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Harry smiled, "Well we are going to work on the fundamentals!"

Harry almost laughed as he watched his friends expression drop, "Fundamentals?!"

Smiling at Ron, "Aye, back to basics today. I think that is one of the reasons I am alright at Quidditch. I enjoy flying and I am really good at the basics."

Ron scoffed, "That maneuver at the world cup was hardly a first-year basic move Harry."

Harry nodded his head at his friend, "Honestly Ron, that move was more out of desperation than anything. However, I never would have tried that or any other risky thing I have done if I wasn't confident in the basics."

Reluctantly nodding, a small look of understanding on his face, Ron hesitantly replied, "So … back to basics…"

Smiling at his friend, Harry clapped him on the back. "That's the spirit, back to basics indeed. And depending on how we do with that I'll ask the girls to come down here to help you prepare …"

Harry laughed seeing the open mouth stare of his friend.

After a second of silence Ron managed to regain his composure. "Oh really man? That would be bloody wicked!"

Nodding, he replied, "If you are serious about this, I'll do everything I can to make sure you are prepared and I am positive they'd be willing to do anything to make sure a future teammate got better …"

Harry paused seeing that Ron's smile was in danger of engulfing his entire face. Patting his arm to wake him from his stupor Harry continued, "But I warn you Ron, they will not take it easy on you. If you are willing to fly with them, they will go just as hard against you as they practiced with Wood or just as seriously as they play in any game."

Ron laughed and with much more enthusiasm he stated, "Well then what are you waiting for Harry, its time for the basics. I am ready to get better."

With that he jumped on his broom and took off into the air above Harry, leaving him shaking his head with a bemused expression on his face.

A week before Halloween, the Hogwarts grounds swathed in the vibrant hues of autumn, Harry found himself leaving another in a series of increasingly bewildering Care of Magical Creatures classes. This particular class, once again, revolved around the enigmatic and menacing Blast-Ended Skrewts. Despite the additional training and time spent with these creatures, Harry found himself still baffled by their peculiar behavior and was confident if it wasn't for his reflexes, he would certainly have been injured already by the Skrewts. It seemed like no matter how much effort he or any of their classmates put in, they remained at a loss.

The sole exception to this appeared to be Seamus Finnigan, who had an inexplicable knack for grasping the Skrewts' tendencies. Seamus, managed to navigate the hazardous interactions with the Skrewts with surprising ease, much to the chagrin of his classmates.

As the lesson came to an end, and the relentless Skrewts were temporarily re-confined to their wooden crates, Harry eagerly began packing his bag, keen to escape the clutches of these peculiar creatures and make his way to the comforting refuge of the Hogwarts Great Hall for lunch. However, he couldn't help but be surprised when he heard a familiar voice addressing Hagrid.

"Excuse me … Professor Hagrid, I … I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time."

Harry spun around, confirming that it was indeed Draco Malfoy making the unexpected request, who had asked that question in an uncharacteristically polite tone.

As Harry surveyed the scene, he couldn't help but notice the perplexed expression that had overtaken Hagrid's face, mirroring the bewildered look Ron usually wore whenever Hagrid insisted on serving him one of his infamous rock cakes. Harry had a strong suspicion that Hagrid, much like himself, was taken off guard by this unusual request. It was clear that the giant of a man remembered all too well the actions of Draco and his father the previous year, when they had sought to have Hagrid removed from his beloved post.

In the midst of the surreal moment, Harry had caught Hagrid's eye and silently communicating as to whether he wanted Harry to stick around. After a brief, thoughtful pause, the Care of Magical Creatures professor subtly shook his head and gestured for Harry to return to return to the castle.

Harry began his trek back to the castle, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected conversation between Draco Malfoy and Hagrid. The giant of a man seemed to be in control, though, handling the situation with a cautious and somewhat stern tone. "What can I do for you, Malfoy…" Harry heard as he distanced himself, trusting that Hagrid was perfectly capable of managing this interaction, unless Draco had some probing questions for the professor, knowing that Hagrid did have trouble filtering what should and should not be said. However, Harry was pretty sure that at this point Hagrid did not have any secrets that would get him in trouble if he accidently let something slip.

As he headed back towards the castle, a nagging thought lingered in Harry's mind. This was simply the latest example of peculiar behavior from Draco this year that hadn't escaped his notice. The Slytherin had been notably absent from any interactions Harry had with members of his own house. While Harry honestly didn't particularly mind the absence of Malfoy's usual taunts, it did raise suspicions. Draco had adopted a new, silent routine, showing up for classes punctually, completing assignments without a word, and then making a swift exit, avoiding any contact with his old mates. Initially Harry had been worried, remembering similar behavior in his sixth year at Hogwarts, however he had overheard Lavender and Parvati gossiping about changes with Malfoy in the Gryffindor common room recently, discussing how Draco no longer seemed to be talking to Crabbe and Goyle, Theodore Nott, or Pansy Parkinson, who had been his closest allies for years. Even previously when Harry had been in his sixth year Draco had been unable to fully separate himself from those individuals, so Harry felt this was something different. When Draco was found talking to Slytherins he appeared to have found new acquaintances in Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, and Blaise Zabini. Harry couldn't help but wonder about the reasons behind this sudden transformation.

Lost in his contemplations, Harry's mind was so absorbed that he nearly collided with a throng of students just inside the castle's massive wooden doors. The sudden intrusion into his thoughts startled him, and he only narrowly sidestepped an unintended collision with none other than Daphne Greengrass herself. She was engaged in a hushed conversation with her close friend, Tracey Davis, standing at the very fringes of the bustling student assembly.

In her surprise, Daphne spun around, her expression initially etched with evident irritation. However, the sight of Harry brought about a noticeable transformation in her demeanor. Her features shifted to a more neutral, even polite expression as recognition set in. With a subtle shake of her head, she leaned in closer to Tracey, their words rendered inaudible amidst the clamor of the surrounding students.

Then, raising her eyes to meet Harry's, Daphne inclined her head and greeted him in a surprisingly pleasant tone, "Potter." Without further ado, she turned her attention back to Tracey, leading her friend through the bustling crowd toward a heavy wooden door that Harry was intimately familiar with. It was the very same door that led to a corridor in the dungeons, situated not far from the entrance to the Slytherin common room.

Before Harry could fully process the unusual encounter with Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis, a familiar voice broke through his thoughts and the bustling noise of the Hogwarts entrance hall. Ron's unmistakable voice called out to him from a short distance away, his hand waving animatedly to capture Harry's attention and beckon him over to where Ron and Hermione stood.

"Harry! There you are, mate!" Ron greeted him, a broad grin on his face as he addressed his friend.

With genuine curiosity, Harry inquired, "Everything alright here? What's with the crowd?"

Ron's excitement was palpable as he quickly continued, "Triwizard Tournament news! There's a sign over there." He extended his arm to point at the wall, indicating the source of his enthusiasm. "It sounds like the other schools are arriving the day before Halloween, and we get to end classes early!"

Hermione nodded in agreement, her own excited expression mirroring Ron's, although for a different reason. "It's so that we can prepare for their arrival and make the best impression possible," she explained, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Do you realize how long it's been since students from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons have visited Hogwarts?"

Harry considered his friends question. "I'm not entirely sure off the top of my head, but I'd wager that the answer might be tucked away in 'Hogwarts: A History'," he replied, a small smile gracing his lips.

One which after a second was mirrored on Hermione's.

On the day of the other schools' anticipated arrival, the Great Hall was abuzz with excitement during the morning meal, and Harry found himself seated at the long wooden table, savoring a hearty breakfast. He was thoroughly enjoying his meal, of a traditional English breakfast, when a familiar and heartwarming sight caught his attention. Hedwig, soared into the Great Hall and executed a graceful circle near the high ceiling before descending gracefully to land in front of him. Harry's face lit up with a joyful smile at the sight of his feathery companion.

"That was quick, girl! I'm so glad you found him and made it back alright," Harry exclaimed as he extended a small plate of bacon toward Hedwig, offering her a tasty treat. He couldn't resist reaching out to scratch just under her wings, eliciting a pleased hoot from the owl. Without hesitation, Hedwig hopped towards the plate of bacon and began pecking away at the savory morsels.

With Hedwig contentedly indulging in her meal, Harry turned his attention to the note that had been securely tied to her leg. Gently untying the message, he unfolded the parchment and quickly scanned its contents, his curiosity piqued by the morning communication.

Harry,

I am glad you are happy for my return. I was a little concerned that you would have been worried that I was coming back, but life without a little risk isn't much of a life, is it? I can't help but think that James would be proud of your attitude. Truth be told, though, if something were to have happened to you while I was out of the country, I could never have forgiven myself. I let you down once when you were just a child, and I will never to do that again.

Meeting up sounds like a terrific idea, but at the moment, I am preoccupied with finding a safe place to hide out near by. Unfortunately, I can't use the old shack … a certain greasy-haired git, knows I was hiding there last year, and I am sure he accidently made sure to tell the Ministry about it. I worry they will be keeping an eye on it or have left a few detection charms around the place.

Do not worry pup, I will be in touch once I have secured a spot of my own … well not just myself. Perhaps we can arrange to meet your first to trip to Hogsmeade this year … otherwise I am sure you would … be able to manage a little mischief and find a way out of the castle to join me.

Sirius

P.S. I did not realize Mary was in Hogsmeade … or that she might believe me to be innocent. Might be worth me … sniffing around before a visit.

As for when you meet her … don't believe a word she has to say about me! While she was indeed one of your mother's closest friends, you should definitely believe anything she has to say about your mother or father, especially if it is something bad about your dad. However, when it comes to stories about me, you can safely assume they're fanciful products of an overly imaginative mind.

Take good care of yourself, Harry. We will be catching up soon!

Harry's heart swelled with joy as he looked up from the letter. Everything was falling into place, and the prospect of reuniting with Sirius filled him with a sense of pure happiness.

The middle part of the day passed in a blur for Harry, his excitement bubbling beneath the surface, barely contained. Knowing that Sirius was safely back in the country and that they would soon meet again was a thrilling prospect.

Even the last class of the day, a potions class in the dungeon, had been unable to dampen Harry's spirits. Although Harry was forced to admit that he was finding Professor Snape to be easier to deal with, perhaps he wouldn't go as far as saying Snape was warming up to him but he was certainly marginally less cold, and to Harry, that was a small but significant victory..

In the end, Harry managed to successfully navigate the school day. Before he knew it, he had found himself among the lines of fellow students, their collective excitement and nervousness palpable as the eagerly awaited the arrival of their counterparts from Durmstrand and Beauxbatons.

The arrival of the Beauxbatons carriage at Hogwarts was a moment of elegance and enchantment. When the beautiful, delicate carriage emerged from the horizon, gracefully gliding through the air and was identified by the students, a hush came over the crowd admiring the beauty of the carriage. It seemed to be otherworldly in its design, considerably different from anything that was found at Hogwarts. It appeared to be crafted of shining, ornate white and pale blue materials that seemed to shimmer from within.

As the Beauxbatons carriage touched down gently on the Hogwarts grounds, the doors opened, revealing the Beauxbatons students, who stepped out with an air of poise and sophistication. Their uniforms as elegant as the carriage itself, the presence exuding a sense of refinement and charm. Harry smiled as he recognized Fleur, noting that normally her appearance and appeal would have been enough to draw the attention of everyone in the crowd, certainly every boy's. However, Harry had a feeling that all eyes were on the female Headmaster, as the giantess approached Professor Dumbledore.

But as exciting as the Beauxbatons entrance had been, Harry had really been looking forward to the emergence of the Durmstrang ship from the Black Lake.

Noticing a series of ripples breaking across the the inky black surface, Harry stared at the surface of the lake anticipating the ship's arrival that the ripples heralded. In one quick motion, the surface of the lake was broken as the ship began to smoothly rise, water cascading off its sleek, black hull, glistening in the evening sunlight. The ship was enormous, its dark wood adorned with intricate carvings and runes that no doubt allowed for the underwater travel, each shimmering with an ethereal glow. The ship continued to rise, towering over the lake as it approached the shore, until it stood majestically on the water's surface defying expectations.

The Durmstrang students, clad in their distinctive crimson robes, stood proudly and motionless on the ship's deck, casting an aura of strength and mystique, before beginning to disembark as the ship made it to the shoreline and a gangplank was lowered.

Harry watched as current Durmstrang Headmaster and former Death Eater, Professor Karkaroff, approached Dumbledore and greeted him, before leaning over his shoulder and welcoming his favorite student to separate himself from his classmates and join him.

As the imposing, slightly stooped form of the walked by them Ron aggressively elbowed Harry in the ribs as he let out a very shrill and excited squeak. "Oh my god, Harry … it's Krum!"

Victor Krum's brooding and stoic expression turned towards Ron's outburst to identify the culprit before beginning to turn back towards his awaiting Headmaster. However, he stopped suddenly as his eyebrows shot up and he looked back in their direction.

"Harry Potter …?"

NiebieskiLis - Thanks so much glad you are enjoying it

bookivore - I really enjoy the criticism, I am still trying different things out and learning, haha at some point I will go back and clarify the "basics" but I think I was just refering to the fact that Ron needed to build up his confidence in simple flying before learning something like the Wronsky Feint or the move Harry pulled off earlier, learn to walk before you run, and then Ron would build confidence in his ability and be less prone to nerves; as for the comment about Lucius earlier, I just view Lucius as more an overly confidant person capable of getting away with a lot, so he just thought no one was there and was taking pleasure in emotionally taunting

Mark1 - Thanks so much!

DJ Scales - Not too shabby if I say so myself

fortinpatric - De rien!

Scott Bosen - I am happy it seems to be enjoyed! Thanks for the feedback, I can totally relate, sometimes it is impossible to unsee a mistake

alix33 - Thanks! HOpefully not too late! But definitely the teachers should have made more effort for Harry throughout the entire series, I felt it would have been possible without resorting to favortism

jslee102 - I really enjoy the feedback! Thanks!

jkarr - Thanks!

Kind Regards,

FavoriteAuthor

Thanks to those of you out to those of you who enjoy my stories, I promise to keep updating the stories as long as you enjoy them, and a special thanks to those of you who have taken the time to leave feedback or reach out to me directly.