Chapter 32 Meet your spouse, Firebolt, Quidditch match and Hogsmeade weekend at Hogwarts
9th February 1994, Hogwarts Castle
It was the fifth period and Harry was walking through Hogwarts. Harry was walking with Ron as Hermione was in the library, and Neville was helping Hannah along a few with Herbology. Ron needed it but he didn't want to.
**Flashback**
Harry was sitting in the Gryffindor Common room a few days ago with Hermione and Neville working on some homework when Ron entered. Ron walked towards Harry and said "hey Harry mate. I would be barking mad to fly at it before testing it with Sirius Black after you, trying to off you especially if it is such a gift that you would share with your friends although you use it the most of course."
Harry said "yeah Hermione was right. I needed to be examined."
Ron reluctantly which only Hermione noticed said "yeah."
When Ron took a seat Harry didn't tell him to leave much to Hermione's dismay but she would tolerate Ron if he became Harry's friend again. Within 10 minutes Harry and Ron were talking again like they were friends which Hermione certainly didn't like. It was not that she didn't want Harry to have friends it was the contrary she hoped he would have loads of real friends but she didn't like or trust Ron and is afraid that with Ron as a friend, it would hold Harry back not only in school and studies but also with making friends and keeping friends. Susan told Hermione that she tried to befriend him before but Ron was slightly bad-mouthing Harry last year and after her attack, he prevented Susan from talking with Harry that he would never want to be associated with a 'Puff, of course, Susan knew better now. It was one of the many reasons Susan (among others) didn't like Ron.
** End Flashback**
Harry was talking with Ron as Harry didn't have homework or at least nothing due fast in opposition to Ron they were talking about the Quidditch match this Saturday the 12th.
It was different from a normal Saturday as the second Saturday in February will be the third Hogsmeade visit. Professor Dumbledore let the school know right before Yule break that the match against Ravenclaw was preponed one week. Professor Dumbledore according to Professor McGonagall who after Yule break had with Oliver a talk as Quidditch captain and Harry's Firebolt thought it was the best idea as the Auror presence was increased during Hogsmeade visit.
Professor McGonagall told the whole Gryffindor team that it was preponed to prevent another attack (on Harry but she didn't say it). She told the team that during Hogsmeade visit the Auror presence was increased, but because of the searching and other Auror operations, it was difficult to maintain it for a long time so to prevent an attack on anyone it would be the same weekend as Hogsmeade visit so it was only one weekend. Professor McGonagall sent Amelia a letter when Professor Dumbledore didn't as he didn't want to bring Amelia more problems or at least that is what he said.
Amelia responded and said that it was a great idea and that with the increased Auror presence for that weekend because of Hogsmeade especially as she permitted Susan and didn't revoke it after the two attacks on students in particular Harry. She made sure a large Auror force would be present for the third Hogsmeade visit and with the knowledge of the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw match she tried to increase the Auror presence even more. She knew from the match before but she didn't know that Hogsmeade's visit will be the next day until she got the message from Professor McGonagall.
Harry and Ron were walking around mostly on the ground floor. Near the end of the fifth period, Harry and Ron were lazy walking and talking towards the great staircase. However, just when they turned the corner they saw a couple of Ravenclaw fourth years intentionally walk against a first-year Slytherin making her fall over with a couple of books all around her. They are her textbooks. There were also books from the library as she had a free period and was heading to the Common Room as the next lesson was potions that were in the dungeon anyway.
She looked up and was afraid as she was alone with a couple of unshed tears. She was told to be on her guard by her sister especially if she was alone. Her sister told her to never try to be alone but if it happens, try to get to the dungeon immediately or near a teacher.
She looks up and sees that most students evade her and no Slytherins. She sees a group of fourth-year Gryffindor and a couple of fifth-year Ravenclaw-Gryffindor, most of them were looking menacing at her and were slowly walking toward her. Harry and Ron were a couple of feet before the group but from Astoria's point of view, it looked like Harry and Ron were part of the group.
When Harry and Ron were only a foot away Astoria began to shed her tears especially when Ron and Harry stopped. Astoria was told to never cry where people can see her or any other weakness. She looked to the ground hoping it would not show her tears or any weakness. Harry bent down to help Astoria with her books. Harry said gently "let me help you."
Ron hissed "Harry why it is a slimy snake."
Harry sighed and said, "she is only a first year, she has done nothing wrong to us, Ron."
Ron said "I am not waiting" before walking away lazily hoping Harry would follow him immediately but Harry did not.
Astoria looks up with shiny eyes because of the tears. Harry gave her a gentle smile and continued grabbing books together which make Astoria gather the books around her. She sees the group coming closer, but she felt not alone and almost safest she ever felt with Harry just a foot away. It felt like there was some kind of connection Astoria can feel it.
When the group was a couple of feet away a fourth Gryffindor said "oh what is a little ickle first-year Slytherin doing here. Why don't we learn little girl her place before she becomes the ice princess and a skank like her sister? Maybe after ….."
Astoria has looked at the ground again to try to ignore him, keep her tears in or at least away from the group's eyes. When he stopped she looks up and immediately notices that Harry was standing while only on his knees a second ago. What surprised Astoria and made her heart skip a beat was Harry with his wand at the neck of the Gryffindor that just spoke but also had one hand grabbing the Gryffindor's tie.
Harry said, "McLaggen shut up, keep walking and don't you dare touch her."
McLaggen didn't like Harry and started to hate him more. McLaggen said, "what now Potter get nice to snakes, so you are the heir of Slytherin after all."
Most in the group looked shocked at McLaggen. Nobody would be so stupid especially in Gryffindor to dare call Harry the heir of Slytherin. Harry was mostly at Hermione's side while she was petrified and saved Ginny Weasley from the Chamber of Secrets (nobody knew it was Ginny that let the Basilisk lose, but knew she was dragged down).
Harry said "yes she is a Slytherin but she didn't do anything wrong to any of us and she isn't responsible for her OLDER sister. So walk away and don't you dare touch her."
McLaggen asked, "Potter do you even know who she is?"
Harry said, "I don't care and I don't care who her sister is."
McLaggen smiled menacing and tried to exploit Harry's arch-rival and said: "And what if she is Malfoy's little sister."
Harry said menacing "I don't care."
Harry knew he lied and hoped no one else saw through him because if she was he would have cared. Harry knew she wasn't as McLaggen said sister, not brother.
McLaggen laughed and said "really because that is Astoria Greengrass if I am not mistaken and she has only one sister an older sister. One you are probably familiar with she is in your year and that is Daphne Greengrass."
Harry's muscles tightened up as he was still mad at Daphne and he could still feel the pain from her hitting him. Sure she apologized and said she was sorry but she was still a Slytherin and they are cunning which is not immediately a bad thing though.
Harry said, "I don't care."
When everyone had calmed down from the shock that McLaggen called Harry the heir of Slytherin and saw that Harry had his wand at McLaggen's neck a few other fourth-years pulled their wand at Harry. McLaggen saw that and wanted to laugh. However, before he could Katie who was with the group had pulled her wand on the others. The group of fifth-year Gryffindors was divided half was staying out of it but the other half had pointed their wand at the group. Ravenclaw thinking what was smart and decided to not intervene and put a couple of steps away from the Gryffindors.
The fifth years were earlier released and that was why they were just approaching from class. Inside the group were Fred, George, Lee, Angelina, and Alicia who immediately backed up Katie and Harry. Fred and George had taken two wands from other Gryffindors before they knew it. The twins didn't know on which side they were on. The other four (besides the twins, Lee, Alicia, and Angelina) hated McLaggen so they kept their wand.
Harry said with still his wand on McLaggen's neck "put your wand down."
McLaggen being his arrogant self said "or what Potter. You are no match for me let's stand us."
Katie said, "I highly doubt that but with us, you are no match."
McLaggen looked at Katie and said "You s…"
Harry interrupts with a sound that looked like a growl "don't you dare finish that sentence."
Half of the group wanted to point their wand at Katie when they saw the fifth year had their wands pointed at them. One of McLaggen's friends said: "let's go Comarc."
McLaggen managed to turn his head to see what the situation was and pushed Harry off him. He said, "yes let's go."
The group with McLaggen and his 'friends' left. Harry saw that everyone pocketed their wands again and Harry said: "thank you."
Harry didn't wait for their response and bent down to help Astoria who has watched the conversation with attention and rapture and forgotten her books. When Harry bent down Astoria started to grab her books. When Astoria and Harry have all the books Astoria said: "thank you, Harry, could you give me the books?"
Harry said, "Astoria was it?"
Astoria nodded with a smile that Harry could imagine was the same Daphne would have if she ever smiled in his presence. Harry asked, "where were you going?"
Astoria said, "I wanted to go to the Slytherin Common Room before the next class."
Harry said, "let me at least help you carry the books until the giant staircase, but I don't go further I don't think the other Slytherin want me to see where the Slytherin Common Room is or the password."
Harry knew where the Slytherin Common Room was, but obviously doesn't know the password. Astoria nodded and says "really thank you, Harry."
When Harry stood up with the books immediately followed by Astoria the group of fifth years passed Harry and Astoria. Fred and George stopped for a second and said "if McLaggen bothers you Harry or you Miss Greengrass just let us know and we take care of it. We got some pranks that need some serious testing."
Fred and George laugh while walking away. Astoria asked, "are they serious?"
Harry said "about pranking McLaggen? Probably. About you letting them know if McLaggen doesn't stop? Absolutely!"
Astoria asked, "are you sure they will prank him?"
Harry nodded and said "they would prank him to stop that will not permanently hurt him maybe embarrass him for a bit but not for a very long time. A person like McLaggen can't stand being embarrassed so even a day maybe a meal is enough for him to back down."
Astoria smiled. McLaggen is arrogant and cocky. He cares too much about his appearance. Harry grabbed a small pile of books. He asked "Astoria are you going to make it?"
Astoria didn't answer and was blushing. Harry said, "I will help you."
Harry grabbed a small pile of books and walked towards the giant staircase. When they reached the stairs to the dungeon that didn't move Harry gave Astoria the pile of books and said: "I need to go to class and I don't think you want others to see me helping you as I said before."
Astoria nodded and accepted the pile of books on top of the three books she held. Harry said "bye Astoria."
Astoria said "bye Harry" hard enough for Harry to hear but not enough for anybody else.
Harry gave a radiant smile before rushing up to the closest moving stairs as he had Transfiguration and the classroom was on the fifth floor.
9th February 1994, Dungeon, Hogwarts Castle
Astoria was beyond happy. Harry Potter talked to her he even helped her. Daphne would be so jealous if Daphne didn't have a marriage contract with Harry. She was nearing the entrance to the Slytherin Common Room when she heard behind her "finally there you are Tori. Where were you? I told you to stay with your year mates between classes."
Astoria turned around and saw a red-faced Daphne standing. Astoria said "hey Daphne. I know what you said but I wanted to grab some books to read ahead and learn the spells you said I need to know that would be learned this year and some for personal use."
Daphne said, "did something happen?"
Astoria started blushing and said, "no why do you ask?"
Daphne glared at her like she knows she lied and wanted the truth. Daphne said while she was still glaring "you turn red, are very happy, carry many books isn't that too heavy? And that is not mentioning you almost have a goofy smile on your face!"
Astoria noticed Tracey not far behind Daphne. Astoria looked around and see nobody else. She can tell her sister what happened. When she mentioned Harry helped her Daphne got a light blush barely noticeable but Astoria saw jealousy in her eyes. Daphne almost growled, "come, Tori, the next period is going to start soon and I need to go to charms."
Astoria nodded and followed Daphne and Tracey into the Common Room. Daphne and Tracey helped Astoria put the books away and made sure she is with the first years before leaving quickly or they would be late for charms.
10th February 1994, Gryffindor Common Room, Hogwarts
All classes were done for the day and it was shortly after dinner. Harry was with the Quidditch team talking about what to do know the game was only two days away and he still had the Shooting star. Oliver said "as the game is in two days today's practice will be the last one before the game against Ravenclaw. Let's go to the Quidditch pitch for practice."
10th February 1994, Quidditch Pitch, Hogwarts ground
After everyone was changed and dressed Oliver was again talking about the strategy for the game against Ravenclaw. He made some last-minute adjustments to the strategy. After almost 45 minutes they walk out to fly around and try the new strategy with some older strategies.
Madam Hooch was already flying around on the lookout. However, when they were ready to start Professor McGonagall walks onto the pitch towards them. They were surprised as Professor Flitwick would be watching as added protection to this training. What everybody was that something was following. It looked like a broom.
Professor McGonagall said "Mr. Potter I think you are happy to see that we finished the examination of the Firebolt and after extensive examination, we found no curse or jinx that would jeopardize when you use it. However, I will accompany Professor Flitwick who should be here shortly just to make sure if something may happen you are not hurt."
Harry like the rest of the team was only three feet in the air immediately landed and walked towards Professor McGonagall. They now noticed Professor McGonagall had her wand in her hand and when she lowered her wand the broom lowered a few inches but levitated about two feet from the ground. It was one of the new features that only the Firebolt has if nobody holds it or it was idle while being horizontal. If somebody was riding it the feature like some others didn't work.
Harry gently grabbed the Firebolt and when he grabbed it, it felt so right and he felt so happy. Professor McGonagall waved her wand at the Shooting Star and the Shooting Star disappeared.
After 5 minutes Harry finally grabbed the Firebolt to mount it and just when he was in the air Professor Flitwick came on the pitch and said "ah Mr. Potter I see that Professor McGonagall told you. I am very curious about how you ride the Firebolt. But don't think with a better broom you can beat my house seeker, Ms. Chang isn't easily defeated. Come on Minerva we can better take a seat on the stands."
Professor McGonagall turns around and said, "yes Filius."
Professor McGonagall turns again before turning back and saying: "Mr. Potter let them see that you are a real Potter and I must say just like Professor Flitwick I am curious how good you can be with the Firebolt."
Harry nodded before shooting up and down. He was started doing tricks his nimbus did with ease while the Shooting Star wasn't able to do it. After a few minutes, Harry did some sharp turning while doing a sharp rise and sharp fall like a snitch was in front of him.
The look on Harry's face showed happiness in opposition when he was unhappy when he flew the shooting star almost like he was drowned in sadness. Every time Harry flew on the Shooting Star Katie wanted to hug him to make him feel better. Professor McGonagall had the same wanted to make Harry happy as only a grandmother could.
After almost 15 minutes Harry finally slows down and flies down to wait for Oliver's instructions as Oliver always did at the start of the training so everybody knew what they were going to do during practice at least for the first part.
When the training started the chasers were training different formations and Oliver was keeping. Fred and George were firing Bludger on Harry and Harry now needed to evade them. After 15 minutes Fred and George needed to fire Bludgers at the chasers while Harry was looking for the snitch and manage to catch it three times. For the next 10 minutes, Fred and George shot Bludgers at Oliver while Oliver tries to block the shots from the chasers Harry was to take a position high up like it was the start of a game searching for the golden snitch. He needed to spot the snitch but not try to catch it. When he spotted the snitch he would close his eyes for a minute before searching again.
Then 15 minutes the team tried new formations, attack and defence formations with Fred and George as beaters protecting them from Bludgers while Harry was following a snitch but not catching it so he can try to learn how to control the Firebolt. The last 15 minutes were the same but Fred and George were now attacking the formations to break it and the chasers were forced to change strategy on their own while also firing at Harry at random times. Oliver wasn't playing he was looking for weak spots he hasn't seen yet as he could now use Fred and George without focusing on Harry most of the practices before.
During the practice, Madam Hooch and Professor McGonagall start to smile seeing Harry play his best yet not mentioning the large smile Harry has. Professor Flitwick was happy for Harry but was afraid his house team would have a very hard time beating Gryffindor if that was even possible especially as the chasers and the beaters were very good at playing together. Oliver was no slouch and even far from it. Harry was a natural talent and even better with the Firebolt.
10th February 1994, Hogwarts
During practice two girls one in the Common Room and the other in the library were feeling very happy. They felt that just as the practice start a surge of happiness came over them and the whole time until curfew they couldn't help but keep smiling. They didn't know where it was coming from but they just couldn't stop until the practice was over.
10th February 1994, Quidditch pitch, Hogwarts grounds
The practice was over. Oliver asked, "and Harry how is the Firebolt?"
Harry smiled with a radiant smile and said "it is great. It is like the Firebolt knows what I want to do, but I think it will take some time to know how far I can go and everything."
Oliver said "that is understandable don't forget it took you a couple of weeks before you know exactly how to get the most out of your nimbus including mastering to handle it. You would get the Firebolt to the same level in no time it would just take the time we, unfortunately, don't have. Do you think you can use it on Saturday for our match against Ravenclaw?"
Harry thought while slowly nodding and said "I don't think it will be a problem like I said it looks like the Firebolt knows what I want to do so I may not master it yet and would take some time as it took with my nimbus. I am sure that I can use the Firebolt this Saturday for our match."
Oliver slapped him on the back and said: "that is great Harry."
As Harry gritted his teeth Oliver ask "do you still have pain from the Bludgers?"
Before Harry could say anything Alicia said while glaring at Oliver "of course he has Oliver."
Angelina continued also with a glare at Oliver "what you did was brutal."
Katei finished with a glare at Harry "but Harry should have never accepted it."
Angelina and Alicia said at the same time "Harry was stupid but you are lucky we didn't tell Vanessa."
Oliver looks horrified and said "you are right. Sorry, Harry, I should have never suggested it. I was blinded and it was a good practice but I shouldn't have done it. It may have been a Shooting Star I should have persuaded you to try to evade the Bludgers shot at you. I shouldn't have left the decision to you about this, it is my job as a team captain to protect my team members even if a team member wants to do something I don't think is a good idea what I didn't do with you and for that, I am very sorry. But still, I want you to catch the snitch or die trying now you have a very good broom."
Harry under a glare from Katie said "it isn't only your fault Oliver I should have been smart enough to know it wasn't a good idea even though I reluctantly accepted. It did help with resisting the Bludgers although it does still hurt and have some bruises."
After that everybody went to their locker room although Harry didn't change he would always change in his dorm and take a shower there.
In the girl's locker room after the shower while they were dressing Angelina asked Katie "and Katie what did you think of the practice to let Harry hit with Bludgers?"
Katie said, "I should have convinced Harry to not do the practice Oliver proposed."
Alicia smiled at Angelina and said, "but didn't you see the muscles that Harry formed from that particular practice."
Katie blushed. She had but said, "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Angelina and Alicia saw the blush and Angelina said "sure you didn't."
Alicia said, "he becomes quite cute and handsome, especially with those new muscles, maybe I should…"
Katie shot up to say Harry was hers (and maybe Hermione's and Ginny's), but before she could say it she saw the smile she knew she was baited by Angelina and Alicia. She dropped her head and sat down. Katie said, "okay yes I noticed and yes I like it but also Harry even if he didn't have those extra muscles but it does help."
Angelina and Alicia shouted at the same time "we already knew and WE ARE RIGHT."
Katie said "please don't tell Harry. I am not ready and even though Harry is handsome, boys are so immature at his age. He is also not ready I will tell him when I think I can or I think he is ready and I am."
Angelina said "no problem, of course, we won't tell him soon. We will only tell him when you are stalling or afraid and can't make yourself say it only then we will intervene right Alicia?"
Alicia nodded. Katie put on the last clothing and gave them both a hug and said: "I love you girls so much you are my best friends."
Angelina and Alicia hugged back before Alicia said "of course Katie. We love you too and you are also our best friend."
They all smiled at each other before putting on their robe over their clothes as it was cold outside and grabbing their brooms. When they left the locker room all the boys were waiting but they did notice Harry was still in his Quidditch clothes although that was nothing knew from the very first practice Harry likes to shower in the bathroom adjacent to his dorm.
12th February 1994, Great hall, Hogwarts
The Gryffindor Quidditch team was sitting together during breakfast as usual before a match. Everybody was awake which also wasn't unusual but the reason why was unusual.
The Gryffindor Quidditch team was held in high regard by Gryffindor's house and even the Ravenclaws couldn't deny they were good. The Ravenclaws did have confidence in their own Quidditch team mostly because of the big win from Hufflepuff. The Ravenclaws and Gryffindors were betting on who would win, who would catch the snitch, the first score, who scores most and even what the end score would be.
The Hufflepuffs didn't bet but were excited about seeing a Firebolt in action, especially in the more than capable hands of Harry. The Slytherin were thunderstruck that someone in school has the fastest broom ever made the Firebolt. It seems that Harry has a Firebolt that has somehow entered the Hogwarts gossip mill and that quickly spread across the houses.
Malfoy was whining the most. He keeps repeating that Harry didn't deserve and only he as the best seeker from Hogwarts deserved it. Nobody knew he had asked, almost demanded his father to get him a Firebolt, but his father refused. Firstly it was too expensive, especially with all the bribes he was paying as he wanted to crush Arthur's new department or at least limit the ability to act or diminish the responsibility the department has for anything that involves muggles or muggleborns. Secondly, he couldn't get his hands on a Firebolt. Most professional teams didn't have a Firebolt for every squad member. Lucius was wondering how Potter could get one.
12th February 1994, Quidditch Gryffindor boys locker room, Hogwarts grounds
It was a couple of minutes before the match will start (1 PM) and Oliver was again going over the tactics. Everybody had changed and was listening as Oliver made some last-minute changes that weren't game-winning chances but Oliver was to try to remove the weak spots.
Harry heard he needed to look for the snitch as he had the advance in speed and Cho did have the talent and would probably not follow him as Malfoy does. They were walking towards the pitch. Mounted their brooms and flew out. Oliver came first followed this time by Harry after Harry the twins and ended with the vixens. The vixens and twins flee in a V formation while Oliver had already landed near Madam Hooch waiting for Ravenclaw. Harry raced past the stands with a big smile before taking his place at the start when Ravenclaw flew onto the field.
After a few minutes, Roger Davis landed and shake hands with Oliver to start the game. When everyone took her place Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the game was one.
Angelina got the Quaffle and evades the first attempt from Ravenclaw to take the Quaffle from Angelina. Angelina passed it to Alicia who passed it to Katie who passed it back to Alicia who immediately passed it to Angelina. Angelina gave a sign and Katie and Alicia followed her in the shape of a triangle. Angelina was hit with a Bludger but Alicia managed to get the Quaffle and passed it to Katie who scored the first goal 10-0 Gryffindor. Angelina was hit but managed to stay on her broom and wasn't injured as her protection took most of the hit and the pain was mostly from shock than from something else so Angelina could easily continue the match.
Harry started flying around until he saw the snitch. He was nearing it and almost captured it but before he could he was hit by a Bludger by one of the Ravenclaw beaters but managed to stay on the Firebolt. It seems the training worked even though it hit him on his front surly leaving a Bludger sized bruise. George fired another Bludger as revenge hitting the beater that fired at Harry and making him fall. The beater was up in the air nearly a minute later.
However, because of the Bludger Harry lost sighed of the snitch. The Ravenclaw chasers try to score but Oliver managed to save all. Angelina scored followed by Katie. Harry was flying around as was Cho. During searching, Alicia managed to score twice making the score 50-0 for Gryffindor.
Harry noticed the snitch for a second time. Cho managed to stop him without a foul. Cho decided to follow Harry after that, but Oliver had told Harry at the start of a match to use his speed as an advantage as Cho did have good talent as a seeker (in opposition to Malfoy).
Harry waited a few minutes when Roger Davies manages to score once making the score 50-10 Gryffindor. Harry for the first time looks at Cho and must admit she is pretty but his attention got immediately distracted when he sees Katie fly by and score. He looks back to see if Cho is still there and she is. His eyes were drawn behind her as he was facing the Gryffindor stands and sees Hermione and Ginny that he immediately forgets about Cho. His eyes broke away from Hermione ad Ginny when he noticed a black dog again, but the dog gave some kind of smile at him at least if a dog could smile and walked toward Ron like the dog trying to find something or someone.
Seeing Katie, Hermione, Ginny, and the dog bring him back to reality and he immediately takes off as expected Cho follows him. Fred sees it and calls it "George."
George on the other side see what Fred saw and sends the closest Bludger to Fred who immediately uses his bat to direct it against Harry and Cho. Harry knew this and evade the Bludger. Cho barely manages to evade it but the Bludger does hit her leg. She still follows Harry as the Bludger doesn't hit her leg fully but only a little bit. Harry sees this and starts to turn very quickly like a snitch is. After almost 10 minutes and one goal from Alicia and again one from Roger Davies (70-20 Gryffindor) Harry manages to trick Cho when Harry went to the outside of the high stands when Cho loses him out of sight and the so-called snitch.
Almost 5 minutes later Cho sees she has been tricked as she sees Harry racing only a few feet above the ground behind a small golden ball the snitch. Cho races but she knew it was almost impossible for her to get there before Harry catches the snitch. Roger Davies scores again, but those who watched saw that Roger only allowed himself to score and demanded the other chasers to give him the Quaffle. The chasers were unhappy but did it. Followed by Angelina scoring again making the score 80-30 for Gryffindor.
The snitch suddenly goes upwards directly toward Cho and Cho knew she had a bigger chance now. Harry is only a few inches away while Cho closes in. However, the snitch knows and immediately changes direction downwards and towards the other side of the pitch where the Slytherins are. Harry takes a sharp turn to follow. On his tail is now Cho.
When they were closing in on the snitch Harry sees four Dementors in the stands. Cho follows Harry's eyes and screams. Harry had his wand just in case and cast "Expecto Patronum" which creates a shield that pushes the Dementors over. Harry had only slowed down a little while Cho has stopped completely. Harry looks at the Dementors and sees that they are actually Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and the Quidditch team captain Marcus Flint.
Everyone in the Professor stand sees what happened and Professor McGonagall said to Professor Lupin "well Remus it seems that Harry's training paid off."
Professor Lupin gave a smile and Professor Flitwick says "remarkable a third-year student able to cast more than a few wisps and can even create a shield."
All the Professors see who was playing the Dementors and that gave Professor McGonagall a mischievous smile. Fortunately, Harry was prepared and they weren't real Dementors, but these fake Dementors were in serious trouble.
Harry pocketed his wand and races after the snitch. He finds the snitch almost as soon as he pocketed his wand. Almost two minutes he catches the snitch making Gryffindor win the game with 230 against 30. Gryffindor celebrated while modest clamping from Hufflepuff, a few polite claps from Ravenclaw but is being booed by almost all the Slytherins.
12th February 1994, entrance hall, Hogwarts
Harry walks in as he wants to take the shower in his dorm. He walks with Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and Ron. The dog was gone but as he walks in he sees Professor McGonagall talking to Draco, Crabbe, Goyle, and Flint. The last thing the group hears is Professor McGonagall saying "that is 50 points off Slytherin .. each for endangering a student and no fair play. Also you four are not allowed into Hogsmeade tomorrow as you will help Mr. Filch with cleaning the trophy room. For the next two weeks in the evening, you all will have detention. Monday evening at 8 PM report to my office. You know where to report after that from me. Is that clear?"
Draco says "wait…."
Professor McGonagall interrupted Draco and almost shouted "it that clear?"
Draco wanted to argue but Flint said: "yes Professor."
Crabbe and Goyle waited on Malfoy's response as did Professor McGonagall. She said, "Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Grabbe, and Mr. Gyole IS THAT CLEAR?"
Malfoy nods and says "yes Professor" and that is when Crabbe and Goyle also nod. It looked like Malfoy was smart enough to know that saying wait until my father hears about this wasn't going to help his case in any way. Also, his father could not be bothered as his father made clear that when Malfoy wanted a Firebolt he didn't get it.
That night there was a big party in Gryffindor Tower that Professor McGonagall needed to break up around 1 AM and confiscate Fire whiskey, but she didn't dock points mostly because in her youth she also had parties like this when the Quidditch won especially if they still had a chance to win the Quidditch cup.
13th February 1994, Courtyard, Hogwarts
Harry was standing in the Courtyard with Hermione, Ron, and Neville. Harry said, "well have a good time."
Harry whispers "I see you there."
Hermione said, "please don't Harry I don't want you to get caught and the chance is large that Sirius Black is close by even with all the Aurors in Hogsmeade."
Ron was looking bored. Professor McGonagall was looking if all the students that went with the first group were allowed. Harry said, "Hermione I don't think Sirius Black will be that sloppy after escaping Hogwarts twice."
Hermione pleadingly said, "please Harry."
Harry couldn't resist the pleading voice from Hermione and said: "I will think about it okay Hermione."
Hermione wasn't happy and reluctantly nodded. Harry said "have fun Ron, Hermione, and Neville."
Neville said, "Harry I am not allowed to go for the remainder of the year."
Hermione, Ron, and Harry looked surprised. Hermione said, "why not Neville?"
Neville said, "the day after Sirius Black was in Gryffindor Tower Professor McGonagall asked for me in her office and she said as punishment I wasn't allowed to go to Hogsmeade anymore."
Hermione asked, "why didn't you say anything?"
Neville shrugged and said, "nobody asked."
Hermione gave Harry a Hermione hug and said: "if you want I can bring you something back."
Harry said, "not needed."
Ron said "great" and went past Professor McGonagall into the group.
Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry said, "Hermione here are three Galleons can you get sweets for that as a Birthday present for Ron that is a little over two weeks from now. Sweets are alright I guess."
Hermione smiled while nodding. Neville also gave Hermione three Galleons for the same reason as Harry.
Harry said, "you know what I will stay here with Neville and maybe Ginny."
Hermione gave a radiant smile and said "really?"
Harry said, "will that make you feel better?"
Hermione said, "well I will be disappointed we can't lunch together but I am happy you will be safer here than in Hogsmeade."
Harry smiled and said "if it makes you feel better I will. I have some things to do anyway."
Hermione said "okay Harry. Harry and Neville, I see you later."
Hermione gave Harry one more hug and waved at Neville before immediately joining the group that was almost ready to leave. Harry and Neville watched the group leave before going back inside and decided to sit in the Great Hall where breakfast was still going on for the people that like to sleep in at the weekend.
13th February 1994, Great Hall, Hogwarts
Harry wanted to go to the Chamber of Secrets as he had a question for Medusa containing potions and if they worked on her. Harry had found a potion for regrowing teeth. And even if it didn't work completely there was a curse that would rapidly grow your teeth. Besides that potion, he tried to find a way to get some of the more rare items for the potion to bond with Hedwig according to the familiar book.
Harry knew there were four ingredients he could acquire here at Hogwarts. The first one is Nux Myristica, a plant may be Neville wants to help him. It is in one of the upper-year Greenhouses. Harry can't go there but Neville can as he got permission from Professor Sprout. Neville told him that earlier this year as Neville was very happy he was good in Herbology. Neville said like his mother before becoming sad saying he was going to bed.
The second was also a plant known as Pritcher's Porritch. The third and the fourth one he had seen last year in the personal potion closes of Snape. One is Salamander blood as long as the familiar isn't a salamander or relative like a gecko ….. actually all kinds of amphibians. The last one is Sulphur Vive very difficult to obtain and very pricey.
The worst part was making the potion. Sure Harry thought he could make it but he can't use the potion classroom or the second girl lavatory as it also had the Chambers entrance. Harry also wasn't sure he could actually make it and the only one he could turn to that was good enough in potions is Hermione, but Hermione wouldn't do it without knowing what and even if Harry gave her parchment with the brewing directions Hermione would do it but will search through the whole library to find what she was actually brewing.
Harry thought he was actually okay or above average at least in the potion (like Neville was probably able to), but Snape was the problem. Sure somewhere really bad like Ron, Dean, and Seamus. Seamus especially has something with fire although less than the first two years.
He was thinking about it will Neville took some drink as he like Harry already had breakfast. Harry shook out of his thoughts when he felt a presence next to him. Harry looks and sees Ginny sitting next to him with a smile.
Harry said, "good morning Ginny how are you doing?"
Ginny smiled and said "hey Harry. Hey Neville. I am doing great how about you?"
Neville said, "I am great."
Harry said, "I am fine."
When Ginny heard fine she squeezes her eyes and glares at Harry. Harry said, "really Ginny I am fine."
Ginny isn't sure when Harry said fine something is wrong but he looked okay. Ginny asked, "are you tired or hurt because of the Quidditch match yesterday?"
Harry shook his head and said, "no no no Ginny I am really fine."
Ginny didn't see anything strange or weird so she said "okay" while she grabbed breakfast.
After breakfast, Ginny asked, "Harry could help me with some spells?"
Harry said, "sure Ginny."
Harry thought 'I will go to the Chamber tonight. I can ask if Dobby can bring me there.'
Harry asked, "do you have a place where we can Ginny?"
Ginny said, "didn't really think about it."
Harry said "okay don't worry I know a place."
Harry was thinking about one of the classrooms on the third floor. He wasn't thinking about the classroom he made up with Hermione but if he remembered correctly there were two other big classrooms according to the map and the distance between the classroom doors when he walked past them right before he made up with Hermione.
Harry said, "why don't we grab some books before going to the classroom."
Ginny smiled and nodded. Harry asked, "Neville do you want to come?"
Neville nodded and said, "maybe I could use some help."
Harry said "great. When we are all done let go to the Common Room."
13th February 1994, third floor, Hogwarts
Neville and Ginny were following Harry after they had grabbed some coursebooks. Harry had grabbed coursebooks but also the books out of the chamber without text.
13th February 1994, unused classroom, third floor, Hogwarts
Harry led them to a big room. Harry cast Scourgify and after almost a dozen times Harry found the unused classroom. Neville and Ginny first wanted to practice transfiguration and Harry helped them.
After that, they did charms which were fairly quickly done as Neville and Ginny were both very good in charms and Harry was barely better having got outstanding at the Yule test. When they were done at lunchtime and they went to the Great Hall.
Almost an hour and a half later they were back. Neville asked if they could do defence against the dark arts and Harry agreed. Harry helped Ginny with second-year spells and when she did that almost perfectly and was above average by spells she hasn't had in class yet. Harry decided to help her with one charm that Harry had learned this year. The charm is the Seize and Pull Charm with the incantation Carpe Retractum.
It took a few times but Ginny managed to cast it. Harry found it pretty strong especially as he let her only target books so she would be hurt if she went towards the target instead of the target to her and books wouldn't hurt her too much. Neville could do the charm but needed help with some other Harry helped him with there were two second-year spells and a few third-year spells. The only spell from the third year that wasn't needed but also couldn't be practised is the Boggart-Banishing Spell that has the incantation Riddikulus.
Harry felt a presence he hasn't felt for a few hours. He had the Marauder's map with him. Because Neville knew about it he opened it and when he searched he sees Hermione was in the entrance hall. Ginny noticed the map and Harry told her about the map. He says "this map I got from the twins. I can see everybody in the castle where they are and know what they are doing."
Ginny looked shocked and said, "you know what everybody is doing, so you spy on them?"
Harry thought 'it is the same mistake I made with Hermione.'
Harry said "not really. I mean I know where they are and if they are walking but nothing more. I mean I don't know what they are thinking, reading or anything else. I only know where they are and if they are walking, of course, I don't know where unless they are moving to a certain part of the castle."
Harry cast Tempus and saw that it is 03:24 PM. It means that Hermione had the first group back when there weren't going anymore. Harry wonders how long Hermione was already in the castle. He sees she is talking with the Patil twins, Fay, Lavender, Susan, Hannah, and Megan. It sees that Hermione had gone with them or at least got back with them.
Harry said, "I think we have done a lot don't you both think?"
Ginny gave a radiant smile and thanked Harry. Harry smiled back a bit embarrassed mostly because of the radiant smile that reminded him of Hermione's radiant smile. The smiles were different but still the same and both made Harry very happy.
Neville also thanked Harry and said embarrassingly "yes Harry I agree I really think that you helped me master some spells and charms, especially Transfiguration and make sure that I don't have a problem with second-year spells from defence against the dark arts."
Harry said "that is great Neville. I see that most of the third years including Hermione have returned. Should we go to the Great Hall as they are just outside the Great Hall in the entrance hall?"
Ginny happily smiled as one of her best friends (Hermione) had returned and Neville just nodded as Hermione is a very good friend.
I will stop here. The chapter took longer than expected as I had a little writer's block even though I knew where I wanted to go. In the next chapter, we see Hermione in Hogsmeade including the Black Grimm. Harry loses an heirloom and not all deaths stay dead. If the words count allows it. We know Buckbeak's fate and will know how Arthur is doing with the first (few) operations.
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