Harry's eyes fluttered open as the sun began to rise on Halloween morning. Today, he had decided to present himself as his male self and quickly got dressed in anticipation. Daphne stirred lightly in her sleep before rousing awake. The room was filled with a soft glow from the early morning light, giving everything a dreamy atmosphere. Excitement and nervousness bubbled inside of him as he prepared for the day ahead.
The early morning light poured through the windows, casting a warm glow over the two students sitting in the common room. Daphne stretched her arms above her head, breaking the peaceful silence.
"Harry, why are you up so early?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
"I have Quidditch tryouts with Cedric Diggory," replied Harry, a determined look on his face. "Professor Sprout said I will be waived from the rule that says I can't own my own broom as a first year if I make the team."
Daphne nodded in understanding. "I see. So male or female aspect today?"
"Male," answered Harry confidently. "I am not exactly comfortable playing a sport as a female."
He let out a small sigh and added, "The problems with being a level three metamorphmagus."
"I think I will go through the school in my male aspect today," decided Daphne.
"Are you sure?" asked Harry, concern evident in his voice.
"Yes," confirmed Daphne with a nod.
"The only problem is unlike my name, your name is distinctively female," pointed out Harry. "What should I call you?"
Daphne paused for a moment, considering the question with a thoughtful expression. The early morning sun highlighted the determination in her eyes as she finally spoke.
"Call me Daniel," she said decisively as she began to morph her body into a male version of himself. "It's close enough to Daphne that I won't have trouble responding to it, but masculine enough to fit my male aspect for the day."
Harry nodded, impressed with her quick thinking. "Daniel it is, then. It'll be an interesting day for both of us, won't it?"
"Definitely," agreed Daniel, a slight smile playing on his lips. "But I think it'll be a good challenge. It'll help us understand each other and ourselves better."
As they spoke, the common room began to stir with the early risers of Hogwarts, the castle waking up to a day filled with magic, challenges, and the unknown. The two friends shared a look of camaraderie, knowing that no matter what the day held, they would face it together, supporting each other in their unique journeys of self-discovery.
With the sun now fully risen, casting its golden light across the Hogwarts grounds, Harry and Daniel set off towards the Great Hall for breakfast, discussing strategies for the Quidditch tryouts and how to navigate the day in their chosen aspects. They were determined to make the most out of their situation, using their abilities as metamorphmagi to explore different facets of their identities in a world where magic was the norm but personal transformations were a journey of their own.
(Line Break)
In the warm morning light, Cedric and Harry emerged into the courtyard carrying a heavy trunk. With a grunt, they set it down on the ground and Cedric began to explain the basics of Quidditch. As he spoke, he picked up a vibrant red ball and held it out for Harry to see.
"Quidditch is simple enough to understand," Cedric started confidently, "each team has seven players: three Chasers, two Beaters, one Keeper, and a Seeker. And that's you." He gestured towards Harry with a grin.
He continued, holding the ball in his hand and explaining its purpose. "This is called the Quaffle. The chasers handle it and must try to score by throwing it through one of those three hoops over there." He pointed towards the distant Quidditch pitch where three tall hoops stood waiting.
"The keeper's job is to defend those hoops," he added with a smirk before tossing the red ball to Harry.
"Are you following me so far?" Cedric asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement for their upcoming Quidditch lesson.
Harry throws the ball back to Cedric. "I think so. What are those?" Harry asked as he pointed to two squirming chained-down balls.
Cedric's hand trembled as he handed Harry a small bat, his eyes darting up to the sky. The air was thick with tension as they watched the lone bludger flying high above them, its dark body glinting in the sunlight. "You better take this," Cedric said, his voice low and serious. Without hesitation, he crouched down and released one ball from the box at their feet. With an angry growl, it soared off into the air.
The two boys stood frozen, their eyes glued to the bludger as it circled around and came hurtling back towards them. "Careful now, it's coming back," Cedric warned, his grip on his wand tightening. Harry braced himself as the ball came whizzing down, swinging the bat with all his might. The metal connected with the bludger, sending it flying through a nearby statue without even a scratch.
"Not bad, Potter," Cedric remarked with a small grin. "You'd make a fair Beater." But their moment of triumph was short-lived as the bludger zoomed down once again, this time heading straight for Cedric's head. In a swift movement, he grabbed it and wriggled to get it back in the box before panting heavily from exertion.
"What was that?!" gasped Harry, his heart still racing from the close call.
"Bludgers," explained Cedric between deep breaths. "Nasty little buggers. But you are a Seeker. And the only thing I want you to worry about is this." He held out a small walnut-sized golden ball towards Harry. "The Golden Snitch."
Harry's eyes lit up as he held the small, round ball in his hands. It felt smooth and cool to the touch, yet there was an underlying sense of energy within it. "I like this ball," he stated with a grin.
Cedric smirked. "Ah, you like it now. Just wait. It's wicked fast and damn near impossible to see."
Curiosity piqued, Harry couldn't help but ask, "What do I do with it?"
"You catch it," Cedric replied confidently. "Before the other team's Seeker. You catch this, the game is over. You catch this, Potter, and we win."
The ball seemed to come alive as two delicate wings fluttered out from its sides and it jumped into the air. Harry kept his eyes trained on it, determined not to let it escape his sight.
"Hufflepuff doesn't have a natural for now, so I have been taking on the role," Cedric explained. "And that is why you are trying out - I want to test you to see how quickly you can take to catching the snitch." The thrill of competition coursed through Harry's veins as he eagerly awaited the chance to prove himself on the Quidditch field.
Harry watched the Golden Snitch with intense focus, its wings fluttering so fast they were almost a blur. Cedric, observing Harry's determination, nodded approvingly. "Alright, Potter. Let's see what you've got. The snitch won't wait for anyone."
As they stepped onto the Quidditch pitch, the morning sun now fully embracing the sky, the field seemed to awaken with them, the grass shimmering with dew. Harry, holding the provided broom tightly, felt a rush of adrenaline. This was it, his moment to shine, not just as a wizard, but as a Quidditch player.
Cedric released the snitch into the air, and it darted away with incredible speed. Harry kicked off the ground, the broom responding eagerly beneath him. He soared into the air, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the elusive golden ball.
Below, Cedric watched with a mixture of anticipation and pride. Harry's natural ability on a broom was undeniable, moving with a grace and agility that spoke of a deep, innate connection to the sport.
The snitch made a sudden dive, and Harry followed suit, his heart pounding in his chest. The wind whipped past him, but all he could hear was the beating of his own heart and the silent flutter of the snitch's wings. He stretched out his hand, every muscle in his body straining towards the tiny, gleaming ball.
With a triumphant gasp, Harry's fingers closed around the snitch. He pulled up sharply, the ground just inches from his face, and soared back up into the air, holding the snitch high for Cedric to see.
The look of surprise and admiration on Cedric's face was worth all the effort. "Incredible," he breathed out as Harry landed smoothly beside him. "Potter, that was... that was professional-level catching."
Harry couldn't help but smile, the snitch still buzzing lightly in his hand. "Does this mean I'm on the team?"
Cedric clapped him on the back, a wide grin spreading across his face. "On the team? Potter, with skills like that, you could lead the team. Welcome to Hufflepuff Quidditch."
As they walked back towards the castle, Harry felt a sense of pride and belonging he hadn't experienced before. This was more than just proving his ability; it was about finding a place where he could truly shine, both as Harry and as a Seeker.
(line Break)
Later that day the students filed into Professor Flitwick's class, their footsteps tapping against the polished stone floors. Flitwick, a tiny man even by wizard standards, stood atop a precarious stack of books to make himself taller and better see his class.
"Welcome, welcome," he chirped, his voice barely audible over the chatter of students. "Today we will be working on one of the most fundamental skills for any wizard: levitation." His hands fluttered excitedly as he spoke, emphasizing each word with a wave of his wand.
Hermione, ever the star pupil, raised her feather in response. Flitwick beamed at her before addressing the rest of the class. "Now then, don't forget the proper wrist movement we've been practicing. A gentle swish and flick is all it takes. Let's all say it together now."
"The swish and flick," recited the class in unison.
Flitwick's voice rang out with excitement as he exclaimed, "Excellent! And remember to enunciate clearly when casting the spell. "Wingardium Leviosa!" His wand arm extended towards the students, gesturing for them to begin.
The class eagerly began to enunciate and practice the precise movements on their feathers, determined to master the levitation charm.
Draco's face scrunched up in concentration as he attempted to lift his feather with a loud, "Wingardium Levio-saaa," but it remained stubbornly on the desk.
Meanwhile, most of the class repeated, "Wingardium Leviosa," with varying levels of success. Some feathers fluttered slightly while others soared into the air.
But Ron was not having any luck. Frustrated by his failed attempts, he yelled out, "Wingardrium Leviosar!" as he aggressively waved his wand back and forth. Hermione quickly stepped in to stop him before he caused any harm.
"No, stop, stop, stop! You're going to take someone's eye out. Besides, you're saying it wrong. It's Levi-o-sa, not Leviosar," she sneered at him.
"You do it then if you're so clever. Go on, go on," Ron challenged her.
With a determined look on her face and her wand held firmly in her hand, Hermione straightened up and swished her wand gracefully. "Wingardium Leviosa," she said confidently And just like that, her feather glowed and lifted gracefully into the air.
"Oh, well done! See here, everyone, Miss Granger's done it! Oh, splendid!" exclaimed Flitwick as Ron put his head on his books dejectedly.
Seamus began to swish his feather in a determined rhythm, muttering under his breath. "Wingard Leviosa. Wingar-" The air around him crackled with energy, building up to a powerful spell. Suddenly, an almighty explosion erupted, causing everyone to gasp in surprise.
As the smoke cleared, Flitwick's wide-eyed expression revealed that even he was taken aback by the amount of power released. Ron and Hermione turned to see Seamus, once again covered in soot and singed feathers, with his wand still smoking in his hand.
"I think we're going to need another feather over here, Professor." Daniel's voice cut through the tense silence as they all realized the extent of the damage caused by Seamus' failed attempt at magic. The smell of burnt feathers and charred wood lingered in the air, adding a layer of chaos to the already eventful class. The students couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, the tension dissolving into shared amusement over the common struggles of learning magic.
Flitwick, ever the patient instructor, simply waved his wand, and the debris from Seamus' explosion vanished, leaving the classroom pristine once more. With a small, knowing smile, he conjured another feather for Seamus, placing it gently on the desk in front of the sheepish boy.
"Now, now, Mr. Finnigan," Flitwick chided gently, "Let's try to keep our spells within the realm of levitation, shall we? Magic is a precise art, and it requires control and focus."
The class nodded, their attention returning to their own feathers. Harry, still buzzing from his Quidditch tryout success, found that his concentration was better than ever. With a calm swish and flick of his wand, he whispered, "Wingardium Leviosa," and watched with satisfaction as his feather rose smoothly into the air, hovering gracefully at eye level.
Beside him, Daniel managed to levitate his feather as well, sharing a triumphant look with Harry. Their success in both the magical and personal challenges they faced that day brought them closer, solidifying their friendship.
As the lesson continued, Flitwick walked around the room, offering advice and encouragement to each student. His expertise and passion for teaching were evident, as he patiently corrected wand movements and pronunciation, ensuring everyone had a chance to succeed.
By the end of the class, most students had managed to levitate their feathers, even if only for a moment. The air was filled with a sense of achievement and the lightness of feathers floating gently back to their desks.
As they strolled through the sunlit courtyard, Daniel and Harry chatted amiably about their classes and upcoming exams. But then, a distant voice caught Harry's attention, causing his blood to boil with anger. He turned his head to see Ron, standing with a group of boys and mimicking Hermione's voice in a cruel mockery.
"'It's Levioooosa, not Leviosaaaar,'" Ron sneered before returning to his normal voice. "She's such a nightmare, honestly! No wonder she hasn't got any friends!"
Hermione rushed past them, tears streaming down her face as she clutched her books tightly to her chest.
Harry's usually warm eyes turned icy cold, glowing a bright silver as he turned to face Ron. His voice dripped with venom as he spoke. "You stupid asshole," Harry spat, "You never talk like that to a maiden. Did your mother not teach you any manners in your miserable life? Have you no respect for others?"
"Stay out of this Potter," sneered Ron.
"No, I will not," snapped Harry. "You are nothing but a bully, who doesn't even know how to hold the correct end of his wand. Are you so dense that you don't realize every action you take reflects on your house and how your parents raised you?"
"Leave my parents out of this," growled Ron, feeling the weight of Harry's words sinking in.
"I won't until you show some respect for others," Harry retorted before continuing to tear into Ron.
Harry's voice was firm and authoritative, cutting through the air with a precision that matched his skill on the Quidditch field. "You have no idea the effort it takes for someone like Hermione to stand up in front of a class and perform magic flawlessly. You mock what you cannot understand or achieve yourself, which is pitiful."
The group of boys that had been snickering behind Ron slowly began to dissipate, sensing the seriousness of Harry's rebuke and not wanting to be associated with the confrontation. Ron left standing alone, looked momentarily lost, his bravado fading under Harry's intense gaze.
Daniel, who had been silent up until now, stepped forward, adding his thoughts. "It's easy to make fun of someone when you're surrounded by your mates, isn't it? But think about how you'd feel if the tables were turned. Hermione's one of the brightest witches of our age. You could learn something from her if you weren't so busy being a prat."
Ron's cheeks flushed a bright pink, a clear indication of his embarrassment and perhaps even a hint of shame. He shifted awkwardly on his feet and muttered something inaudible under his breath, avoiding the piercing gazes of Harry and Daniel.
Harry made a discreet gesture with his hand and suddenly Ron was no longer standing there, but instead, a magnificent creature stood in his place - a Jackalope with long ears and a majestic antlered head.
Harry and Daniel walked away, leaving Ron standing alone as a confused Jackalope.
"Did you really turn him into a Jackalope?" asked Daniel, struggling to contain his laughter.
"I might have given him a little push," answered Harry with a smirk.
"You are definitely the son of Artemis," chuckled Daniel. "Won't anyone realize that the weasel is now a Jackalope?"
"It's not permanent," replied Harry. "It will only last an hour at best before Jophiel turns him back."
"Let's not forget the tongue-lashing that you will receive later" mumbled Daniel
Harry just shrugged, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It'll be worth it to teach him a lesson about respect and kindness. Besides, a little scare might do him some good."
As they continued their walk through the castle, their conversation shifted from the day's earlier events to their plans for the upcoming Halloween feast. Hogwarts was known for its lavish celebrations, and neither Harry nor Daniel wanted to miss a moment of it.
As they walked along the winding path, Daniel turned to his friend with a curious tilt of his head. "Have you made your decision about attending the grand feast tonight?" he asked.
Harry's mind drifted for a moment as he gazed at the vibrant sunset painting the sky with shades of pink and orange. A small smile tugged at his lips. "I've been considering it, but I cannot say for certain yet. Part of me longs to join in on the merriment, while another part yearns for solitude in my dorm room." His words were accompanied by a gentle shrug, betraying his uncertainty.
(Line Break)
On that Halloween night, the grand hall was illuminated by flickering Jack O'Lanterns instead of traditional candles. Harry's eyes scanned the room, searching for his best friend Hermione at the Gryffindor table. But she was nowhere to be found.
"I don't see Hermione," he remarked as he took a seat at the Hufflepuff table next to Daniel, Susan and Hannah.
"Parvati Patil told me she saw her crying in the girl's bathroom all afternoon," said Susan with a sympathetic look on her face.
Harry exchanged a disgusted glance with Ron, who simply shrugged in response. Suddenly, their attention was diverted as Professor Quirrell came running into the Great Hall in a state of panic.
"Troll! In the dungeon!" he yelled frantically. "T-T-Troll in the dungeon!"
Dumbledore quickly rose from his seat, his expression filled with concern. The entire hall fell silent as they turned to look at Professor Quirrell, who then collapsed onto the floor in a faint.
For a moment, there was complete silence. Then chaos erupted as students and teachers alike began screaming and running in fear and confusion.
The sudden boom of Dumbledore's commanding voice echoed through the halls, causing the chaos to come to a screeching halt. The students froze in their tracks, eyes wide as they turned towards the imposing figure of their headmaster. "Silence!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "Please remain calm and follow your prefects back to your respective dormitories. Teachers, come with me to the dungeons."
Tonks, a Hufflepuff prefect, quickly sprang into action. "Hufflepuff, this way!" she announced, her tone urgent yet reassuring.
"Stay together!" urged a Slytherin prefect, rounding up their house members.
As the Prefect Tonks led the Hufflepuffs down a dark corridor, Percy Weasley guided the Gryffindors in another direction.
Back with the Hufflepuffs, Tonks had managed to corral the entire house in a safe area off to the side of the Great Hall. "Alright," she began, trying to sound confident despite her growing anxiety. "It is quite clear that Professor Dumbledore did not think this through and forgot our dormitories are located in the dungeon. So I want everyone to stay close to me and hopefully, the troll does not attack us." She paused, scanning the worried faces around her. "Any questions?"
Harry raised his hand nervously. "Tonks, how could a troll get in?" he asked, voicing the concern on everyone's mind.
"Not on its own," Tonks replied with a hint of annoyance. "Trolls are notoriously stupid. It was most likely someone playing a joke. My guess is those Weasley twins."
Tonks confidently led the Hufflepuffs down the grand staircase and out of the Great Hall, her wand at the ready. As they descended, Harry couldn't help but notice a pungent odour in the air, a mixture of old socks and uncleaned public restrooms. His nose wrinkled in distaste as he turned to Tonks, who was already sniffing the air.
"Can you smell that?" he asked her.
Tonks nodded grimly, her face contorting with disgust. The stench seemed to be getting stronger, and she knew they needed to move quickly.
"Run!" she yelled, her hair changing colour in alarm as she heard a deep grunting noise coming from behind a looming shadow.
They sprinted down the corridor, their feet echoing on the stone floor. And then they heard it - a low, guttural grunting accompanied by the heavy footsteps of something massive. Daniel pointed frantically to their left, and their hearts sank as they saw what was approaching.
In the dim moonlight, a towering figure emerged into view. Standing at least twelve feet tall, its skin was a sickly gray colour like dull granite. Its body was lumpy and misshapen like a giant boulder, with a small bald head perched atop like a grotesque coconut. Its legs were short but thick like tree trunks, ending in flat, calloused feet. But perhaps the most horrifying thing about it was the overpowering stench emanating from its putrid form.
The creature carried a massive wooden club in one of its long arms which dragged along the ground as it moved. It stopped next to a doorway and peered inside before waggling its long ears in confusion. Slowly but surely, it slouched towards them with an almost comical gait for such a fearsome beast.
The massive Troll let out a guttural roar as it locked its eyes on Harry and Daniel, charging towards them with reckless abandon. The two demigods knew that they couldn't rely on their Divine Powers in this situation, as it would only raise more questions and suspicion. In a split-second decision, they both rolled away from the beast in opposite directions, narrowly avoiding its heavy fists.
As the troll turned to face them once again, it seemed to ignore the rest of the Hufflepuffs surrounding it and focused solely on Harry and Daniel. With a deep bellow, it charged at them once more, menacing in its determination.
Harry and Daniel, realizing they needed to act fast, shared a glance, their eyes communicating a silent strategy. They both knew that using their abilities as demigods openly could cause trouble, but they also couldn't let this troll harm anyone.
Harry, drawing upon his agility, darted towards the troll's left side, diverting its attention with a series of rapid movements. Daniel, on the other hand, used his intelligence and knowledge of magical creatures to predict the troll's movements, positioning himself on the opposite side.
As the troll swung its massive club towards Harry, Daniel shouted, "Distract him for a moment!" Harry, understanding immediately, grabbed a piece of rubble and threw it towards the troll's head, causing it to momentarily lose focus and turn towards the source of the impact.
Seizing the opportunity, Daniel aimed his wand at the troll's club, casting a spell with a sharp, "Expelliarmus!" The force of the spell was enough to send the club flying out of the troll's grasp, clattering to the ground a safe distance away.
"Daniel, I have a plan," Harry shouted, his voice tinged with urgency. "Use a levitation charm on the club and lift it high above the troll's head!"
Confusion clouded Daniel's features as he asked, "What are you talking about?"
"Just trust me," Harry yelled back. "I'll get the troll's attention and then give you a signal to release the spell."
With determination in his eyes, Daniel pointed his wand at the troll's massive club that loomed just beside him. "Wingardium Leviosa!" he incanted, and the club slowly rose into the air, hovering near the ceiling.
Harry sent a singing hex at the troll, causing it to turn its attention towards him. As he watched the troll's reaction, Harry couldn't help but smirk when he saw the club floating right above its head. He aimed his wand at the club and bellowed, "Gry!" With a surge of power, gravity intensified around both the club and the troll, causing them both to stagger.
"Now, Daniel!" Harry shouted, breaking the spell. With the increased gravity still affecting the club, it came crashing down upon the troll's head with brute force. The impact created a deep crater and sent guts flying in every direction, effectively taking out their enemy in one swift move.
As Harry wiped his wand on his robes, he felt a surge of relief wash over him. The troll lay at his feet, evidence of the fierce battle that had just taken place. Suddenly, the door burst open and Professors McGonagall, Tonks, Dumbledore, and Quirrell came rushing in. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the scene before them.
"Oh! Oh my goodness!" exclaimed Professor McGonagall, her voice filled with both surprise and concern. "Explain yourselves," she demanded.
Harry, still catching his breath from the ordeal, stepped forward, his gaze moving from one professor to the other. "We were headed back to our dormitory when we encountered the troll while the other students ran as the troll focused its attention solely on us," he explained, his voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through his veins.
Daniel nodded in agreement, adding, "We tried to distract it at first, hoping to lead it away from the others. But it became aggressive, and we had no choice but to defend ourselves."
Professor Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with a mix of curiosity and concern, stroked his beard thoughtfully. "And this... method of defence?" he inquired, gesturing towards the pile of troll guts that was once the troll.
Harry glanced at Daniel before answering. "We had to act quickly, Professor. We used a combination of spells to disarm and then immobilize it then well kill it."
"So you used Dark Magic to defeat this creature?" asked Dumbledore casually, "You better explain this spell to me or I will have you expelled and sent to Azkaban"
Harry's eyes began to glow silver his voice dangerously dripping with venom. "Are you calling my Family dark Professor, I assure you the Spell I used was in the Family Grimoire, given to me by my Aunt. Daniel here used a simple levitation charm, while I used a Gravity spell I found in my family grimoire the force of gravity caused the Club to fall faster than normal and caused the following"
Harry's explanation, delivered with a calm but firm tone, served to clarify the situation while subtly reminding Dumbledore of his unique heritage and the resources at his disposal. The mention of his family's grimoire and the defensive nature of their actions painted the scenario not as an act of reckless magic, but as a necessary measure taken in a dire situation.
Dumbledore's eyes, though still twinkling, took on a softer gleam, reflecting a mixture of understanding and a hint of intrigue about the depth of knowledge Harry had access to through his lineage. "I see," Dumbledore said, his voice carrying a note of respect mixed with caution. "It is indeed fortunate that you had such resources at your disposal and the presence of mind to use them in a manner that protected yourselves and potentially others from harm. However, we must be careful with the magic we choose to employ, ensuring it aligns with the laws of our society and the moral compass we uphold at Hogwarts."
McGonagall, still processing the event, added, "While I am relieved to see you both unharmed, this incident underscores the importance of following safety protocols and not wandering off without permission. The dangers within Hogwarts, as rare as they might be, are very real."
Harry raised his hand to Professor McGonagall, trying to suppress a mischievous grin. "But Professor," he interjected, "it was Professor Dumbledore himself who instructed us to head back to our dorms." His tone was light and teasing, causing his friend Daniel to chuckle beside him. "It's not our fault that he forgot the Slytherin and Hufflepuff Dorms are located in the Dungeons," Harry continued, earning a stern look from his professor but unable to hide his amusement. "If anything it was Professor Dumbledore's fault."
As Professor Tonks spoke, her tone held a hint of frustration laced with concern. "Point taken," she began, addressing the student who had just spoken out of turn. "He should have kept the students in the Great Hall." Turning to the two students in question, she continued, her voice softening. "However, I need both of you to come with me to Madame Pomfrey. We must make sure you are both okay after what happened." The urgency in her words was palpable as she gestured for them to follow her down the corridor toward the infirmary. Their footsteps echoed against the stone walls as they hurried along, their minds filled with worry and questions about what had just occurred.
(Line Break)
And Cut...
A/N thanks to everyone who has supported this story.
I have decided to write a second fic that will be published in a bit, it will be called The Summer Lord and His Lady. It's a Harry Potter/ Dresden Files Fic for anyone interested.