacted him then no other professional team should notice."

"So you want us to contact Harry and see if he is interested in playing for Puddlemere United."

"Basically yes."

"So what's in it for us."

"Season tickets unless Harry chooses to make you his agents. If he does that you get a percentage of his contract."

"Tell us more." Fred said taking Oliver by the arm and escorting him into their back room.

The next morning at breakfast a multicolored owl flew in dropping a letter at Harry's plate before turning and flying off. Harry beat Hermione by fractions of a second in pulling his wand and casting a reveling charm on the letter. Getting no reaction he carefully unrolled the letter and started reading it with Hermione at his side.

"They can't be serious." Hermione whispered to Harry.

Harry re-read the letter again before replying, "If it was just Fred and George I'd say there's a good chance you are right but with Oliver involved… I tend to believe this letter."

Hermione nodded in agreement Harry's analysis was on target as usual. When she'd first thought about him as a potential husband she'd been worried that he was Ron's equal in the brains department but when she watched she realized he would come to her for help only with Ron beside him. Harry's questions were always to elicit information in a simpler form or to allow Ron to view the answer in a different light. It was one night as she was thinking things over she suddenly realized that Harry's problem wasn't a lack of smarts but a lack of friends. Harry was her opposite; where as she had valued grades above friendship, Harry valued friendship above grades.

"How are we going to work this out?" Hermione asked.

"We?"

"Yes my husband, this will require a legal contract and if you think I'm letting you sign something this important that I haven't read over you are not as smart as I know you are."

Harry had started smiling at the 'my husband' and never stopped Hermione had some buttons that were just too much fun not to push. "Tell you what let me check with McGonagall and see what the rules governing us going in to Hogsmeade are. I suspect that as a professor I can visit at any time and even escort a student or two should they need to visit." Harry replied.