Harry slept better his second night at Hogwarts then he had on his first, but he still awoke feeling on edge. The reason Harry was nervous was because today was his first day of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry still couldn't figure out what it was about Quirrell that made him uncomfortable, but there was definitely something there Harry didn't like. Alastor had assured Harry he would keep an eye on Quirrell, and that he would be close by when Harry and Dudley had Quirrell's class. Knowing that Alastor would be close by did offer Harry some comfort, but he still couldn't help being nervous about being in a classroom with Quirrell for an hour.

As Harry walked into Defense Against the Dark Arts he felt his stomach roiling with unease, Quirrell walked into the class and took roll then began to teach. As the class continued Harry couldn't completely shake the sense of unease he always had around Quirrell, but nothing too bad happened. In fact, if Harry was completely honest with himself the class was a bit of a joke. Quirrell just went over some basic methods of defense to ward off dark creatures, things like using powerful amulets that admit light to ward off vampires and zombies, and carrying silver to protect against werewolves. 'The classroom smelled strongly of garlic, which everyone said was to ward off a vampire he met in Romania. Quirrell told them that his turban was a gift from a an African Prince as a thank you for getting rid of troublesome zombie, but when Justin eagerly asked to hear the story Quirrell went pink and began talking about the weather.

Several students whispered the turban was stuffed with garlic so that Quirrell would be protected from the vampire wherever he went. The class ended and Harry felt an enormous sense of relief wash over him. Harry hadn't realized just how tense and nervous he had been about everything regarding Quirrell, but as he walked out of the room and caught Alastor standing just around a corner Harry felt much of the tension ease. Alastor gave Harry a meaningful nod and Harry gave Alastor a smile and his own nod in return.

As the week continued Harry and Dudley started to discover more and more about the castle, the one thing they both still found fascinating was the school's ghosts. The Gryffindor ghost Nearly Headless Nick, and the Fat Friar were both all willing to help students along the way (although Harry and Dudley's summer in the school meant they already knew their way around), but Peeves the Poltergeist was a source of endless trouble, he was constantly popping out of places, pulling rugs out from under people, dropping things on their heads. Harry couldn't count how many times he'd been walking down a hallway and found himself being attached by water balloons, and paint cans or nearly tripped on a rug the Peeves was trying to pull up.

Thankfully, Alastor had began teaching Harry and Dudley a few basic defensive spells. Alastor had taught them both a few basic shield charms as well as a couple of enchantments that could help protect them both. Harry and Dudley had both been able to use the shield charms and defensive spells to bounce Peeves' attaches back at him, after a few times of having his own tricks tossed back at him Peeves had started avoiding both of them.

Of course, Peeves wasn't the only problem at Hogwarts, Argus Filch was the castle caretaker who waged a constant war against Peeves and the students. Filch had a cat named Mrs. Norris, break a single rule in front of her, step one single toe out of line and Filch would show up within a moment, out of breath and ranting about the punishment he wanted to dole out. It was the dearest wish of most of the students in the school to give Mrs. Norris a good swift kick.

Harry heard how Neville Longbottom, the poor clumsy Gryffindor, and Ron Weasley had gotten on the wrong side of Filch within his first few days because they'd gotten lost and tried to open a door that turned out to be the forbidden corridor. Poor blundering Neville had nearly had a panic attack when confronted with Filch, whilst Ron had tried to defend the both of them. Filch hadn't believed they were just lost, and had been instating the two of them had been trying to get into the corridor on purpose when they had both been save by Professor Quirrell, who'd happened to be passing by.

The end of the week meant their first potions class, that morning Hedwig arrived with a copy of The Daily Profitand a letter for Harry. Harry took it gratefully thinking perhaps it was from Scott or someone else from the muggle world, but the letter was actually from Hagrid:

Dear Harry,

I know you get Friday afternoons off, so would you like to come and have a cup of tea with me around three? I want to hear about your first week. Send us and answer back with Hedwig.

Hagrid

Ron and Dudley, who had been sitting on either side of Harry the Hufflepuff table looked over at the letter. When Harry explained they both lit up and asked if they could come along. Ron was the most excited of the two, "I've been wanting to meet him. All of my brothers have told me all about him."

Harry said, "Sure."

Then wrote yes please, see you later

On the back of the note and sent it off with Hedwig. Harry's first potions class was before Ron's. The Hufflepuff's had potions with the Ravenclaws, Harry and Dudley sat at the same cauldron next to a pair of Ravenclaw girls. Harry instantly recognized one of the girls as Parvati Patil's twin sister Padma, and the other was an tall read haired girl Harry hadn't met yet. Professor Snape opened the door and entered the room in his usual manner, "there will be no foolish wand waving or silly incantations in this class. As such I don't expect all of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art that is potion making, but for those select few who possess the pre-disposition. I can teach you to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death. That is if you aren't as big of a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

Professor Snape's voice didn't rise, but the entire class was focused on him. It was obvious that like Professor McGonagall Snape had the ability to keep a class focused on him without any additional effort. Snape turned, causing his robe to fan around him and turned to Harry and Dudley, "Ah the two Mr. Potter's our new celebrities."

Professor Snape turned to Harry and gave him a studious look as though Professor Snape were trying to read into Harry and said, "Tell me Mr. Potter where would you look if I asked you to find me a Bezoar?"

Harry thought for a moment then said, "A Bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat, it saves people from most poisons."

Professor Snape raised an eyebrow at him, and Harry could tell he was impressed, "and what would you get Mr. Potter if you added powdered root of Asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

Harry thought for a moment, he knew both plants were strong sedatives "It would be a very powerful sleeping draft." Harry bit his lip as he thought for a moment more then it came to him, Harry and Dudley had talked about the potion, joking about how it reminded them of the muggle fairytale Snow White, "The draft of living death." Harry supplied.

Professor Snape said, "That is correct as well. And what, Mr. Potter is the difference between Monkswood and Wolfsbane."

Harry knew the answer to this one, it was something he and Remus had talked about, "Nothing Professor, they're the same plant that's also known as Aconite."

Professor Snape moved back, and Harry could tell the man was surprised, and possibly slightly impressed, "correct Mr. Potter." Then Snape turned to the rest of the class, "Well, why aren't the rest of you copying this down?"

Everyone started scribbling frantically, soon Professor Snape had them brewing a simple potion to cure boils. Harry noticed that as Professor Snape moved around the room, he took particular care to hover closer to Harry and Dudley's cauldron. Professor Snape was looking at the two of them carefully as though he were trying to get the measure of Harry and Dudley, this was something Harry had seen throughout the summer in Hogwarts. Professor Snape had always seemed to be unsure of what to make of Harry or where he stood as far as Harry, Dudley, and even Daisy were concerned.

As they finished up the potion Harry couldn't help wondering what it was about him that made Snape so interested in his situation, as well as Daisy and Dudley. Harry had asked Alastor, Poppy, and even Remus about it, but none of them had really given him a straight answer. Once potions class was finished Harry and Dudley headed off to meet Alastor and Poppy so they could go pick up Daisy, then they met Ron in the entrance hall.

The four of them walked down to Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. There was a loud barking coming from the other side of the door and Hagrid's voice boomed, "Back Fang, Back!"

Hagrid opened the door and grinned at them, "Well hello, all of you. Come on in, I just made a pot of tea. Back Fang!"

Hagrid had his large hands clamped around the collar of a large boar hound, who was barking loudly. Daisy whimpered slightly, and as she did Fang whined and settled onto his stomach, Harry walked over and pet him gently, "it's o.k. see." It was obvious that like Hagrid Fang looked much more intimidating than he actually was Daisy came forward and scratched between Fang's ears, and he in turn rose up and licked hers. Daisy squealed in delight, "Big Doggy!"

Harry couldn't help laughing, "Yes Pumpkin, big doggy."

They all filed in and sat down at a small round wooden table. Harry looked around, the house was a one room hut. There was a large bed with a patchwork quilt in one end of the room, a fireplace in the front, Harry looked up and saw a number of crossbows, weapons, traps, and numerous animals and other items hanging from the ceiling. They all sat at the table and Hagrid served them tea, Hagrid placed a large fruitcake in the center of the table and said, "So how's your first week been?"

They all started talking about their week, Harry grinned when Hagrid called Filch, "That old git, and as for that cat of his Mrs. Norris. I'd like to introduce her to Fang." Harry snorted as he grabbed a piece of fruit cake, but as soon as he bit into it, Harry felt his teeth snap, and instantly pushed the fruit cake away. Even though the cake was inedible the tea was good and Harry told Hagrid all about the potions class. Once he was done Hagrid nodded, "It's not that surprising really Harry. You see Professor Snape is the kind of person who can read other people. I think he had an idear in his head of the type of person you are Harry, but then when you, Daisy, and Dudely showed up the way you did it through him for a loop. Professor Snape ain't the type of person who gets surprised easily, and he sometimes has trouble when things surprise him because it's not something that happens very often. Simply put Harry, he don't know what to make of you or Dudley and that unsettles him."

Hagrid paused to take a long drink of tea, "Best thing you can do is give him some space and try to let him work things out on his own."

Harry shook his head, "But why does Professor Snape think like that? Is it just because of all that Boy Who Lived garbage or is there more to it?"

Hagrid shook his head, "Not sure about that one Harry." Harry could tell that Hagrid wasn't looking him in the eyes when he said that, so Harry decided to let it be for now. However, Harry decided he was going to ask a few other people about Professor Snape.

Harry asked another question that had been bothering him for a while, "Hey, Hagrid, you know that break-in that happened at Gringotts, it happened the same day you went there."

This time Harry was certain Hagrid didn't meet his eyes, "So which classes are you liking the best?"

Dudley said, "I like Charms, the way magic can manipulate other objects."

Ron shrugged, "I'm not sure, but the class I'm really looking forward to is flying lessons, those will start next week. I've been flying a couple of times, nearly hit a hang glider on Charlie's old broom once, and I want to really try it."

Hagrid said, "You start slow in flying lessons Ron. You won't be doing loop-de-loop's round the castle tiers anytime soon."

Harry snickered, "I actually really like Herbology, one of the only things I liked about being at the Dursley's was doing garden work. Herbology is a lot like that."

Before Hagrid could answer Daisy squealed with laughter, they all looked over and saw Fang was standing on his forelegs licking the three year olds' ears. All of them cracked up at the sight, it was obvious that like his master, Fang looked much more frightening than he actually was. Tea with Hagrid was a great way to spend the afternoon. Once they were done Hagrid walked them back to the castle for dinner. This time Harry and Dudley say at the Gryffindor table next to Ron and Seamus Finnigan. Neville Longbottom sat across from them right next to Hermione Granger.

Unsurprisingly, Hermione was reading a book, Harry peaked across the table and read the title Quidditch Through the Ages, Harry asked, "Is that any good?"

Hermione looked up, seemingly startled that Harry had actually spoken to her. Harry wondered if this was because most of the Gryffindor's didn't bother Hermione when they saw she was reading, because she wasn't used to people actually trying to talk to her, or simply because she'd been so engrossed in the book that Hermione had completely forgotten about the world outside of it. Hermione jerked her head up and said, "Oh, Yes. I got it from the library to give me some tips for when we start our flying lessons, but it's a wonderful read itself. It says in here, that the bludgers were probably influenced by a game played on flying broomsticks back in Scotland where the players would put some kind of metal helmet on their heads and fly around a field dodging flying rocks."

Harry's eyes widened, "That sounds dangerous."

Hermione nodded sagely, "Definitely, the Scottish games was eventually banned because too many people died playing it."

Dudley grimaced, "Ew."

Harry pointed to Daisy and said, "Can we please change the subject?"

Hermione blushed slightly, "Opps, sorry."

The rest of the night passed easily, as Harry walked back to Alastor and Poppy's rooms to say goodnight to Daisy Alastor said, "Harry, I've talked to Poppy about Quirrell, and I've also been keeping an eye on him. I have detected an aura of dark magic surrounding him, but I haven't been able to figure out where it is originating from. Also, the aura around Quirrell is dark, but I cannot determine exactly where it is coming from or what the dark magic is connected to. The aura is different the Quirrell's own magical signature, and it is a dark magic aura, but it's not as potent as other types of dark magic I've come across in my years as an auror."

Harry bit his lip, "Well, what about Poppy? Or Professor Dumbledore? Could they help?"

Alastor shook his head, "Poppy can't do anything more than a diagnostic charm without Quirrell being aware of it. She already cast one on him, but she didn't detect anything unusual, all she found was the same dark magic I found and the distortion in his magical aura. Having a distorted aura isn't really a sign of anything in particular as there are literally hundreds of things that can distort and witch or wizards aura, either temporarily or permanently, I did speak to Albus, but he said without anything else to go on all he can do is keep a close watch on Quirrell."

Harry sighed heavily, "I don't know what it is, but there's something wrong about him."

Alastor put a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Just be careful like I told you Harry. We'll keep looking."

Harry nodded and then followed Alastor back to their quarters so he could tell Daisy 'goodnight' the next few days went by relatively easy. Despite the fact that Alastor hadn't been able to discover exactly what it was about Quirrell that had put Harry off, the fact that he was keeping an eye on the other man and working to discover the truth was enough to put Harry at ease.

Hpddhpddhpddhpdd

The next morning at breakfast Harry was sitting next to Ron and Neville at the Gryffindor table as the owl post came flying in as usual. As students began opening their letters and packages Neville opened something from his grandmother that contained a small glass ball. Oliver Wood called out, "Hey look, Neville's got a rememberall."

Neville grinned, "My Gran sent it to me, she knows I forget things. All you need to do is squeeze it like this" Neville held the ball tight in his fist as he continued, "And if the smoke inside turns red, oh."

Neville gasped as the smoke in the ball indeed turned red, Neville bit his lip trying to think of what it was he'd forgotten when Draco Malfoy came up behind Neville and snatched the rememberall out of his hand, "Well, well, what do we have here?"

Neville turned red, but still managed to stutter out, "Give it back Malfoy."

Malfoy sneered, "Or you'll what?"

Harry, Ron, and Dudley all stood, but before any of them could do anything Professor McGonagall appeared alongside Malfoy and said, "What precisely is going on?"

Malfoy stiffened slightly as Neville said, "Malfoy's got my rememberall Professor."

Malfoy carefully placed the rememberall back in Neville's palm, "Just looking." He said (with falsely innocent face that didn't fool anybody) and then Malfoy turned and walked back to the Slytherin table.

Later that day was the class Harry had been the most excited about ever since he came to Hogwarts, their very first flying lesson. Even though Harry had heard Ron's two brothers Fred and George complain quite loudly about the school's brooms, (saying how some vibrated when you flew too high, whilst other always pulled to the right) the idea of actually flying on a magic broom was something Harry was truly thrilled about.

The Hufflepuffs had their flying lessons with Ravenclaws, they arrived at an outdoor courtyard in the school where a set of brooms were set up across from another set. Madame Hooch, the flying teacher and quidditch coach walked out onto the grass, she had short grey hair, and yellow hawk-like eyes. Madame Hooch stood in front of the class and said, "Welcome to your first flying lesson everyone, let's began. Everyone place your right hand over your broom and say 'up'.

As one all of the students walked up to the brooms and shouted, "Up!" Harry's broom instantly flew up into his hands, but it was one of the few that did. Several of the brooms simply rolled over, while a few just shook, and others stayed still. Ernie McMillian grinned proudly as his broom shot into his hand. Justin's broom seem to be one of the shaking ones, Harry wondered if brooms (like horses) could sense when someone was nervous, because it was obvious Justin was feeling a little uneasy about the entire thing. Eventually, everyone had a broom in hand and Madame Hooch called, "Now that you've got your brooms I want you to mount it, and grip it tight. You don't want to go sliding off the other end."

Madame Hooch walked along the lines of students correcting grips and making adjustments to how the students sat on the brooms. As Madame Hooch passed a tall sandy haired boy from Ravenclaw she stopped and said, "Very nice work Mr. Boot."

Boot grinned back at Madame Hooch as the Professor said, "O.k., when I blow my whistle you're all going to kick off from the ground hard, hover for a moment, then lean forward and land slowly. On my whistle three, two, one." Madame Hooch blew her whistle and they all rose into the air together, Harry felt this amazing sense of warmth rush through him, and for the first time sense he'd arrived in the Wizarding world, Harry realized that he had found something that he naturally knew how to do. Harry couldn't explain how he knew it, but somehow he knew that he could make the broom move as he wanted, and move how he liked.

Harry was sorely tempted to try it out, but he knew better then to mess around under Madame Hooch's watch, so he brought the broom down and landed. Harry came down easily, but again he was one of the few, many of the other students tripped and fell off their brooms as they landed, and others fell backwards and landed on their butts. Madame Hooch walked along the line of students once more giving them all pointers on how to land properly and keeping their brooms steady. They spent the rest of the lesson practicing some basic flying formations and landings until everyone from both houses could do it well.

After flying lessons they had History of magic, the class all students struggled to stay awake in, and then it was time for their between class break. Harry was going to head up to the owelry to visit Hedwig, while Dudley was going check out the schools' godbstone club. Gobstones was a game like marbles, but the balls squirted a foul liquid on the players during the game. As they walked down the hallway a familiar voice, "Harry, Dudley, hey!"

Harry and Dudley turned and saw Tonks running down the corridors towards them, today her hair was a vibrant purple mowhawk and her eyes were vibrant blue cats eyes that complimented her wild hair style. Harry couldn't help bursting out laughing at the sight of her, "Wow, Tonks, that's pretty wild."

Tonks beamed, "Thanks Harry, hey I was going to watch the first year Gryffindors start their flying lessons, do you two want to come along?"

Harry shrugged while Dudley said, "No, I'm going to check out the gobstones club, we already had our flying lesson, so I don't really feel like watching the others."

Tonks caused her hair to flash, virbrant green, cobalt blue, and shocking orange before bringing it back to purple again and saying, "Alright, suit yourself."

Harry said, "I'd like to com, I know Neville's been nervous about flying, and it might help if he had some extra moral support after the lesson."

Tonks said, "Yeah, I know what you mean. Neville told me that his Gran never let him go flying, but honestly speaking I understand why."

Harry nodded as they walked to a set of arches that looked out over the outdoor courtyard used for flying lessons. Harry and Tonks watched as Madame Hooch greeted the students and had them summon their brooms. Harry couldn't help rolling his eyes at the smug look on Malfoy's face when his broom went right into his hand. However, Malfoy's arrogance didn't last. As Madame Hooch walked amongst the students and corrected their grip Harry felt a slight thrill go through him as he heard Madame Hooch tell Malfoy he'd been doing it wrong for years. Harry and Tonks turned to each other and gave a pair of identical shit eating grins before snorting in laughter. Despite the thrill over seeing Malfoy brought down a peg Harry couldn't help noticing the way Neville kept nervously shifting from foot to foot and biting his lip in fear.

They watched Madame Hooch give the students orders regarding flying and stand at the head of the line of students. Unfortunately, before Madame Hooch could blow the whistle Neville, who was obviously nervous and scared and afraid to be left behind kicked off too early. Neville's broom went flying up, Harry and Tonks could see Neville desperately trying to bring the broom back down with no success and ran out into the grounds together to see if they could help. Neville's broom shot forward and he collided hard with the side of the school and fell from his broom. Madame Hooch shouted a cushioning charm to ease his fall, but they all still heard a sickening crack as Neville made contact with the ground.

Madame Hooch instantly rushed over to Neville, her face looking just as white as his, as Madame Hooch looked Neville over she carefully took his left arm, which he was cradling against his chest, and shook her head, "Broken wrist."

Madame Hooch said, "It's alright Mr. Longbottom, Madame Pomfrey will be able to sort you out." She turned to the class and said, "Everyone is to keep their feet firmly on the ground while I take Mr. Longbottom to the hospital wing. If I see a single broom in the air, the one riding it will be in the headmasters' office before they can say quidditch."

Once Neville and Madame Hooch were out of sight Harry saw Malfoy bend down and pick something up, "Look, it's that thing Longbottom's grandmother sent him. Maybe if the great lump had given this squeeze, he'd remember to fall on his fat ass."

Harry instantly stalked forward, "give it here Malfoy"

At the same time Tonks pulled her wand and narrowed her eyes at him, "Now."

Malfoy looked nervously at the drawn wand. While Malfoy may have been an arrogant jerk, he wasn't stupid enough to think he could go toe to toe in a duel with a seventh year and come out a winner. Tonks had better control and knowledge of magic than Malfoy did. Harry couldn't help feeling like things were going to work out fine, but unfortunately he and Tonks were so focused on Malfoy they hadn't been paying attention to the other Slytherins. Without any warning a large heavy form lunged forward and knocked Harry to the ground pushing the air out his lungs. Harry turned and saw Crabbe lying on the grass beside him, at the same time Harry heard Tonks yell as a large Slytherin girl named Millicent Baulstrode came forward and tripped her up.

Malfoy took advantage of the distraction and took to the air shouting, "I think I'll leave this somewhere for Longbottom to find. How about the roof?"

Harry didn't stop, didn't think, he just ran forward, grabbed the first free broom he saw and kicked off. Below him Harry heard Hermione shout, "Harry no!" as he soared up.

As Harry rose he felt a thrill go through him that was so much more intense than the one he had during flying class. Harry knew once again that this was something he just knew how to do, this was easy, but he wasn't alone. Malfoy hadn't been lying, he could fly, and very well. As Malfoy rose in the air Harry flew after him and shouted, "Give it here Malfoy or I'll knock you off your broom!"

Malfoy looked slightly surprised by Harry skill, but he obviously wasn't going to back down easily. Instead he just narrowed his eyes and spat, "Try it."

Harry flew forward, intending to bump into Malfoy, but Malfoy swerved at the last minute and Harry missed his broom, but he did manage to clip the back of Malfoy's broom and cause him to wobble in the air. Malfoy instantly clamped down on the broom handle, now looking obviously nervous.

Harry pointed out, "no Crabbe and Goyle to fight for you up here."

Malfoy seemed to have realized this himself, he held the rememberall in his hand and said, "you want it?" Malfoy raised his arm, "Go get it!" without warning Malfoy raised his arm and threw the rememberall as far as he could. Harry turned quickly and followed the ark of the rememberall as it sailed through the air. Harry dove and spun catching the rememberall safely in his hands before landing firmly back on the ground. Malfoy stood off to the side sulking as the Gryffindors cheered.

Harry felt a rush of joy and pride run through him, but all of that died when he heard two voices shout from the sides, "Harry Potter!"

Harry turned and saw Professor McGonagall and Alastor stalking towards the group and he instantly felt his stomach drop. Professor McGonagall reached him first, "how dare you, what on Earth were you thinking? Could have broken your neck."

Harry opened his mouth to defend himself, but before he could Alastor said, "It's not all Harry's fault Minerva."

Alastor stalked over to them, leading Malfoy by the elbow, "I saw the students through the arches. Malfoy took off first, it he had something in his hand and he threw it."

Harry instantly piped up, "It's true Professor, when Neville fell off his broom he dropped his rememberall and Malfoy took it. Tonks and I tried to get it back, but he flew up in the air and tried to throw it so it would break."

Harry held up the rememberall and Professor McGonagall's already thin mouth got even thinner as she turned to Malfoy, "Is this true?" she asked in a fierce voice. Harry couldn't help shuddering at the anger he could fell radiating off the deputy headmistress. McGonagall was a fair teacher, but she was also head of Gryffindor house, and everyone knew that trying to hurt one of her cubs was never a good idea. Malfoy swallowed, and tried to come up with some excuse, "No, Professor, I did pick up the rememberall when Longbottom dropped it, but it was only so I could give it back to Longbottom later. Once Madame Hooch was out of sight Potter was bragging about how he was better flyer and he took off. I went after him to get him down. When we were flying I lost my grip on the rememberall and it fell."

Alastor glared at him, "And I suppose, you have some other ridiculous bit of fiction to explain why I saw you throwing the rememberall through the air."

Malfoy went even paler than usually, apparently he had forgotten that Alastor had seen him toss the rememberall. Malfoy stuttered, "Ah."

Alastor shook his head, "I thought not." Then he turned to the class, show of hands, "who says Harry is the one telling the truth?" All of the Gryffindor's including Tonks, raised their hands, but to Harry's great surprise so did several Slytherins. Harry could see a thin black boy standing to Malfoy's left with his hand raised, next to him was a Slytherin girl Harry knew was called Sophie Armsted, another girl with wild blonde hair that Harry didn't know, and small brown haired boy with a slightly large nose.

Alastor asked, "And who says Malfoy is telling the truth?"

Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bullstrode, Goyle, Crabbe, and several other Slytherin's raised their hands. Alastor said, "Well, I think that pretty much puts things to rest."

Professor McGonagall stalked forward and grabbed hold of Malfoy saying, "How dare you, stealing another students' property, attempting to destroy that same property. Endangering yourself and others, not only are you and I going to have a very long talk with Professor Snape, but I will be writing to your father this evening to tell him exactly what you have done."

Malfoy looked as though he had swallowed a frog, Professor McGonagall turned back to Harry, "As for your Mr. Potter, while your actions were born out a desire to assist your fellow classmate, you still put yourself and other students at great risk. You are by no means off the hook for this. You will be receiving a detention Mr. Potter."

Harry spluttered, "But Professor, I couldn't let Malfoy smash Neville's rememberall and there wasn't time to go for a teacher. What else was I supposed to do?"

Professor McGonagall narrowed her eyes at his backtalk and Harry blushed, "Sorry."

Alastor said, "Come on Harry you can I need to have a little talk."

Harry groaned, he hadn't known Alastor long, but he could tell this wasn't going to be pleasant. Sure enough it turned out Harry was right. Alastor led Harry down to their personal quarters (Harry couldn't help marveling over the fact that the rooms were now theirs) and sat him down on the couch. Alastor stood and said, "Now Harry, I understand why you did what you did. And personally speaking I'd also like to throw in that it was good of you to do so. You stood up for your friend and reminded Malfoy that he can't just walk all over people his entire life and expect to get away with it. However, that still doesn't mean what you did wasn't dangerous or irresponsible. Harry, you've only flown once before in your entire life. You could have fallen off your broom, you could have hurt yourself, Malfoy, or one of the other students in that courtyard, you could have flown into a wall or Merlin only know what else. What you did was dangerous."

Harry couldn't help feeling frustrated, "But I didn't have a choice, there was nothing else to do. Tonks was with me, and she had her wand out, but Bullstrode and Crabbe knocked us both down and then Malfoy took off. Once he was up in the air there weren't a lot of other options."

Harry took a deep breath, "I know it was risky, but it was the only way, and even though I never flew before I just knew what I was doing. I can't explain it, but it was the same in my flying lesson. As soon as I took off I knew I'd found something that I could just do without being taught. Something that just came naturally to me."

Alastor snorted, "that's not all that surprising, your father was a quidditch player, seeker on the Gryffindor team, and quidditch team captain."

Harry gaped at Alastor, "He was?"

Alastor nodded, "indeed he was, and that explains your natural skill, but it still doesn't excuse the danger your put yourself and others in."

Harry groaned and repeated what he'd said to Professor McGonagall, "But I don't know what else I could have done."

Alastor paced, "well, obviously getting a teacher would have been difficult as there weren't any around and by the time you'd retrieved one Longbottom's property would have been gone." Alastor shook his head in disgust, "You know the staff at this school has been telling Dumbledore and Hooch that they need to have an assistant help oversee flying lessons, even if it's just one of the seventh year students. It really is ridiculous just to have Madame Hooch out their alone. No matter how good she is things like this do still happen, and she should have a back-up in place to watch students."

Alastor shook his head and said, "But that is not the point, your best course of action would probably have been to stay on the ground."

Harry harrumphed, "I don't like the idea of just sitting by and letting Malfoy act like a nasty bullying get then running for a teacher like some little snot."

Alastor shook his head, "and I'm not saying you should have, but you could tried staying on the ground and goading Malfoy to land."

Harry raised an eyebrow at him, "What?"

Alastor nodded, "Yes, you know Mr. Malfoy's biggest weakness is his ego. He believes himself to be above everyone else and that makes him easy to manipulate. Harry you know that Mr. Malfoy likes to rile other people up, your friend Ron can certainly attest to that, but Malfoy is also someone who can be easily tempered himself. If you had stayed on the ground you could have used Mr. Malfoy's sense of entitlement against him, perhaps make it appear as though you were too afraid to fly up after him. That could have caused Mr. Malfoy to become overly confident, and he might have flown lower enough for you to get him off the broom by jumping and grabbing hold of the broomstick itself. You could have also stood on the ground and goaded Mr. Malfoy into coming back down, told him that he was coward for flying off the way he did, and that his taking to the air just proved he was too scared to fight you man to man. You and I both know he wouldn't have taken an insult like that lying down. Mr. Malfoy would have landed the broom, and once he was on the ground again it would have been easier to subdue him. It also would have been easier to retrieve Mr. Longbottom's property without the risk of it being destroyed."

Harry blinked, "I didn't think of that."

Alastor nodded, "Obviously, but Harry you need to start thinking of things in a different way. You need to look at situations from several different angles. You also need to think things through before running in blindly to whatever situation you find yourself facing."

Harry went slightly red, he felt embarrassed for not having thought of something like that, but he also felt irritated, "Malfoy took Neville's remeberall, he was being an ass."

Alastor said, "And I agree with you Harry, but I'm also responsible for you and I do not want to see you hurt."

Harry's eyes widened in shock, "You're worried about me?" Harry knew that Alastor and Poppy cared about him, and Daisy, and Dudley, but it still through him for a loop to hear that someone actually cared about his personal safety.

Alastor said, "Yes, I do. And you need to think before you act. You have a lot of people who care about you and don't want to see you get hurt because you ran into something without thinking. Me, Poppy, Dudley, and Daisy."

Alastor grabbed Harry gently under the chin and title his head up so Harry was looking the older man in his mismatched eyes, "Harry, what about Daisy? If something happened to you, what do you think it would do to her?"

Harry felt his stomach drop because he knew the answer to that question, Daisy would be devastated without him. Harry nodded glumly and sat back as Alastor proceeded to give him a very long lecture about endangering his personal safety, and thinking through a situation before making decisions that were too impulsive.

Later that night Poppy took Harry aside and gave him her own 'talking to' by going into lengths of the types of injuries Harry could have received during his little stunt, as well as injuries that Harry could have inadvertently caused to other students. By the time they were all ready to walk to the Great Hall for dinner Harry was feeling decidedly embarrassed about everything.

However, all that changed when they entered the Great Hall, as soon as Harry walked in Professor Sprout walked up to Harry along with Cedric Diggory and a girl names Abigail Mills, "Excuse me Mr. Potter, but I would like to have a work with and your guardians regarding what happened this afternoon."

Harry felt himself go red once more as his stomach instantly sunk,great now Professor Sprout was going to give me a lecture on my behavior Harry thought. Poppy said, "Of course Pomona." And gestured towards the doors of the Great Hall, the four of them walked out of the Great Hall and into a small alcove away from the eyes and ears of anyone else. Once they were all settled Professor Sprout said, "Now Mr. Potter, Professor McGonagall and several others have informed me of the events that took place this afternoon."

Harry sighed and said, "Professor Sprout, I want you to know that I am sorry for what I did. Alastor and Poppy have both already talked to me about it, and I know what I did was dangerous and reckless and I should have been more careful."

Professor Sprout nodded, "Most assuredly Mr. Potter, but that is not what I wanted to discuss with you."

Harry looked up in shock, "It isn't?"

Professor Sprout smiled, "No Mr. Potter, it is not. As it happens what I wanted to discuss with you is your skills on a broom. Now as it happens Mr. Diggory here." She rested a hand on Cedric's shoulder, "is currently the seeker for the Hufflepuff house quidditch team, and he is very good at it, but the team is still short several players as a number of students graduated last year. Now Cedric has the skills and build to make an excellent beater, and after talking to him and Ms. Mills." Professor Sprout nodded towards the tall red haired girl standing next to Cedric, "We have all agreed that it would be a fantastic idea to move Mr. Diggory to a beater position, and allow you to play as seeker for the Hufflepuff quidditch team."

Harry gasped, "Me, seeker? Really? But I thought first years aren't allowed."

Professor Sprout nodded, "traditionally speaking that is true, but if your guardians are agreeable I would have no hesitation in talking to Professor Dumbledore about breaking the first year rule."

Harry had to literally bite his lip to keep from shouting with joy, the idea of being able to play on a school quidditch team was amazing. Alastor and Poppy both looked pensive, Poppy spoke first, "Pomona, I know Harry is skilled with a broom, and he I'm sure he could do well, but I'm not sure if I like the idea of him playing at such a young age."

Alastor piped up, "There's also the fact that if we agree, it would essentially be rewarding Harry for his reckless behavior earlier."

Harry felt his heart drop, and instantly bit his lip harder. This time Harry wasn't biting his lip for joy, but to fight back tears. Harry could understand Poppy and Alastor not wanting him to play, and some vague part of his mind acknowledged Alastor's argument as being logical, but on the other hand Harry couldn't help thinking back on his life with the Dursley's nearly every time Harry had found something he had enjoyed, or something he was genuinely good at, Petunia and Vernon had always denied Harry the opportunity to truly get involved with anything that could be seen as 'fun'.

When Harry had been in first grade his teacher had noticed Harry's skill with drawing and suggested Harry be allowed to take special accelerated art classes after school. Petunia and Vernon instantly said no claiming they wanted Harry to focus on 'practical academic work'. Not long after Harry had first met Franklin the other boy had suggested Harry come try out for the school soccer team, but Harry had known Petunia and Vernon would never approve and that even if they had he couldn't play soccer and take care of Daisy so Harry had turned down the offer. There had been a number of other times over the years when Harry had found something he enjoyed or happened to be good at, and sure enough every time Petunia and Vernon had refused to allow Harry to pursue it.

Harry knew that Poppy and Alastor weren't like Petunia and Vernon, but he couldn't help feeling the same sense of disappointment and rejection that he had always felt around his aunt and uncle. Alastor and Poppy stood behind Harry, both of them noticed the tensing of his shoulders, and the obvious distress in his posture, and both could tell that this was more than just a typical 'sulk'. Alastor looked at Harry and remembered the way the Dursley's had spoke about the young man, how'd they'd always told Harry he was worthless, useless, and good for nothing. Alastor knew for a fact that Harry had never received any kind of praise from Petunia or Vernon, and he certainly had a chance to really be a child or explore something he genuinely enjoyed doing simply because he liked doing it.

Alastor looked over at Poppy and the two of them had a silent conversation, after a moment Alastor nodded and Poppy said, "Alright Pomona, Harry will be allowed to join the Hufflepuff quidditch team, but" and he she turned to Harry who was trying to fight the urge to jump up and down and shout with glee, "you are still grounded for your actions during the flying class, and you need to keep your grades up, neither of us will tolerate you slacking in your studies it that clear?"

Harry said, "Yes Poppy, I will, I promise."

Pomona grinned proudly and said, "Good, now we'll have to get you a decent broom Harry. Cedric and Abigail will meet you outside tomorrow so they can start going over the basics with you."

Harry beamed at her, "thank you Professor Sprout, thank you."

Harry sat down at the Hufflepuff table practically vibrating with excitement, most of his housemates had heard what happened and they alternated between congratulating Harry on being the youngest quidditch player in the century, and congratulating him on bringing Draco Malfoy down a peg (which they all agreed the blonde Slytherin desperately needed). Tonks of course was included in the praise surrounding Draco finally getting punished for being spoiled little brat who liked to walk all over people, and both of them had a great time at dinner that night.

After saying goodnight to Daisy Harry and Dudley went up to the dorms Dudley shook his head at Harry, "You always have to be the hero don't you?"

Harry sighed, "I didn't mean to be, but when I saw Malfoy, I knew I had to step in. You're not upset are you?"

Harry turned and looked Dudley in the eye, Dudley bit his lip, "Well yes and no. I'm glad Malfoy got in trouble, but it just people are going to be talking about this a lot. It's a big deal."

Harry sighed, "I know, but maybe you can try out for the team next year."

Dudley shook his head, "No, I don't really like flying on a broom that much. I still like the idea of flying in a plane, and maybe still joining the RAF someday, but I don't think quidditch is really for me. Plus I'm not nearly as good at it as you are. I need to find something else that I'm good at."

Looking to change the topic Harry remembered why Dudley hadn't been with him that afternoon in the first place, "How was the gobstones club?"

Dudley shook his head, "It was alright, but I don't think that's for me either."

Harry looked at his brother, he wanted to help Dudley, he knew that Dudley was struggling a little being at Hogwarts. Harry knew Dudley loved it here, but at the same time everyone in the Wizarding world knew Harry Potter, they didn't know Dudley Potter. What's more Dudley had just left everything he knew behind, and he was having a hard time adjusting to it. Harry knew Dudley was looking for his place here at school. Harry thought for a moment and considered something that might help Dudley find the niche he was looking for, what was Dudley good at?

Then it came to Harry, the memory of them playing soccer in the park with their friends. Harry didn't hesitate, he walked over to Dudley's trunk and opened, "What are you doing?" Dudley asked sounding half curious and half annoyed.

Harry lifted their prized soccer ball out, "What do you say we start teaching these Wizarding kids how to have fun muggle style?"

Dudley grinned and took the soccer ball from Harry, "Now that, is a good idea. I'll talk to Professor Sprout tomorrow about starting an inter-house soccer team."

Harry nodded, "You can get kids form all the house to come together and learn soccer, I think you should mix it up so different people from different houses are on the same team."

Dudley nodded, "Yeah, and I can talk to some of the older students to help with coaching and stuff." Dudley looked up at Harry, "but what about you?"

Harry shrugged, "I'm fine playing here and there, but remember I'll be on the quidditch team, I won't have time to run a soccer club. This will be all you."

Dudley squeezed the soccer ball before putting it back inside his trunk, "Well then, I better start writing things out. I've got to lay out exactly how this is going to work if I'm going to talk to Professor Sprout about it."

Harry ended up falling asleep to the sound of Dudley's quill scratching across the parchment, Harry felt a sense of reassurance wash over himself, Harry promised himself that he would never ever let Dudley fall into the shadows, he knew what it was like to be pushed aside and ignored and he would never let it happen to his brother no matter what.

A/N well, what do you think? I know, I know, long wait, but hopefully it's worth it