Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.

A/n: So most of the next few chapters will be primarily focused on friendships and character development. There will be them bonding with one another and talking, making jokes, and overall making them more like normal teenagers than just adventurous teenagers some fics have them in. Nothing against any of those fics of course, but sometimes we like seeing those bonds grow.

Chapter 14: Masters and Miladies

January 8th, 1994

Gryffindor Tower

The return of the students was a welcome change to Harry, who was excited to see his friends once again. Hearing the stories of Hermione with her parents, or Neville being respected by his gran, it made Harry smile some. The two were equally pleased that Harry got to spend time hearing stories of his parents, but Hermione looked upset at Ron's jealousy.

"Harry," Hermione said nervously, "It isn't my fault you two are having issues, is it?"

Harry immediately shook his head, knowing that Hermione always feared losing her friends, "Of course not Hermione. It is just Ron being Ron. I am sure it will pass sooner or later, and everything will return to normal."

"Are you sure?" she asked. Harry sighed, knowing this was another of her soft spots.

"Hermione. I promise you, what is happening between Ron and I has nothing to do with you. He is insecure of himself, worried he will just be another Weasley, despite him wanting to stand out and be different. He is, or at least I think he is, a friend, and he shouldn't feel that jealousy, but I can't force him to talk about it, and until he comes to me, there is nothing I can do." Harry replied.

Despite Hermione having one of the most logical minds when it came to theory and knowledge, it sometimes didn't expand to everything, especially when it comes to friends. At least now she was looking more reassured and after a hug, she finally calmed down, or at least returned to a more normal version of herself as she was reminded that exams were coming up in just a few months.

The two boys looked between themselves, grinning at their friend's antics.

January 9th, 1994

Harry finished eating his lunch, before excusing himself to go and see Professor Flitwick. Neville asked why, but Harry shrugged, "Something to do with last semester. I'll be back around later."

Having said that, he made his way up to the charms classroom, where he found the professor working on papers at his desk in the classroom. Knocking lightly on the door, he entered, causing the professor to look up. "Ah, Mr. Potter."

"Hello Professor. You said I could come see you if I wanted assistance with practicing magic?"

"Yes, though I must say, I expected it to be a longer wait before you came to see me. You looked far more cautious when we last met." Flitwick said.

"I am a cautious person, which is why I was prepared to shield myself when I knocked on the door. I wouldn't have put it past you to fire a spell at me in an attempt to test me." Harry replied.

The professor grinned, making Harry wonder what he had signed up for. "Good instincts Mr. Potter, but no. I would not do such a thing without training you first. I would hope that you have decided to accept my help?" the man asked.

Harry nodded, "I would appreciate any assistance you would offer."

"Very well, first, I wish to see how far you have gotten in your classes, specifically Transfiguration and Charms." Flitwick said, standing and walking around his desk. "What have you learned so far in those subjects, Mr. Potter?"

Harry stood in thought for a moment, "Uh, for Transfiguration I have learned some inanimate conjuration, mostly spears, knives, and marble, along with transfiguring wolves and snakes, and conjuring snakes. For Charms, I have learned a few animation charms, some different force-movement spells, like Depulso and Accio, several elemental spells, including the firebomb, fireball, and two variants of the lightning spell. I learned several ice variant spells, and some different charms to change the environment to my advantage."

The small professor nodded, and conjured a target. "Show me what you know."

Harry spent the following hour firing off different spells, each one draining him little by little, but he kept going. After an hour demonstrating each spell, sometimes multiple times, Flitwick finally asked Harry to stop.

"I must say, you have an impressive variety of spells. Where did you find such magic?" The professor asked.

"Uh… Advanced Charms by you, Beginner Elemental Magic, and A Master's guide to Dueling." Harry responded, the last hesitantly.

"Well, I must say, the last book is unexpected and generally hard to find, but it is one of the best out there. How much have you learned from it?"

"I've gotten through silent casting, something I have actually begun applying to classroom spells, though it doesn't work well for me in Transfiguration yet. I've been working on mastering Spell chains, which some I have altered to better fit different uses."

"How so?" The professor was intrigued. Perhaps Mr. Potter was a natural dueler, and if so, and he learned quickly, it would be worth seeing if he would join the dueling circuit.

"Well, say instead of a Bombarda after a Bone-Breaker, you use a Fulmen Sol. It starts with the same upward flick, but requires a different shield as a Protogo is weaker to the elemental spell compared to the Bombarda." Harry replied.

"Interesting, but quite well thought out. I must say, I am impressed. Perhaps we should have a mock duel, and see how well you are in an actual fight." The professor replied, drawing his own wand and flicking the desks away.

Harry smiled, mistaken in the fact he thought this would be fun. He had no idea what was about to happen, but the Professor did.

The duel started out with Flitwick gauging how far Harry could be pressed, poking and prodding at his defenses, and seeing how well the boy could dodge. Once he was satisfied about everything, he pushed the fight hard, making it impossible for the child to fight back much. Still, he was impressed that Harry managed to fire several spells mid dodge with some accuracy, including a bone breaker which had caught the professor's hand.

It didn't change anything, as it wasn't the professor's wand hand. It only caused the master dueler to put more effort in, and after a minute more, broke Harry's shield and hit him with a banisher and stunner. Flitwick sighed as he healed his hand, and looked at the child that was now laying on the ground.

Never before had he met someone so close to being like himself. He could tell now that Harry would be a force with a wand, and possibly even be able to beat him in a duel by the end of his schooling years, if not sooner. Harry only lacked the experience, but the natural instinct was there, that natural awareness of what was around him, what he should do next. It was a rare thing, natural foresight, but not truly an ability, but more of a sixth sense. If trained, Harry may well be the best.

Harry awoke with a start, and felt the ache through his body. Groaning, he rolled to his side and pushed himself up. "What happened?"

"I broke your shield using a piercing hex, and hit you with a banisher and stunner. You're probably feeling sore from the former."

Harry sat on the floor, focusing on his Occlumency to remember the fight. It seemed to cut off right as the banisher hit him, but he guessed that was normal. "Dang, and I hoped to win."

Flitwick laughed, "I don't mean to be arrogant, but I am an eleven time dueling champion, with many top three finishes. You are good Mr. Potter, perhaps better than any this school has ever seen at your age, but you have a lot to learn before you are capable of winning a duel against me. Perhaps before you finish your seventh year you will win though."

Harry frowned but nodded, "I'd be happy to learn, Professor."

"Very well then. Meet me every Monday and Thursday morning, at five thirty. We will practice until seven, and on Sundays as well, from six in the morning to ten." The professor instructed.

Harry nodded and stood, "Thank you professor. Is your hand ok?"

"Already healed. I will teach you basic first aid so if you sustain such an injury, you will be fine to continue a duel uninterrupted." Harry nodded, glad he hadn't caused any permanent damage.

As Harry made it to the door, the professor called out one last time, "Mr. Potter, don't take your loss today in discouragement. You have more potential than even I do in dueling. I'll explain one day in the future, but I can promise we will do our best to harness that potential."

"Thank you professor, I will do my best." Harry replied with a small smile. He walked from the room, fully intending on taking a shower.

The professor smiled and spoke to himself, "Of that I have no doubt. You'd be proud of him, Lily."

January 25th, 1994

Hogwarts

The next few weeks had passed uneventfully. Well, in the sense that nothing was occurring. Harry was often tired by the time he went to bed. Besides dueling and quidditch, which had increased their practices once more, there was also teaching Hermione and Neville, both who were excelling in their lessons. Hermione had managed to get a good grasp on nonverbal magic, and Neville had begun learning it as well, though the boy was more inclined to learn new spells and Occlumency first.

Harry sighed as he attempted to eat breakfast, feeling stiff after yesterday's dueling practice and later quidditch practice. Having both in one day sucked, and his body was clearly protesting in agreement. He had even cut his morning workout down today, as he could barely move. Harry was so far into his thoughts he didn't notice someone walk up behind him until she had her hands on his shoulders, squeezing them gently.

"Oh that feels nice." Harry sighed. He heard a soft laughter.

"I bet it does. You wouldn't quit squirming and rubbing your arms. Auntie does the same thing after her Auror training." He heard Susan reply. "Though I have no idea what training you are doing. Your shoulders are locked up."

"Quidditch and dueling." Harry said, disappointed that she stopped and sat down, joining him in eating. "Flitwick is a hardcore trainer, and so is Oliver. Having both in one day was a mistake."

"Oh. Yeah. I've heard about how… enthusiastic your captain is. And a broom would definitely cause the stiffness you are feeling." Susan said, "You need a massage, Harry. You'll hurt yourself."

"How?" Harry never had heard of his teammates getting them. Fred, Harry guessed, was apparently eavesdropping from further down the table, as he replied before Susan could.

"It helps reduce the risk we tear muscles during practice or matches. Have you really gone all of this time without them?" Odd, no twin speak from the wonder twins.

"Yes?" Harry asked.

"Blimey Harry, no wonder you probably feel sore. There's a few spells that can mimic the effect of a massage, though it isn't as good as a real one. I'll write them down and give them to you this evening." Fred said.

"Oliver would lay an egg if you tore something the week before a match." George spoke up.

Harry nodded. He really wouldn't want Oliver after him. That would be a terrible way to die, as Oliver would probably kill him if the Firebolt wasn't used in the match against Ravenclaw.

"Harry." Susan said quietly, looking nervous, "If you'd like, I'd be willing to help. Give you a massage I mean. I've done it before."

Harry nodded, feeling slightly awkward at having someone touch him in such a manner, but also craving that relaxation from the tension. "Thank you, I'd appreciate it."

"After lunch then." Susan replied, changing the topic at the arrival of Hermione and Neville. The rest of the morning passed like normal. Classes came and went, and Harry earned some points for nonverbal magic, as he had begun to display it in classes.

After lunch, Susan dragged him off, knowing they both had a free period. Once they found a good abandoned classroom, Harry was instructed to remove his robes.

"What?" He asked, turning red. Susan realized what it sounded like, and corrected herself.

"Leave on everything other than your outer robe." Once that misunderstanding was cleared, and Harry had ditched the black Hogwarts robe, Susan had Harry lay down on a table that she put a cushioning charm on.

Had Harry not had more self control, he probably would have made some seriously awkward noises. She had started with his neck and shoulders, then arms and back, and then legs, before starting again. While Harry felt slightly awkward having Susan's hands across him, the relief and relaxation was a million times worth it.

"I'm not hurting you, am I?" Susan asked. She got a grunted "no" in return, and smiled. Her Aunt loved her massages, and it was one thing Susan prided herself on being good at. Granted, Susan doubted her aunt knew that there were spells that did the same thing. She wasn't about to tell her aunt though. It was good bonding time between the two. She had to admit though, Harry was well toned, and she was quite happy giving him a massage too.

It was a very relaxed Harry that was shaken slightly, awakening him from his light sleep. "Come on Harry, it's time to get up. I'm done, and we have class in fifteen minutes."

Harry took a deep breath, "But that felt amazing. Do I have to?" He whined.

"Yes Harry, unless you want to explain to Professor Lupin why you weren't in class?" She asked. Harry sat up and looked at her thoughtfully.

"I could convince him to forgive me. I'm sure he would understand that this is more important."

Susan smiled as she shook her head, "I have potions, and I doubt Snape would share either of your sentiments."

Harry nodded and tossed his robe back on, before grabbing Susan in a hug, "Thank you for that, I feel so much better. I owe you one."

"Always, that's what friends are for, right?" Harry nodded, before making his way out.

January 29th, 1994

Quidditch Pitch

Harry stood with his team, getting ready to walk out into the field. He was beyond ecstatic at getting to fly on his Firebolt in the match. It was a clear day outside, and Harry was feeling great. While the spells Fred gave him weren't nearly as nice as Susan's massage, it helped after his last dueling practice. He listened as names were called off, and once he was, last of course, he walked out onto the field.

"We have all been wondering what broom Potter got for his Nimbus' replacement. Word is, he has had a new broom since Christmas, but it was kept hushed up. I can't wait to see what Potter has brought to the field today." Lee's voice rang out.

Harry was surprised no one told, but then again, only Ron would have, as the rest agreed to keep it quiet, and Harry had been using a school broom for training since the holiday's ended. Hooch's eyes widened as she saw what broom was in his hands. Harry just smirked.

She gave the callout, having the captains shake hands. Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw seeker, eyed his broom, before her eyes went wide. Harry grinned. This was going to be an amazing match.

"Mount. Set. Go." Hooch called. Harry was the first to clear the ground as he did a corkscrew before leveling out.

"My god. What broom does Potter have? Even the Nimbus 2001 can't do what he just did." Lee said, McGonagall echoing his sentiments.

Harry decided he would have some fun, and flew straight at the announcer booth, only twisting the broom and stopping at the last moment, leaving the handle facing to where Lee could read it.

"MY GOD IT'S A FIREBOLT!" Lee yelled, the crowd going silent and a Ravenclaw chaser dropping the quaffle to stare. Katie caught it and threw it through the left hoop as the Keeper wasn't even paying attention either.

"POTTER HAS A FIREBOLT!" McGonagall's said barely a whisper to her, but amplified across the stadium. Harry made a lap around the field, "It's the international standard broom, and most are being bought by the World Quidditch League. How Potter even got one is beyond me!"

Lee continued with facts as Harry put the broom through its paces. Several times he caused problems for the Ravenclaw chasers, breaking their plays to pieces or dragging a bludger behind him to hit one of them. Chang had tried repeatedly to interfere with him, but it always failed.

Harry finally stopped goofing off when the score was 90-10, as he didn't want to mercilessly destroy Ravenclaw. He spent the following twenty minutes searching the field, before noticing Chang wouldn't leave him. Well, two can play games then.

"POTTER HAS SEEN THE SNITCH!" Lee called out as Harry dove, Chang right behind him. "Chang is in close pursuit. Potter must not be pushing the broom to its limits."

Of course he wasn't. He watched as the ground approached, and reached his hand out. He could feel Chang just behind him, and once he was about to hit the ground, he grabbed the broom with both hands and pulled up, his toes dragging as he ascended from the field once more.

Multiple shouts were heard as Chang hit the dirt. "I DON'T BELIEVE IT. POTTER JUST EXECUTED A PERFECT WRONSKI FEINT."

Harry hovered, and saw the girl climb back onto her broom. She was fine, just annoyed. Thankfully, she was no longer tailing him. Harry resumed his search, occasionally interfering with plays to stop scores for Ravenclaw, until at last, he saw it hovering near the teacher's stand.

Harry pushed his broom, astounding the crowd as he sped towards the snitch. It swerved, and attempted to twist upward towards the teachers. It wasn't fast enough though, as Harry's fingers wrapped around it, ending the match.

"A PHENOMENAL CATCH BY POTTER! GRYFFINDOR WINS 290-30! THEY NOW LEAD FOR THE HOUSE CUP!" Lee's voice rang out.

Harry barely heard him though as the team landed on top of him, the twins and chasers hugged him fiercely while Oliver plotted on how Harry could be even better to win the cup. Finally, everyone let up, and the twins called for a party later in the common room.

Harry saw several people walk over to congratulate him on the amazing match, and the broom as well. He noticed more than a few girls drooling and eying him like candy. Harry took it all in stride. After he finally returned to the locker room, he realized the crowding hadn't made him uncomfortable like it used to. He shrugged and smiled, before showering and hauling his broom back to the common room.

January 30th, 1994

Harry groaned, having been enervated for the fourth time in the three hours he had been there. He and Flitwick had dueled several times, each time refining his movements and strategies to better fit him. Sometimes he was knocked out, other times not so much. He was pleased with the quick progress he was making though, even if he wasn't pleased with the soreness after each one.

"Good job Mr. Potter. Again, you lasted longer than your earlier lessons. You are making it past ten minutes, an improvement over your original five. Now, I think that is enough for the day. We don't want you overdoing it, as that is counter productive." The professor said, "You should shower before you go to lunch. Make sure to eat healthy, something high in protein."

"Thank you professor." Harry said, making his way out of the room. After a shower and lunch, he made his way to the library. He found a good reference text for Animagus changing, which was the topic for his Transfiguration essay. He was halfway through it when someone coughed to get his attention.

"Been hiding from me Harry?" Susan asked, smirking at Harry.

"Not at all, just working on homework." Harry replied.

"And here I thought you were avoiding me. I haven't seen you since the match yesterday."

"Nope. Never left the common room after dinner because of the party, and this morning I had dueling with Professor Flitwick." Harry replied as Susan got her homework out.

"Where are Hermione and Neville? Typically they are always nearby." Susan asked.

"Neville is off practicing magic somewhere, I am meeting him in a bit, and Hermione is writing to her parents. She already did her homework, which isn't surprising." Harry said, watching as Susan grabbed his reference book to read the article he was on.

"Question?" Susan asked, "Do you know if Neville likes anyone?"

Harry started, not expecting such a question from her. "Uh? Why do you ask?"

"Hannah, she has a massive crush on him. I was hoping we could attempt to get them two together for the next Hogsmeade weekend." Susan said, writing something into her essay.

"Huh, I'll find out. I know he eyes her occasionally. If he fancies her though, he has never said anything."

"Well see if you can find out, they would be good together I think." Susan said, not looking up.

Harry nodded, wondering what he might find out. Harry shifted, the soreness of training slowly setting in. "What do you do with Professor Flitwick that causes you so much discomfort?"

"Dueling," Harry replied simply.

"Yea, you said that, but you shouldn't be in this much pain from practice." Susan replied.

"Who said it was practicing? No. I am actually dueling the professor most days. He doesn't go all out on me, he just pushes me to my limit and a little more." Harry explained. "For being so short, it is often hard to hit him. If it hadn't been for quidditch, I probably wouldn't be able to."

He glanced up to see the girl staring at him, "What?"

"Harry, he is a world dueling champion. An incredibly famous one with a few records in place and more wins than most. You are telling me he is training with you facing him most days?" Susan asked. Harry nodded.

"Then he isn't just training you. If I had to guess, he is planning on seeing if you will enter the under-18 league." Susan said, frowning, "Thinking about it, I don't think he has taken a dueling apprentice since before the war."

"Interesting. I hadn't asked." Harry said, "I'll keep that in mind though. Honestly, I wouldn't mind entering the league. It might be fun, and hopefully not end in the extreme soreness I always have." Harry said sarcastically.

Susan laughed, and Harry couldn't help but smile. Susan had practically taken Ron's place in his circle of friends the past few weeks, and Hermione and Neville had become even closer friends without the red-head. Though Harry missed him, he also noticed a more peaceful environment, and if Ron wanted to be back around them, he would have to mature a little.

Afternoon

Neville groaned, waking up from being stunned for the third time. "You did well Neville. I didn't notice any overpowered spells this time."

"Thanks Harry, but I still can't hit you." The boy replied, a small smile on his face.

"Dodging is a talent." Harry pulled the boy off the floor. "Plus, I've had a lot of practice.

"How's Hermione doing working with you?" Neville asked, rubbing his neck.

"Fine actually. She struggled learning silent casting at first, but since she figured out the first few spells, she has gotten better. Now I am trying to teach her Occlumency, though that's a different challenge. She struggles to calm her mind, expert thinker and whatnot." Harry laughed. "I have faith that she will get it soon enough though. Earlier she was close. She is so organized, it wouldn't be surprising to find she already subconsciously made a landscape of her favorite library"

"Probably Hogwarts' library." Neville joked. "We all know she would live there if she was allowed to."

"You're not wrong." Harry became thoughtful, "So question for you."

Neville looked up inquisitively. "Yeah?"

"Now, as this is random, I want to be clear I am not asking for myself," Harry said, not wanting any confusion on the matter, "You wouldn't happen to fancy anyone would you?"

Harry watched the sandy haired boy's face turn a shade of red he didn't think he had ever seen.

"Uh, I, uh, po-possibly." Neville stuttered, "Why?"

"And who would this person be?" Harry asked. Typically he wasn't one for this kind of thing, but it was kinda fun when it wasn't Ron trying to figure out who he had a chance with.

"Uh, well, Hannah. She is in our Herbology class and really cute." Neville stopped, going wide eyed, "You cannot tell her!"

"Aw come on Nev!" Harry laughed, "Valentine's Day is in just a few weeks, and there is a Hogsmeade weekend right before it."

"No! I'm not ready to start dating anyone yet!" Neville was freaking out.

"Relax. I won't tell her. I just think there is a good chance she might like you back. You make your move when you're ready, or hopefully you're ready if she makes a move towards you." Harry said, patting the boy on his shoulder.

As they walked from the room, Neville spoke, "So, you chasing after anyone? Katie maybe? She flirts a lot, and I heard from the twins that you two were cozy during break."

Harry glared, "I am going to have to prank them. No, Katie and I are just friends. Truthfully, I've got a lot going on, and I haven't really spent much time worrying about relationships for myself."

Neville nodded, and as they approached the Great Hall, made one last comment on the subject, "Harry, don't forget that just because you have a lot going on, you can't have a life and begin building your future. Besides, even if it doesn't go anywhere, a few dates might just cheer you up, or even just a trip to the broom closet."

That night, those words bounced around his head, making him wonder who might be in his future.