'The Wedding'

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A/N: Hi people’s here’s the 20th chapter! I know it was March 21st when I last updated but I had a lot of trouble getting this one out and I’ve long since run out of saved up chapters so I had to have a bit of time to be creative. Thanks to my loyal reviewers your reviews mean loads to me. The timeline of this story at the national training session is October 6th 2004 ten days before Harry and Ginny’s wedding. I know it’s been a while coming but please enjoy I promise the next chapter won’t be quite as long coming.

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On Tuesday morning a new atmosphere of excitement hung in the air of the manor as today was the day Teddy was going to see his new school.

‘You have a good day eh Ted?’ Ron said squatting down to Teddy’s level as he prepared to go to work ‘Be good for Nanna and Harry and be nice to everyone you meet today okay?’

Teddy hugged Ron around the neck.
‘Okay Uncle Ron’ He said ‘You be nice today too’

Hermione laughed.

‘You got a deal kid’ Ron said stepping into the grate ‘Tell me all about your day later tonight at dinner eh?’

‘Okay’

Ron left in a rush of flames and Hermione was the next to hug Teddy.
‘You’ll have fun at this school Ted’ She said ‘You can make lots of new friends and maybe one day you’ll go to Hogwarts with them. That’ll be good won’t it?’

‘Yeaaaah!’

‘Okay I better follow Ron to the Ministry I want to hear all about your day when I get home have fun okay?’

‘Okay’

Hermione disappeared in green flames and Harry turned to Teddy.
‘Okay Tedmeister hoof it upstairs and brush your teeth and Nanna should be here by the time you’ve finished’ He said ‘Let me know if you want help tying your laces or anything like that’

‘Hawwy I’m a big boy I can tie my own laces!’ Teddy exclaimed ‘I’ve dunnit since I was three! You forgot!’

‘Aren’t I silly then?’ Harry said with a grin ‘Go on hurry up’

Teddy scooted out of the kitchen and Harry set about cleaning up. A few moments later Andromeda arrived via floo.

‘Morning Harry!’ She exclaimed striding over to Harry and embracing him in a quick hug.

‘Morning’ Harry said ‘Ted will be down soon he’s brushing his teeth now, coffee?’

‘No thanks I had one with breakfast’ Andromeda said sliding into the nearest chair ‘So is Ted excited?’

‘Yeah he is’ Harry said with a grin ‘So much so I had issues getting him to bed last night. He’s really excited abut meeting kids from other magical families…I’m a little worried how he’ll handle being the only Metamorphmagus in the entire school. I know how cruel kids can be and I don’t want him to be bullied because his different’

‘I think you’re underestimating him a little Harry’ Andromeda sad ‘Ted’s got this manner about him where people around him can’t help but be drawn to him. Nymphadora was the same at the same age and she got through school fine. Sure he’ll have disagreements with his schoolmates but what kid doesn’t? And I have no doubt at some point he’ll get in trouble but he’s six years old that’s what six year olds do’

‘So Tonks went to a muggle primary school?’ Harry asked in interest.

‘Yeah it was at Ted’s insistence, She like Ted could control her Metamorphmagus abilities from an early age so she went through school as a redhead. Mind you the school she went to was a wholly muggle school it wasn’t until she got to Hogwarts that she could be creative with her appearance. Minerva told me she turned up to sorting with plaited eyebrows and a hooked nose.

Harry sniggered.
‘It’s great hearing about Tonks before I knew her’ He said ‘From the stories you’ve told me about I have much the same to look forward to with Ted’

‘Yeah you do’ Andromeda said ‘Ted’s so much like Nymphadora growing up it’s scary’

A few moments later Harry’s attention was caught as out of the corner of his eyes he witnessed Teddy sliding down the foyer banister an expression of pure joy on his face.

‘Oy what did I tell you about doing that?’ Harry scolded the child after Teddy landed with an artistic flourish.

‘That just because Uncle Ron does it doesn’t mean I can’ Teddy said his face the expression of regret ‘But it’s so much fun!’

‘I know but Ron has a wand and can save himself if he starts to fall you can’t not again eh? Or it’s to bed early no dessert and no going to national training this Thursday’

‘You wouldn’t!’ Teddy exclaimed his hair turning green and his bottom lip wobbling.

‘I would if you try that again’ Harry said ‘No staircase theatrics again okay?’

‘`Kay’

‘Okay shall we head off?’ Harry suggested ‘Want to see your new school?’

‘Yeaah lets go!’ Teddy exclaimed doing a little dance ‘I wanna see other magic kids!’

‘Teddy Lupin did you sneak some jumping beans into your cereal this morning?’ Andromeda said in amusement as Harry summoned Teddy’s jacket from the coat hook inside the front door and helped him into it ‘I’ve not seen you this jumpy since the quidditch final’

‘Teddy laughed shrilly.
‘Don’t be thilly Nanna jumping beans are poisonous!’ He exclaimed ‘Naw I’m jus’ excited’

‘Nooooo really? I would never have guessed’

‘Okay we’re ready to go’ Harry said after helping Teddy into his jacket and then fastening the clasp on his cloak ‘Shall we go?

‘Yeaaaaaaaah!’

Harry grasped Teddy’s hand and with a crack they disapparated to a deserted hedged lane on the outskirts of Godric’s Hollow. Andromeda followed a moment later.

‘Ready to go in?’ Harry said to her.

‘Lead the way’

Harry walked about twenty feet up the path then stopped in front of a part of the hedge that seemed a lighter green than the rest of the hedge. He then drew his wand and waved it in a spiral manner.

‘Porta Ostendo sum vestri!’ T(his is Latin loosely meaning 'Entrance reveal yourself')

And slowly the hedge began swirling in a whirlpool manner slowly revealing a huge ornate cast iron gate with a brass sign reading ‘Callington Grammar School’ over it.

‘After you’ He said to Teddy and Andromeda stepping aside for them.

Teddy skipped through closely followed by Andromeda. Harry followed after her and re-sealed the gate.

Before them stood some of the most beautiful grounds Harry had ever seen surround a building. Manicured rose and carnation gardens were surrounded by lush lawns. One path led to an elaborate playground and another led to a fenced swimming pool. At the end of the main path stood the main school building surrounded by an asphalt courtyard and several smaller obviously magically enhanced transportable classrooms. A sign identifying the main entrance as the ‘Administration Offices hung over two glass doors.

‘What do you reckon matey do you think you could get used to coming here every day?’ Harry said taking Teddy’s hand and leading him down the main path.

‘Wow yeaaah!’ Teddy exclaimed his head going back and forth as if watching a tennis rally as he took in his surrounds ‘Look at the playground! That’s better than the one at the park!’

Andromeda chuckled at Teddy’s enthusiasm.
‘You can slide down that slippery dip and not the banister at home eh?’ She said ‘Wouldn’t that be better fun?’

‘Awww Nanna I dunno I can’t come here at night but the banister is at home all the time!’

Andromeda sniggered.

‘Oy no it isn’t’ Harry said using all his self control not to laugh out loud ‘If you keep up with that I’ll transfigure the banister into sandpaper. That would fix your wagon then wouldn’t it? You’d have a sore bum then’

‘You’re a meanie moo Harry’ Teddy said ‘Even Nanna wouldn’t do that’

‘Who says mischief?’ Andromeda said with a chuckle.

‘You’re a meanie moo too Nanna!’

Laughing Harry led the way down the path to the admin building. Teddy and Andromeda sat down while Harry approached the desk. Behind the desk sat a middle aged with in navy robes scratching away at some parchment with a battered looking eagle feather quill. She looked up as Harry coughed subtly.

‘Oh hello! Sorry I was miles away!’ She exclaimed ‘Can I help you?’

‘Yeah my name’s...’

‘Harry Potter!’ The woman exclaimed incredulously ‘Oh what an honour it is!’

Harry blushed slightly.
‘Thanks’ He mumbled.

‘Oh you must think I’m so rude for interrupting!’ The woman said leaping to her feet and holding out her hand ‘I do apologise! I’m Jo Green’

Harry shook the flustered woman’s hand.
‘Hi’ He said ‘And by the way I don’t think you’re rude’

Jo blushed furiously.
‘Anyway how can I help you? She said.

‘I’ve got an appointment at nine thirty with Belinda McGill to discuss my godson’s admission. His grandmother is with me also’

‘I’ll let her know, please take a seat’

Harry went to the waiting area and joined Andromeda and Teddy while Jo scurried off muttering...’I cannot believe I made a total prat of myself in front of Harry Potter of all people Merlin...’

‘Bit star struck that one is she?’ Andromeda said with a grin ‘You’re a popular lad Harry’

‘Oh bite me’ Harry muttered with a roll of his eyes.

A few minutes later a tall thin woman Harry estimated to be in her forties emerged from a nearby office.

‘Harry? She said.

‘Belinda?’ Harry said getting to his feet and striding forward ‘Hi nice to meet you, this is Andromeda Tonks and of course this is Teddy’

Belinda shook Harry and Andromeda’s hands then crouched down to Teddy’s level.
‘Hiya Teddy my name’s Belinda’ She said brightly holding her hand out ‘Lovely to meet you, how are you today?’

‘Great!’ Teddy exclaimed his hair turning the most vivid pink as he shook Belinda’s hand with his own pudgy hand ‘I like the playground it’s better than the one in the village!’

Belinda chuckled.
‘It is isn’t it?’ She said ‘I’ve had a slide on it myself, it’s loads of fun’

Teddy’s violet eyes widened in surprise.
‘Grown ups slide?’ He said in surprise ‘I thought only my Uncle Ron did that on the stairs at home’

‘Nope all of us sometimes have a slide’ Belinda said ‘Now how would you like to come for a chat? I want to know all about you’

‘You do?’

‘Uh huh but I have to have a short chat with Harry and your Nanna first, are you okay with that?’

Teddy nodded vigourously.

‘I think you have a fan’ Harry said in amusement as they entered Belinda’s office.

Belinda chuckled softly.
‘Thanks’ She said with a laugh ‘Can I offer you a drink?’

‘Nah I’m fine’ Harry said.

They all sat down and Belinda gave Harry and Andromeda a folder each.
‘This is a copy of the school’s prospectus’ She said ‘It outlines our fee structure plans for each year level and each subject, there’s also a small description of each of our teachers. As you might know from the information you’ve gathered from the Wizarding Educational Board we operate this school much like a muggle school. We offer maths, music, Art for the older students arts and crafts for the younger students English and the basic sciences we even run a physical education program which features many muggle sports like cricket, netball, rugby, rounders, swimming lessons in the warmer months and occasionally we run excursions to wizarding and muggle landmarks. Our year six students today are off in Hogsmeade today. The Wizarding Education board are of the opinion that while these students will eventually be going onto Hogwarts it’s healthy to foster an appreciation of a muggle society. All of our teachers are muggleborn and other staff have a great understanding of muggle society’

‘I can see Ted making good use of the pool’ Harry said ‘Mind you he can already swim, he was taught when he was three’

‘I can float on my back!’ Teddy announced proudly ‘Aunty Miny taught me!’

‘Well Ted when it gets warmer you can swim in the pool all the time’ Belinda said ‘Maybe you can even show the other students how to float’

‘Oh wow!’ Teddy exclaimed in awe ‘Can I really?’

‘Uh huh’

‘You’ve made his day’ Andromeda said with a chuckle.

‘So what papers do I have to fill out?’ Harry asked.

‘Ah they are separate’ Belinda said retrieving a sheaf of papers from the desk drawer ‘There’s three forms you need to fill out one for general details like address and birthdates and the like the second is a medical info form just in case Ted needs any potions or muggle medicines and the third is an emergency contacts form which also doubles as a list for people nominated to pick Teddy up from after school care should you decide to enrol him in that too...after you’ve filled them out I’ll take you on a tour and you can meet Teddy’s teacher’

Harry seized a quill dipped it in a pot of ink and began filling the forms out, minutes later her placed the quill down and cast a drying charm on the still wet ink.

‘I’ve listed fourteen people you can contact in an emergency should you not be able to get hold of me’ Harry said ‘I know it’s a lot but he’s a member of a huge extended family and there should be someone out of that fourteen that should be able to come should their presence be required. They’re listed In order they should be contacted should an emergency arise’

‘Great it’s always good to have as many people as possible on an emergency contacts list’ Belinda said casting an eye over the papers ‘I always encourage at least six contacts it makes things easier’

‘Miss Belinda can we go and have a look awound now?’ Teddy asked ‘I wanna see other magic kids’

‘Well you’ve been so good sitting there being quiet I reckon we could’ Belinda said ‘How would you like to meet your new teacher and classmates? They’re just down the hall’

‘Yaay!’

Belinda left her seat and led Harry, Andromeda ad Teddy down a wide hallway.

‘This building houses the administration staff and the year levels from reception up to year three’ Belinda said indicating to each classroom ‘Teddy being six years old will go right into year one’

‘What’s the ratio of male to female teachers?’ Andromeda asked in interest.

‘Fifty fifty at the moment’ Belinda said ‘Though up until two years ago is was seventy thirty in favour of women. We find it’s harder to attract men to the teaching profession unless it’s for Hogwarts aged students. And it’s harder to get a position at Hogwarts than it is in the younger students schools’

‘So do the teachers here go to muggle teachers college?’ Harry asked.

‘Some do but others just have a long record of home schooling their own children or other children. The teacher in Teddy’s classroom has been home schooling for twenty years. He started with his own children and home schooled other people’s children after his went to Hogwarts. He’s been teaching here ever since the end of the war’

Belinda led Harry, Andromeda and Teddy down the hall and up a case of stairs. She then led them along the top floor til they came to a classroom full of children who were painting on mini easels or making figurines with plasticine.

‘This will be Teddy’s homeroom’ She said knocking softly on the door ‘Tuesdays is arts and crafts day’

A tall slightly overweight an Harry estimated to be in his fifties strode across his classroom and pulled open the door.

‘Belinda darling!’ He exclaimed.

‘Hello David this is Harry Potter and Andromeda Tonks and this is Teddy Lupin he’ll be joining your class. Harry Andromeda this is David Lynley he’ll be Teddy’s teacher’

‘Harry Andromeda nice to meet you’ David said enthusiastically.

David then crouched down to Teddy’s level and held out his hand.
‘Hello Teddy lovely to meet you, my name’s Mr Lynley you can call me Mr David or Mr Lynley okay?’

‘Uh huh’ Teddy said shaking David’s hand enthusiastically.

‘Now I hear you’re a Metamorphmagus’ David went on ‘Can I see purple hair?’

‘Uh huh purple’s my favourite’ Teddy said ‘Here goes’

Teddy squeezed his eyes shut and a second later his hair turned the most vivid purple.

David clapped.
‘Very impressive’ He said ‘How would you like to come in and see the classroom? I can show you where you’ll be sitting and where you can put your bag when you start’

‘Yeaaaaaaaaah!’ Teddy exclaimed enthusiastically.

David opened the classroom door and led Teddy in, Harry and Andromeda followed totally amused by Teddy’s reaction as he took in all the kids around him. A small red headed boy paused from sticking his fingers in a pile of blue plasticine and walked up to Teddy.

‘Hello! I’m Liam would you like to play plasticine?’ He said boldly.

‘Can I Harry?’ Teddy asked Harry his face alive with hope ‘Please?’

‘Sure matey go ahead’ Harry said ‘Nanna and I will talk to Mr Lynley okay? You have fun’

Teddy skipped off with Liam and Harry and Andromeda with Belinda followed David over to his desk in the corner and sat down.

‘Looks like he’ll settle in quick smart’ David said to Harry ‘I understand you’ve been home schooling him?’

‘Well not me personally but Andromeda here and my future mother in law have been’ Harry said ‘He’s quite smart with maths and spelling and general problem solving. I help him when he’s got homework or when he’s having a bit of difficulty. But I did teach him to swim. And I think he’s quite arty he’s forever drawing and I’ve had to put a permanent sharpening charm on his lead pencils, it saves me sharpening them the muggle way. I think he goes through more parchment per week than I do’

David laughed.
‘Well we do a lot of drawing and painting here’ He said ‘It’s paper mache next week I’m expecting a lot of mess there’

‘Ted’ll like that’ Harry said with a laugh ‘He’s a messy kid’

‘So when will Teddy be starting?’ David asked Harry.

‘Well if it’s okay with you, tomorrow’ Harry said ‘I can bring him and pick him up til the wedding. My commitments as head of Gryffindor House are less than they have been since the start of term.

‘Good after Teddy’s first day I can tell you how he’s gone and how you can help him at home, you shouldn’t have to do much differently than you did at home. That’s the experience of the other parents who have home schooled their kids’

‘I don’t think I’ll have to worry how he’ll go’ Harry said as Teddy alongside Liam squashed an enormous blob of green plasticine with a balled up fist ‘He fits in everywhere’

‘So it seems'

An hour later Harry Teddy and Andromeda left the building and headed back to the entrance.

‘So what do ya reckon matey?’ Harry said and they passed through the hedge ‘Did you have fun today?’

‘Awwwww yeaaah!’ Teddy exclaimed skipping along at Harry’s side ‘I like playing plasticine and next week we’re doing paper mache that sounds soooooooo fun!’

‘Well your first day is tomorrow. Do you want Nanna and I to bring you?’

‘Can you Hawwy? Then Nanna tomorrow then Awnty Miny then Uncle Ron then...’

‘Whoa whoa whoa slow down pal!’ Harry exclaimed ‘Ask Ron and a Hermione first eh?’

Teddy giggled.
‘Okay’

The trio walked down the path to the apparition point then paused gathering in a circle.

‘Okay matey you disapparate with Nanna and I’ll see you tonight back at the Manor okay?’ Harry said squatting down to Teddy’s level ‘Be good’

Teddy put his arms around Harry’s neck and squeezed hard.
‘Okay Hawwy you be good too’ He said his currently blue eyes sparkling with mischief.

‘Ha ha’ Harry returned ‘I’ll be good if you’re good deal?’

Teddy giggled.
‘Deal’

‘Have a good day Harry’ Andromeda said taking Teddy’s hand.

‘Thanks Drom see you back at the Manor’

‘Sure’
And with a simultaneous crack Harry, Andromeda and Teddy disapparated.

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After the Dueling Club on Tuesday night Harry flooed from his quarters at Hogwarts to the Manor immediately after the last student left the enlarged classroom in the transfiguration department and found no one was at home. He took the liberty of having a long hot bath then he gathered up all his marking and apparated downstairs to the kitchen to make a start on the seventh years work on the Entrail Expelling Curse with only Ebony who was perched on the back of one of the dining chairs and Crookshanks who had commandeered the box of newspapers Hermione kept by the grate for kindling for company.

Hermione was the first to arrive home shortly before seven.

‘Bloody hell you scared me!’ Harry exclaimed in surprise flicking his wand at the kettle to set it boiling.

‘Dammit I deserve it!’ Hermione exclaimed dumping her things on the kitchen bench and slumping down on the nearest chair ‘I finally told Archie as from today I’m not taking on any more new cases and when I’ve tied up the ends on the ones I’m working on at the moment I am taking at least two weeks off. I can’t tolerate another day like today. Oh by the way Ron’s going to be late he and Olivier had a call out to go to a questioning session I think’

‘Good on you’ Harry said putting down his quill ‘Teddy will be pleased he wants me to devise a timetable so everyone in the family can take him to school at least once. When he finds out you’re on holidays he’s going to want you to take him to school every morning and pick him up every afternoon’

‘I’ll gladly do that’ Hermione said ‘Then I’ll spend all day in my pajamas and slippers watching day time telly and eating ice-cream straight out the tub’

‘Sloth’ Harry teased making his way into the kitchen.

‘Prat’ Hermione said ‘How was your day at Hogwarts?’

‘Great I’m really into the routine of teaching now. And the dueling club is coming along nicely I want to get you Ron, Ginny and Molly there by the time the wedding rolls around. And I’ve decided except for the nights the dueling club trains that being Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’m going to floo back to the Manor directly after lessons. I’ll have the time to treat myself to something. I started by having a luxurious bath today’

‘Good because you were really starting to stink’ Hermione said with a grin.

‘Oh very funny ha ha ha’ Harry said dryly ‘Coffee?’

‘Yeah thanks white and two, Teddy back yet?’

‘Nah not yet he won’t be back til about seven thirty. I got an owl from Andromeda while I was in the bath saying she’s taking him to London for dinner sort of a night out before he starts school tomorrow’

Hermione lit up.
‘Oh yeah how did it go at the school this morning?’ She asked.

‘Brilliantly, Ted immediately made a friend and is looking forward to paper mache day next week…and he’s most impressed with the playground apparently it’s better than the one down in the village. And he’s got a very high opinion of Belinda the admission officer when she told him she’s gone for a ride down the playground slippery dip’

Hermione laughed.
‘I remember the night before I started primary school’ She said ‘I was more excited than the time Mum and Dad took me to Disneyland that Summer’

‘Of all of the people I know I would’ve picked you to be like that’ Harry said with a chuckle ‘Even now five years after you left Hogwarts you’re still a bookworm’

‘Excuse me I have to be to keep up to date with various laws which are in books!’ Hermione exclaimed ‘And you were the same when you headed up the Auror office!’

‘Chill dear I was only joking’ Harry joked pouring hot water into two mugs and adding coffee and sugar ‘You know I didn’t mean it’

‘I know’ Hermione said ‘If it were anyone else but you Ronald, Ginny or my parents I would hex them to the second hereafter’

‘You’d hex Molly and Arthur?’ Harry asked with a raised eyebrow ‘That wouldn’t make a very good impression on the prospective parents in law’

‘Ha ha...prospective parents in law? Not any time soon I’ll be an old woman by the time Ron gets off his arse and proposes to me’

‘Oh I wouldn’t be so sure of that just wait til Christmas day’ Harry thought ‘Do you want to get married straight away?’ He asked Hermione ‘I mean you and Ron are pretty career orientated and you’re only young there’s loads of time for you to get married and pop out a few witches or wizards’

‘Yeah I know what but I sort of had this impression that I would be married and have kids by the time I was twenty five I turned twenty five a month ago and...well’

‘Dahl it’ll happen when it’ll happen’ Harry said stirring in the milk then bringing the mugs over to the dining table ‘And if you’re so eager to apparate down the aisle propose to Ron yourself’

‘Naaah I’m a traditionalist I want Ron to ask me’ Hermione said taking a fortifying sip of coffee and exhaling in a rush ‘And you’re right I have ages to get married and have kids it’s just the expectations I set for myself when I was younger haven’t come to fruition except for my career goals’

‘`Mione you’ll be fine’ Harry said 'Want to pass some time and help me mark the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff essays on the Entrail Expelling Curse? There’s one Hufflepuff who’s written six feet of parchment instead of the prescribed three feet...sounds like you ten years ago’

Hermione rolled her eyes.
‘Ah ha smartarse’ She said ‘Yeah I’ll help but I want to finish my coffee then have a shower and freshen up’

‘Thanks `Mione

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Most unusually the following morning (Wednesday) Teddy was the first to wake. He ran from his room down the hall and into Harry and Ginny’s bedroom squealing….

‘HAWWY GINNY TODAY IS MY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!’

Harry who woke when the door slammed open sat up in a hurry.

‘PIPE DOWN!’ He bellowed summoning his pajama bottoms from a chair across the room and pulling them on under the duvet.

Teddy leapt onto the bed and bounced excitedly.
‘I’m goin’ t’school I’m goin’ t’school I’m goin’ t’school...’

Ginny pulled on her pajamas and gave Teddy a hug.
‘C’mon Mister Jumping Bean lets go downstairs and I’ll get brekky started’ She said ‘But how about you go and wake Ron and Hermione up first?’

‘Okay!’

Teddy leapt off the bed and raced out of the room shrilling ‘I’M GOIN’ T’SCHOOL I’M GOING’ T’SCHOOL!’ all the way down the hall. Harry laughed and pulled on his dressing gown.

‘Ron’s going to hate you’ He said trying up the drawstring and rubbing his face ‘He loves sleeping in and is going to be rudely awakened by a six year old jumping on him’

Ginny grinned.
‘I know great isn’t it?’ She giggled.

Harry and Ginny made their way downstairs and were soon joined by Hermione and a half asleep Ron.

‘Did you tell Ted to jump on me?’ He said to Harry by way of a morning greeting.

‘Morning to you to mate’ Harry said with a grin ‘No I didn’t tell Ted to do anything, it was Gin she told him to wake you and `Mione up’

‘You told him to jump on me?’ Ron asked his sister.

‘No as Harry said I told him to wake you and `Mione up the jumping on you was totally his own doing’

‘Well thanks’

‘Anytime’

Within half an hour breakfast (Scrambled eggs, bacon, toast and orange juice) was served and silence eschewed as everyone consumed their meal. The silence was broken by the Daily Prophet arriving in the talons of a fawn coloured Barn Owl. Harry put a Knut into its leather pouch then unrolled the paper.

‘Sodding hell’ He cussed after reading the front page.

‘Rita Skeeter?’ Ron, Hermione and Ginny chorused.

‘No thankfully’ Harry said holding up the paper revealing the headline ‘HARRY POTTER TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND….FOUR NATIONS CUP IS OURS!’ ‘I’ll get no peace at school now you can bet today none of them will want to learn about defending themselves against the Dark Arts they’ll all want to know about National training. Especially the first years...oh boy’

‘Bit presumptuous to assume England has the Four Nations Cup in the bag innit?’ Ron said swallowing a mouthful of bacon in a hurry ‘Who wrote the article?’

‘Lee Jordan’ Harry said sitting down and scanning the article.

‘It might be presumptuous to assume England has the Four Nations Cup in the bag but we have won the past four’ Ginny said re-filling her glass with orange juice ‘I suppose it’s second nature of a patriotic Englishman to think the team may as well get the trophy now’

‘Well I’m not going to assume we’ve got the trophy til I catch the snitch and the team has more points than the opponents’ Harry said giving Ron the Prophet ‘I’ve learned the hard way not to assume any one thing will happen’

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After much begging from Teddy, Ron, Hermione and Ginny agreed to accompany he and Harry to his first day of school they were ready to go shortly after eight thirty and as a group disapparated to the lane outside Callington Grammar. Andromeda was waiting for them near the main entrance and waved to catch their attention when they arrived.

‘Nanna!’ Teddy shrilled running up to Andromeda and hugging her ‘You came!’

‘Of course I did’ Andromeda said ruffling Teddy’s at the moment yellow hair ‘Did you think I was going to miss your first day?’

‘Naw’

Andromeda looked surprised to see Ginny along with Ron and Hermione following Harry.

‘Teddy begged us to come’ Hermione explained with a grin ‘He’s got a bigger entourage than Kingsley at the International Magical Ministries Convention’

‘And more people in his group than Harry’s quidditch groupies’ Ron said with a snort.

‘Oh sod off I do no have a group of groupies’ Harry said rolling his eyes.

‘You do too’ Ginny said ‘But security keeps them away from you’

‘Yeah whatever’

This time the lane was packed and no one noticed the group make their way into the school grounds. Teddy hoisted his backpack up over his shoulder and eagerly skipped along at Harry’s side as the group made their way down the path to the main building.

‘Ted you’re right mate that playground is better than the one in the village’ Ron said as they passed the playground which at the moment was over run with lots of small children ‘One day you and me will have to have a slide on that slippery dip eh?’

‘Can we Uncle Ron?’ Teddy said his hair turning pink as it always did when he was excited ‘Today please?’

‘Awww dunno about today matey Harry’s picking you up today let me organize a day to leave work early and I’ll do it with you soon, I promise’

Teddy seemed satisfied with Ron’s promise.

The group made their way into the main building and up to the second floor where Teddy’s new classroom. David Lynley was there already herding his students into his classroom.

‘Harry!’ He exclaimed grasping Harry’s hand good to see you, morning Teddy’

‘Morning Mister David’ Teddy said.

‘David of course you’ve met Andromeda but this is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and of course my fiancé Ginny Weasley’

‘Lovely lovely to meet you all’ David said enthusiastically shaking each of their hands in turn ‘You’re a small part of Teddy’s extended family then?’

‘Yeah there’s another dozen after us’ Ron said.

‘So I hear’ David said squatting down to Teddy’s level ‘Okay Ted how about you go and put your bag in your locker?’

‘Okay!’

Teddy skipped into the classroom and David turned to Harry.

‘He’ll be okay Harry’ He said seeing the look on Harry’s face ‘In fact going by yesterday he’ll be more than okay’

‘Yeah I know’ Harry said a lump forming in the back of his throat ‘I’m just worried about him you know?’

‘Yeah I know exactly how you feel’ David said ‘But Teddy’s a pretty confident kid yesterday showed that, And in my experience you’ll have to drag him away at the end of the day’

‘I hope so’ Harry said as Ginny rubbed the small of his back ‘I don’t s’pose I’m any different to any parent going through their kids first day at school’

‘No you’re not’ David said ‘Don’t worry I’ll look after him’

‘Thanks’

A moment later Teddy came back out of the classroom his hair now waist length platinum blonde in a mass of ringlets.

‘Ringlets?’ Harry said with a grin squatting to the child’s level ‘Bit girly innit?’

Teddy squeezed his eyes shut and his hair reverted to his normal number two cut in a shade of pink that Tonks used to favour.

‘Oh and pink’s no less girly’ Ron muttered.

Hermione slapped his arm.

‘You have a good day matey’ Harry said embracing Teddy in a tight hug ‘Work hard be nice to everyone and do what Mr Lynley says okay?’

‘Ooof course I will Hawwy’ Teddy said patting Harry on the cheek and causing Ron, Ginny and Hermione to titter ‘I’m a big boy now’

‘I know you are matey’

Teddy said goodbye to Ron. Hermione, Ginny and Andromeda then went and stood beside David.

‘Okay Ted you can go inside and sit next to Liam’ David said.

‘Okay!’

Teddy disappeared into the classroom with Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione and Andromeda waving furiously at him.

‘He’ll be fine’ David repeated to Harry ‘I’ll see you here at quarter past three then?’

‘Yeah right on the dot’ Harry said shaking David’s hand ‘See you then’

David also disappeared into the classroom Harry turned and followed the others down the hall and outside to the apparition point. He held himself in before letting the tears fall.

‘Oh it’s not fucking fair!’ He cussed.

‘What isn’t?’ Hermione asked gently.

‘Tonks and Remus should be here instead of me. The first day of school is big for any kid and their parents should be the ones to drop them off...FUCK YOU VOLDEMORT DAMN YOU TO ETERNAL FUCKING HELL YOU GREAT BIG ARSE WIPE!’

Andromeda, Ginny, Ron and Hermione jumped as Harry cussed at the top of his lungs,

Harry furiously wiped his eyes on the back of his sleeve and sniffed hard. Ginny drew him into a hug and patted his back.

‘I know they should be here Harry but you’re the best person left to do it’ She said gently ‘That’s why they appointed you his guardian. Between you and Andromeda he’s going to grow up one well adjusted young kid. Go to Andromeda’s and talk to Tonks and Remus’s portrait if it would make you feel better’

‘I haven’t got the time’ Harry said flicking his wand and casting a healing charm on his eyes that felt raw and scratchy ‘I have to be at Hogwarts in ten minutes’

‘Come over during lunch’ Andromeda said to Harry hugging him also ‘I’ll be home all day’

‘I might do that’ Harry said straightening his robes ‘Gawd I’m a big wuss’

‘You’ll be right mate’ Ron said ‘Just to chat to Tonks and Remus during lunch and you’ll be fine’

‘I totally agree’ Hermione said ‘Now I don’t want to be rude Harry but I do have to get to work see you later tonight okay?’

‘Yeah sure thanks `Mione’

Hermione gave him a reassuring smile then with a crack disapparated.

‘We all better get going’ Ginny said drawing her robes around her ‘See you at home tonight’

‘Right’

One by one Andromeda, Ginny and Ron disapparated leaving Harry alone in the laneway. He took a deep breath then disapparated back to the Manor. He then grabbed his bag off the kitchen table and flooed directly to Hogwarts thus beginning his day of teaching.

*******************************************************************

‘Alright ladies and gents that was some good work’ Harry announced to his class of third year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws as classes ended for the day’ Read chapter fourteen of Dark Creatures of Great Britain and Ireland and other parts of Europe and outline the differences between Hinkypunks from our region and those of the Nordic areas. Minimum of a foot and a half’

As usual when homework was set a collective groan followed. Harry laughed and stood by the door as they filed out. He saw Professor McGonagall making her way down the hallway and stood aside to allow her into the room.

‘Just doing the rounds’ She said brightly ‘How did your day go?’

‘Yeah not bad considering I’ve had issues concentrating all day’

‘Ah Teddy’s first day of primary school today eh?’ McGonagall said sympathetically.

‘Yeah I’ve been worried sick about him all day and this morning cried like a bloody sissy, even went to Andromeda’s at lunch to chat to Remus and Tonks portrait about my hopes and fears for him. But he made a friend straight up yesterday so I think he would’ve been fine. I have to go and pick him up at quarter past three’

‘So you’re not coming to the Great Hall for dinner then?’

‘Nah not tonight but I will on Thursday night. Until I return from the Honeymoon I’m only staying at the castle for meals on the days we have the dueling club or I don't have quidditch training’

‘How could I forget that?’ McGonagall exclaimed admonishing herself ‘I’m going senile’

‘No you’re not’ Harry said with a grin ‘You haven’t got the time’

‘That much is true, alright then shall I see you for breakfast tomorrow morning?’

‘Yeah tomorrow you will Andromeda is taking Teddy to and from school tomorrow I’ll come back here after Teddy’s gone to bed tonight with Ginny. Ron and `Mione said over breakfast they wouldn’t mind minding him’

‘Good good see you tomorrow morning then Harry’

‘See you then Minerva’

Harry locked his classroom door behind Minerva and went up to his quarters to change. He then Immediately flooed to the Manor then disapparated to the entrance of Callington Grammar. He was halfway up the steps to the building where Teddy’s classroom was when the bell rang, Within seconds the air was filled with the shrills of small children as they streamed out of their classrooms. Harry stood directly across the hall from Teddy’s classroom and waved when Teddy emerged his school bag on and his hair once again in waist length platinum blonde ringlets, The child saw Harry and rushed over his hair turning a vivid electric blue.

‘Hey hey!’ Harry exclaimed picking Teddy up and swinging him in the air ‘How was your day?’

‘Ooooooh it was greaaaat!’ Teddy exclaimed ‘We did some maths and spellin’ an’ some science and we wen’ to the library. I borrowed my first book!’

‘Oh yeah what’s it about?’ Harry asked as they set off down the hallway.

‘Talking Hippogriffs can you wread it to me tonight Hawwy?’

‘Sure thing, do you want to read it when we get home or tonight before bed?’

‘Can we do both?’

‘If you like. How long can you borrow the book for?’

‘Two weeks, But Miss Leah the lady in the librawy said if I finish it before then I can borrow another one!’

‘Exciting stuff’ Harry said as they went down the stairs ‘Did you eat all your lunch?’

‘Uh huh but I’m still hungry!’

Harry laughed.
‘Well you’re a pig’ He chuckled ‘I’ll fix you a sandwich or some noodles when we get back to the Manor okay? Do you have any homework?’

‘Nup Mr David said he wouldn’t give me any til next week’

‘That’s good’

They left the building and made their way down the main path.

‘Oh Hawwy can I have a slide on the slippery dip?’ Harry pleaded as they approached the playground ‘Pleaaaaase? I had so much fun at lunch?’

‘Yeah okay why not?’ Harry said turning off the path.

Teddy gave Harry his bag and raced off to the playground. Harry conjured a soft squishy chair out of thin air and sat down under a shady Acorn tree to watch him. A minute later Liam Teddy’s friend joined him with two older girls and shortly after that a man Harry estimated to be no older than thirty conjured a chair and sat down next to Harry.

‘Hi I’m Chris Boddington’ He said cheerfully holding out his hand ‘You’re Harry Potter’

Harry shook the older mans hand.
‘I know I am’ He joked ‘Nice to meet you, Liam’s yours huh?’

‘Yeah the oldest one John started at Hogwarts this year’

‘Oh yeah he’s in Ravenclaw’ Harry said.

‘You remember?’ Chris said in interest.

‘Of course, you’d know how long the sortings at Hogwarts take one can’t help but notice who’s in what house’

Chris laughed.
‘Yeah well it’s been a while since I was at Hogwarts but that’s one of the lasting memories I have of my time there’ He said.

‘So did your older son come here too?’ Harry asked as Liam and Teddy raced down the slippery dip get up and race across the bark chip to the rope bridge.

‘Yeah they all did’ Chris said ‘Well rather they do. John is the only one at Hogwarts. He and Liam have two sisters, Bridget and Niamh the two lasses over there who are in years four and five the years before Hogwarts’

‘So just got the four?’

‘At this stage though if my missus has anything to say about it we’ll have ten more’ Chris said dryly ‘We started pretty young John was born only a year and a half after we left Hogwarts ourselves ‘It’s sort of weird to be thirty and have four kids but I wouldn’t have it any other way’

‘I have a feeling that I’ll be in your situation in six years when I turn thirty’ Harry said with a chuckle ‘My fiancée comes from a big family and I think she wants to make a big family of her own’

‘That’s my wife all over’ Chris said ‘She comes from a family of six’

For the next hour Harry watched Teddy play in the playground then stood up and banished the chair he’d been sitting in.

‘Ted and I better be heading home’ He said to Chris shaking his hand ‘Catch you round’

‘Yeah right back at ya nice to meet ya Harry’

Harry turned and made his way over to the slippery dip. Ted slid down squealing like a banshee and waving his arms above his head. He then ran over to Harry puffing hard.

‘Time to go Matey it’s nearly dinner time’ He said ‘Ready to go?’

‘Awwwwww but Hawwwy I’m having fun!’ Teddy complained making a face.

‘I know mate but we have to go or Ron, Gin and `Mione will wonder where we are’

‘Can I go down the slide once more?’ Teddy pleaded giving Harry puppy dog eyes.

‘Oh I suppose’ Harry said with a roll of his eyes ‘But only once no arguments. You can have another go tomorrow when Nanna picks you up’

‘Okay then!’

Teddy raced up the rope bridge then he climbed up a rope ladder then with a great shriek of laughter slid down the slippery dip.

‘Oh Hawwy that was SO much fun!’ He exclaimed excitedly ‘Can we get a slippery dip at home?’

‘Lemme think about it’ Harry said as they set off toward the entrance that from within the school grounds resembled a simple wrought iron gate ‘It would certainly get you off the stairs banister, maybe if Uncle Ron, Aunty Hermione and Ginny chip in with me we could work out something but no guarantees okay?’

‘Okay’

Once clear of the school grounds Harry grasped Teddy’s hand ad with a crack disapparated back to the manor. The alluring smell of spaghetti sauce filled the air ad Ron, Hermione and Ginny’s voices filled the air.

‘Okay go and wash your hands and get ready for dinner’ Harry said heading off to the kitchen ‘Smells like spaghetti which means Ron is cooking’

‘Isn’t that the only thing he can cook Hawwy?’ Teddy said with a grin.

‘Oy! I heard that!’ Ron called from the kitchen ‘Little smart alec!’

‘Hiya Uncle Ron!’

Teddy went off to the downstairs bathroom and Harry went into the kitchen kissing Ginny on the lips and hanging Teddy’s schoolbag on a hook by the fireplace.

‘Well I think Ted likes school’ He said.

‘So is that why you’re back late? Ginny asked with a grin ‘Because he didn’t want to leave?’

‘Sort of’ Harry said ‘He wanted a play on the slide for a bit, might have to start thinking about getting one for the yard. Oughtn’t be too hard to find one the same as the one at the school’

‘That might require a trip into Muggle London’ Hermione said placing a bowl of parmesan cheese in the centre of the table.

‘Probably but I haven’t decided whether I’ll get him one or not’ Harry said ‘His birthday isn’t until April and Christmas isn’t for another nine weeks, plus I’d already thought about getting him a kids sized broomstick’

‘Glad you told me that now’ Ron said ‘I was going to get him one’

‘So was I’ Ginny said with a giggle.

‘You two between you can decide which one gives him a broom I’ll get him a slide’ Harry said ‘Deal?’

‘Deal’ They chorused.

‘So how did the kids at Hogwarts react to the front page news of the Prophet this morning?’ Ron asked as he began serving up bowls of spaghetti while Hermione retrieved some garlic bread from the oven.

Harry rolled his eyes.
‘For the first quarter hour of every class they wanted to know all about it and why I didn’t tell them before the Prophet’ He said dryly ‘As you said the first years were especially enamored by the news and all the Gryffindor prefects have organized a quidditch party in the common room tomorrow night so they can listen to the Wizarding Wireless Network’s broadcast of national training. I’m debating whether or not to tell the Head Boy and Girl how to get into the kitchens’

‘You wouldn’t!’ Hermione exclaimed ‘That’s not fair on the house elves!’

‘Oh `Mione come on they’re fine!’ Ron said in exasperation ‘They live to serve the students and they get paid now you now. Weekly wages, pensions, sick leave, paid days off and even maternity leave...you might have forgotten you were the one that draughted the law that Kingsley passed...or had you forgotten?’

Hermione just rolled her eyes.

‘It’s not the house elves that’s stopping me from revealing the entrance to the kitchens’ Harry said ‘It’s not exactly kosher for a teacher to do something so anti-authoritarian and if word gets out I let the students know where the kitchens are Minerva will have my head’

‘Oh she would not’ Ginny said as Teddy came back from the bathroom.

‘But then I thought if I only told the Head Boy and Girl they would know to keep it a secret’ Harry went on ‘If I told a first year the whole school would know in five seconds flat’

‘I reckon those Hornby Twins who sound so much like Fred an George would know’ Ron said

‘Probably’ Harry said with a grin ‘I might send the Head Boy and Girl an anonymous owl yeah that would work!’ Harry said with a grin ‘I know the charm that disguises handwriting’

‘Harry just tell them’ Hermione said dryly levitating the bowls to each placing at the table ‘Do it then deal with the consequences if you hedge around it. You’ll feel the guilt more forcefully’

‘Yeah you’re right’ Harry said sheepishly.

*******************************************************************

After dinner Harry apparated form the Manor to the Cornwall Moor stadium for that nights Puddlemere United training. Harry knew by now going from the front page article of the Daily Prophet the rest of the team would know about him assuming the position of seeker on the National squad and so braced himself for their reaction as he took a deep breath and opened the door to the teams rooms.

‘Hey all’ He said in a general greeting.

‘Harry!’ Oliver exclaimed striding forward and grasping Harry’s hand ‘As the stand in captain of the national squad let me be the first to welcome you to the team’

‘Thanks Oliver’ Harry said returning his handshake ‘You know about Ange expecting don’t you? Has she decided on wether she’s continuing on yet?’

‘She says she’s decided and will tell us after training wether she’s quitting immediately or playing up until the healers at St Mungos said she can’ Oliver said ‘She hasn’t even told Alicia and Katie what she’s decided yet and those three are tight as a drum’

‘So who’s taking over from Gwenog?’ Harry asked dropping his bag on the bench in front of his locker.

‘Larry’ Oliver said ‘He got his invitation letter on the same day you did’

‘So have you thought of who you’d like to take over from Ange for national duties if she does quit?’ Harry asked taking off his travelling robes and hanging them up.

‘Yeah I have one particular player in mind but I can’t discuss it til Ange makes a decision and the board send out an invitation to the said player should it be warranted’ Oliver said.

‘Gawd you the captain of the National squad how scary is that’ Harry said kicking off his sneakers and pulling on his boots ‘Are you going to be any more anal with national duties than you are for domestic duties?’

Oliver rolled his eyes.
‘Oh ha ha’ He said dryly ‘Veeeeery funny just hilarious bloody smart alec’

With a laugh Harry changed into his team robes and passed the time stretching while the rest of the team got ready.

‘Gawd how can you do that?’ Gordon said to Harry as he stretched out in a horizontal splits then leaned sideways his left arm arced over his head.

‘Practice’ Harry said ‘Plus I’ve read the Karma Sutra several times over. If you’re as flexible as I am you can shag anywhere’

Larry overheard and roared with laughter…Alicia who had also overheard too just rolled her eyes and shot him a withering look.

‘You’re a sick bastard Harry Potter and you ought to be punished’ She said ‘If Ginny heard that she would hex your bollocks off’

‘In that position I reckon they would’ve fallen off’ Gordon said dryly ‘I would have to take a numbing potion to do that’

‘I can get you going this in two weeks’ Harry said stretching to his left ‘Larissa would appreciate it’

Larry just laughed harder.

‘Okay you lot lets get training I want a good effort out of you lot tonight’ Oliver called a minute later emerging from the Captains office.

‘When do we ever put in a bad effort?’ Katie said dryly.

The team left the changerooms and made their way down the race. Harry could hear the roar of the considerably loud crowd that he figured had gathered to see what essentially was the National team training.

‘Alright you lot get on your brooms and start off with the Arrowhead formation then space out and try the sloth grip roll’ Oliver said mounting his broom ‘After that we’ll start a short match without the Snitch Harry you can be an extra chaser’

‘Yes Captain’ Harry returned with a cheesy grin.

‘Smarmy git’

The minute Oliver led the crowd started out onto the pitch the crowd of several hundred people burst into loud cheers. The same pair who had turned up the previous week with the ‘Harry Potter For Minister’ sign were back but this time the sign read ‘HARRY POTTER FOR ENGLAND CAPTAIN’ Harry rolled his eyes then kicked his broom along as they formed the Arrowhead Formation and began tearing around the pitch in the first warming up exercise.

*******************************************************************

‘Damn Harry you’re good you’re gonna have the papers peg you as a Chaser next’ Katie puffed after she had thrown the quaffle with all her might to Alicia.

‘Fuck off I have my hands full with being a seeker’ Harry said making a face ‘And I get enough attention for the press, I would like some anonymity’

‘That ain’t going to happen Potter boy’

‘Ha ha...so how are things going for you and Drakie poos?’

‘Oh fuck off Harry he is not Drakie Poos’ Katie said rolling her eyes and blushing scarlet ‘If you must know we had a date last night and he’s coming to National training tomorrow night’

Harry wolf whistled through his teeth.

‘Fuck Off’ Katie said deliberately avoiding his eyes ‘If Ginny comes to National Training tomorrow night I’m not going to hang shit on you’

‘I know that but you’re in a new relationship still in that puppy love stage as a mate I am entitled to hang shit on you’ Harry said with a grin as they flew back to the rough and tumble of the action ‘Plus Gin and I have been an item for six years we’re way beyond the point of anyone being allowed to hang shit on us any more...even Ron stopped doing that’

‘Well we haven’t told anyone yet but we’re coming to you and Ginny’s wedding together’

‘Ahhh so you’re going to make your debut as a couple at a society event?’ Harry joked laughing and ducking a stray bludger at the same time ‘That’s very proper Rita Skeeter would be pleased’

‘Oh get fucked Harry you’re embarrassing me!” Katie pleaded ‘I luv ya like a brother really I do but you really are a shit’

‘I know now come on lets hurry up and pretend we’re keeping busy I don’t want Oliver yelling at me he’s still basking in the afterglow of his and Alicia’s Honeymoon’

‘Nah he’s not they just shag the second they get back to the marital home’ Katie said dryly ‘I nearly flooed in on them having it off over the landing rail on Monday night’

Harry let out a great snorting laugh.
‘Really?’

‘Yeah they don’t know though. I floo called them into the kitchen floo to start with and called out but they didn’t hear me…all I heard was a loud banging and Leesh screaming ‘Oh give it to me big boy fuck me with your broomstick...then loads of screaming. I left before either of them dropped their loads’

Harry laughed so hard he wobbled on his broom.
‘You’re kidding?’ He snorted.

‘Well not in those exact words but you get the idea...’

*******************************************************************

Oliver spent the next hour and a half working his team hard and when he finally called a halt to training they were all ready to fall of their brooms.

‘Fuck you Oliver you arse’ Katie grouched in mock anger getting off her broom with a wince ‘I would’ve thought you would’ve gone easy on us considering we have National training tomorrow night then team training on Friday and the game on Saturday are you mentally ill? We’re going to be fucked come Saturday. What about Ange? She’s pregnant! Have you no respect for pregnant women?’

Oliver knew Katie was joking so he blew her a theatrical kiss.

‘Mwah darling of course I have respect for pregnant women’ He said ‘I wouldn’t have pushed her and you all so hard if it wasn’t safe for her. I consulted with Eddie and he said normal training would be safe’

‘Hmmmph’

‘And because I’m such a nice guy Friday’s training will just be in the gym’ Oliver said ‘No brooms’

The team except Harry who hadn’t experienced a training session in the gym groaned out loud.

‘Is it that bad?’ He asked.

‘YES!’ The others returned forcefully.

‘It’s fucking murder’ Gordon said to Harry ‘The first time we had one of these gym sessions I was so sore the next day I literally couldn’t move and I had to Owl into work and say I couldn’t come’

‘That was five years ago when you were first out of Hogwarts and you were a fat little kid of course you were going to be a bit sore’

‘Oliver Larissa had to levitate me to the bog so I could take a shit!’ Gordon exclaimed.

Harry let out a great snorting laugh.
‘You’re kidding me?’ He said ‘HAHAHAHAHA!’

‘Fuck you Harry it wasn’t funny, you’ll find you’ll be the same I bet ya’

‘Awww I dunno Gordie Harry looks pretty fit’ Angelina said as they entered the changerooms ‘He’s not a fat little weed like you were’

‘Oh bite me Ange’

‘Well we’re going to do it once a week from this week onwards so if you do get sore you’ll quickly become acclimatised to it’ Oliver said dumping his broom in his locker and pulling off his team robes.

‘OLIVER!’ The team yelled.

‘What?’ Oliver said with a grin as he sat down to unlace his boots ‘Just think in two months you’ll all have the ripped bodies of a Greek god’

‘In two months I am going to enjoy being pregnant and getting fat’ Angelina said.

‘All right you lot hit the showers then gather in the boardroom Ange wants to speak to us all before we all go home’ Oliver said.

Everyone hit the showers spending a little more time under the hot water than normal before changing, packing up and gathering in the board room.

‘Alright Ange it’s over to you’ Oliver said.

Angelina took a deep breath.
‘Alright you lot I won’t keep you long’ She said ‘As you know I’m pregnant and George and I are expecting at the end of April. I know since I let you all know the News on Sunday night you’ve probably been wondering what I’m going to do abut quidditch, I’ve been told by the healers at St Mungos it is safe for me to play for another month and that is what I’m going to do. I plan on playing the next four rounds for Puddlemere United and the first game of the Four Nations Cup for England against Ireland. I’ve already told the United and National boards this and told Oliver to start looking for a replacement chaser for the National team and to think about bringing George from the reserve team to the senior squad training sessions more often because he’s my most likely replacement for domestic duties’

There was a long pause.

‘Well that’s it...’ Angelina said ‘Don’t worry I shall be coming to training after the four weeks and making sure you’re not slacking off’

Harry was the first to speak.
‘We wouldn’t dare slack off Ange you know that’ He said with a grin embracing her in a quick hug ‘Have all the extra hormones addled your memory to the point where you’ve forgotten who’s our coach and manager? Oliver doesn’t know the definition of the term ‘Slacking Off’

Angelina laughed.
‘I know that’ She said ‘Just yanking’ ya chain’

‘Oh and by the way congratulations to you and George now it’s your turn to be fussed and cooed over by Molly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s already knitted you a million and one pairs of booties’

Angelina laughed.
‘We got the first pair today’ She said.

The rest of the team congratulated Angelina and each of them gave her a hug then with a final goodbye everyone left the stadium either by the floo or disapparating.

Harry arrived back at a Manor bathed in darkness. Ron, Hermione and Teddy in bed but noises from the potions lab indicating Ginny was up and pottering about. He stepped out of the grate and went upstairs packing his things away. He then went back downstairs knocking gently on the lab door’

‘If you’re rich and god looking come in’ Ginny’s voice said with a giggle.

Harry turned the handle of the door and made his way into the lab. No potions were brewing at the moment so it lacked it’s normal lavender smell. Ginny was in the process of bottling a lurid green mixture Harry recognized as Revitalising Draught. The bench closest to the cauldron shelves was filled with small bottles of Hangover Draught each labelled with a ‘Weasley’s Wizarding Wheezes Potions Range’ sticker.

‘All ready for sale then?’ He said kissing her on the neck.

‘Yup they’re for the Hogsmeade branch though Lee’s coming to pick them up tomorrow’ Ginny said placing the silver ladle she was using on the bench and returning Harry’s kiss ‘The Revitalizing Draught is for the Diagon Alley shop, How did training go?’

‘Good good, how about yours? When did you get home?’

‘Half an hour ago, I didn’t fancy going to bed so I decided to get started on bottling the potions I don’t want to have to rush doing it tomorrow’

‘Did you call in on Gwenog?’

‘No there doesn’t seem much point really when she’s still under but Martin her husband sent the team an owl saying she’s responding to stimuli which is a good thing she may not be as badly injured as first thought. Ron told me Troy Lancaster is still in St Mungos but is awake and lucid and is expected to be released on Monday’

‘Well that’s good’ Harry said moving to lean against the bench and wincing slightly.

‘Are you alright?’ Ginny asked in concern.

‘Yeah I’m fine’ Harry said ‘Just a bit sore, Oliver worked us hard today and he’s starting weekly gym sessions from Friday’

‘Is that a bad thing?’ Ginny asked picking up the ladle and resuming the filling of the potion bottles.

‘I don’t think it is but Gordon regaled the team with a tale of the first time he participated in one of these sessions he woke up the next morning so sore Larissa had to levitate him to the toilet so he could take a shit’

Ginny let out a snort.
‘You’re bullshitting me’ She said.

‘Nah I’m not Gordon wouldn’t lie about something like that. I’m half afraid of this session’

‘What for?’ Ginny said ‘You’re pretty fit as it is and went running and trained with the rest of the team in the break between the pre-season comp and the major round you ought to handle it okay. I hope you do because I’m not levitating you to the toilet you can shit your pants’

Harry laughed.
‘Oh gee ta, thanks very much dear’ He said ‘Nice to know I’m marrying such a kind hearted compassionate selfless woman’

Ginny giggled.
‘Only joking’ She said ‘I would levitate you to the loo and even levitate you back. And if you were really nice and thanked me I would even tuck you back into bed’

‘Ginevra Molly your generosity knows no bounds’ Harry said dryly ‘Sarcastic tart’ He added under his breath.

‘Oy I heard that’ Ginny said in mock anger ‘You can help yourself if this training session kills you then see if I care’

‘Ha ha’

*******************************************************************

The following morning Ron and Hermione came to Harry with a surprising suggestion.

‘You’ve got the duelling club on at Hogwarts again tonight haven’t you?’ Ron said.

‘Yeah it starts at four o’clock why?’ Harry asked looking up from the Daily Prophet.

‘Well `Mione and I chatted last night while you were at training and if you can fit us in we’d like to help you out tonight’ Ron went on ‘I know it’s short notice but you got back from training late last night and we were too knackered to stay up then to ask you’

Harry lit up.
‘Sure!’ He said ‘I could always use your help. We’ve got the students in individual groups at the moment but it wouldn’t be any hassle to get them in the great Hall and see you two in action. The club’s been going for a few weeks now and it’s probably about time for another demonstration with a new pairing. I was going to get the sixth and seventh years to do it but you two could do it. And you’d be a hit too’

‘There’ll be a stampede for autographs’ Ginny said with a grin.

‘Oh crap’ Ron said rolling his eyes.

‘Actually Gin’s not far off you’d probably have most of the students ask for an autograph or two’ Harry said ‘So you’d both like to come?’

‘Yeah Harry we would’ Hermione said ‘We’ve got the time today. We’ve both wanted to come since you got this club started and now seems to be the time to come along and give you a hand. Wether it be in instruction or demonstration. Plus neither of us have been back to Hogwarts since that night we had that dinner with McGonagall. It’ll be nice to have another look about’

‘You won’t have time to do that I don’t think’ Harry said ‘The duelling club is pretty full on and there’s dinner immediately afterward. Unless of course you arrive right at the end of the lessons and have a nosy then’

‘Nah We’ll need the time to finish things up a work we’ll turn up just before the start’ Ron said ‘Would quarter to four be okay?’

‘Yeah that’ll be great’ Harry said with a grin ‘`I’ll floo to Hogwarts right after brushing my teeth, there are a few things I need to do before you two arrive tonight’

‘Can I come Hawwy?’ Teddy asked digging his spoon into his porridge.

‘No mate not to the duelling club you can spend a couple of hours at Bill and Fleur’s and have dinner there before you come to National training okay?’ Harry said ‘I don’t want you to get in the way of a stray hex and there will be some people who are a bit silly with their wands. Plus if you came to the duelling club you’d fall asleep during national training and you don’t want that do you?’

‘Nuh uh’ Teddy replied shaking his head vigourously ‘I wanna see you fly!’

‘So what’s the plan for tonight?’ Ron asked Harry ‘I mean with going to National training. Do you want me to pick Ted up from Bill and Fleur’s or meet them at the stadium?’

‘The plan is to meet them at the stadium’ Harry said ‘Charlie and Charlotte are going to meet Bill and Fleur at Shell Cottage then they are all going to the stadium. Training starts at seven o’clock and I think everyone is meeting up at Shell Cottage at quarter to. If you turn up then you ought to be able to apparate with them.

‘I’ll do that maybe we could floo directly from Hogwarts.

‘You probably could that’s something you’d have to organise with Bill and Fleur. I’m flooing to the stadium from Hogwarts. Oliver said to me last night at training every new person invited to join the national squad has to go through a short induction and meet the board. That’ll take awhile so I’ll go from my quarters’

‘Got your robes yet?’ Hermione asked.

‘Nah I’ll get them tonight’ Harry said ‘Oliver said there’s a small ceremony where an official from the team, usually the president or the manager presents the new addition with their robes..and it’s in front of the press too which I’m not too enthusiastic about’

‘You’ll handle it fine Harry’ Hermione said confidently ‘I know you don’t like the press that much but you do handle any time you have to deal with them very well’

‘Hmmm I suppose so’ Harry said swallowing the last mouthful of his coffee ‘Well I better head off, Ted you have a good day at school eh? Don’t make Aunty Fleur stay back at the school forever just so you can have a ride on the slide okay?’

Teddy ran around the table and hugged Harry around the waist.
‘Okay Hawwy I will’ He said ‘See you at the quidditch’

‘Yup you will you’ll be able to come down to the race afterward too if you’re good so remember do what Aunty Fleur says okay?’

‘Uh huh’

‘I’ll floo from the library’ Harry said to Ron, Hermione and Ginny ‘See you all tonight okay?’

Ginny kissed him on the lips.
‘See you at the Duelling club first’ She said ‘I might come along too’

‘Lovely see you then’

*******************************************************************

Harry returned upstairs quickly brushed his teeth and grabbed his dragon hide satchel. He then jogged to the library and in a flash flooed to his quarters at Hogwarts. He put on his teachers robes and made his way down to the Great Hall where breakfast was still in full swing.

McGonagall looked surprised when Harry arrived and sat down in his chair beside her.

‘Harry!’ She exclaimed ‘I didn’t expect to see you here this morning!’

‘I didn’t expect to be here’ Harry said ‘Listen there’s a last minute cage to the duelling club tonight ‘Ron, Hermione ad Ginny are coming to help out will you be okay with proceedings being carried out in here tonight? I thought we could have another demonstration’

‘No of course it’s not a problem to mobilise all the students in here again. Shall I make an announcement for you or will I get the others to tell their students throughout the day?’

‘May as well make an announcement now’ Harry said ‘Get it over and done with’

‘Very well’

McGonagall tapped her goblet with a fork to catch the students attention then stood up when all heads turned toward her.

‘YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!’ She called after casting the Amplification Charm on her voice ‘TONIGHT AS PER PROFESSOR POTTERS REQUEST THE DUELLING CLUB PROCEEDINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GREAT HALL. TONIGHT WE HAVE THREE GUESTS RON AND GINNY WEASLEY AND HERMIONE GRANGER. IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE INSTRUCTION FROM THEM AND SEE THEM GIVE A DEMONSTRATION PLEASE GATHER IN THE GREAT HALL AT FOUR PM SHARP’

McGonagall may as well have told every student body they were to receive a million Galleons each so loud was the roar from the houses. The older woman thrust her wand into the air and it emitted two loud bangs.

‘SILENCE!’ She bellowed ‘YOU WILL CONDUCT YOURSELVES WILL DIGNITY AND DECORUM ANY STUDENTS FOUND ACTING IN A WAY NOT FITTING A HOGWARTS STUDENT SHALL RECEIVE A DETENTION...THANKYOU!’

When the roar of the students died down to busy conversation McGonagall sat back down.

‘The noise is going to be worse tonight when Ron, Hermione and Ginny get here’ Neville said from beside him ‘Are they staying for dinner Harry?’

‘No they’re all going to Cornwall to see me train with the national quidditch team’ Harry said taking the opportunity to pour himself a mug of coffee ‘I was thinking once Gin and I come back from our Honeymoon I’d get them to come in again. Maybe this time with Molly as well’

‘They’d have a collective fit then’ Neville said ‘Especially the Head Girl’

‘True’

For the rest of the day Harry spent a lot of time fielding questions about Ron, Hermione and Ginny’s visit later in the day and it was with a sigh of relief he closed the door after his final class of the day first year Slytherins and Gryffindors.

‘Waaaah!’ He said to thin air ‘I couldn’t have been that annoying as a first year!’

‘Yeah you were but no one had the balls to tell you’ Ron’s voice eminated from his quarters.

‘Wanker’

Harry walked across the classroom and took the stairs to his quarters two at a time, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were there adjusting their robes having just flooed in.

‘You just got in yeah?’ He said going to Ginny and dropping a kiss on her cheek ‘I didn’t hear you’

‘We arrived just as you were dismissing your class’ Hermione said ‘How’s your day been?’

‘A royal pain in the arse on a U-No Poo scale’ Harry said dryly ‘I’m not joking I was five seconds away from dishing out my first detention. I love the first years they’re great, I mean they soak up information like sponges but today they were a bunch of annoying little shits’

Ron let out a great snorting laugh.

‘I tell ya you three aren’t coming again if I have to put up with another day like that’ Harry said in mock anger as he headed into the kitchenette.

The trio knew Harry was joking and collectively rolled their eyes.
‘Don’t get your knickers in a knot dear’ Ginny said with a grin ‘Apart from the annoying little shits how were the others?’

‘Yeah they were good’ Harry said flicking his wand at the kettle as to start it boiling ‘The seventh years are really keen to meet Ron I’ve been teaching them some of the Auror Hexes and jinxes the minor ones mind, and they’re keen to learn more’

‘Ron’s got groupies Ron’s got groupies!’ Ginny chanted.

‘Oh sod off’

‘So what will happen tonight Harry?’ Hermione asked sitting down at one of the dining table chairs.

‘Well I thought I’d introduce you to the students then get you to give a short demonstration. Neville’s volunteered to be the fourth person to make up two pairs. The others are setting up the stage and seating now. Afterwards we’ll pair off into year levels and do some tutoring. With the first session three weeks ago I took the Gryffindor seventh years but now I take the seventh years in all four houses. Neville flits between the fifth and sixth years. Every teacher has a year level they look after and because of the odd numbers John the Muggle Studies professor usually helps me out. With conducting proceedings in the Great Hall you three can float about helping any students that require it’

Sounds good’ Ron said ‘Oh we got a floo call from Fleur just before we came here Ted only went for one ride on the slide which she thought was ‘Véritable Étrange’ (Very strange). And he couldn’t stop yapping on about his day all in French mind you she says ‘Son Français c'est assez bon’ (His French is very good)’

‘Of course his French is good she taught him’ Harry said summoning the biscuit tin from the pantry and sitting down opposite Hermione while the kettle boiled.

‘Well she wanted you to know Ted was a very good boy and he wanted her to let you know’ Ron said with a grin.

‘I could hear him through the floo yelling that’ Ginny said with a giggle ‘It was rather cute’

‘He could’ve waited til seeing me at national training’ Harry said in amusement.

‘Yeah well I heard Bill say that to him through the floo but you now how in the moment Ted is’ Ginny said.

‘Yeah’

*******************************************************************

At ten to four Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione left Harry’s quarters and made their way down to the Great Hall through the back way and avoiding the Entrance Hall. McGonagall saw them arrive and greeted them warmly.

‘Ron, Hermione Ginny so good to see you!’ She said embracing each of them in turn ‘So good you could come’

‘It’s good to be here Minerva’ Hermione said ‘All three have us have wanted to come before now but just didn’t have the time’

‘I understand totally’

‘If you could excuse us Minerva I’d like to introduce every one to Michael, Louise and John’ Harry said.

‘Of course don’t let me keep you’

Harry led Ron, Hermione and Ginny across the Hall to where Michael and Louise the Head Boy and Girl were busy re-enforcing a block of the grandstand like seating.

‘Michael, Louise do you two have a minute?’ He interrupted them ‘Won’t be long’

‘Of course Sir’ Michael said pocketing his wand.

‘I’d like to introduce you to Ron and Ginny Weasley and Hermione Granger they’ll be helping me out with tonight’s proceedings guys this is Michael Erens and Louise Allen the Head Boy and Girl both of Gryffindor House’

‘Hi nice to meet you’ Hermione said to Michael and Louise both of whom seemed rather star struck ‘Nice a Gryffindor Head Boy and Girl again there hasn’t been one since Neville and Ginny here’

‘It’s-Its-a true honour to meet you Miss Granger’ Louise said haltingly shaking Hermione’s hand ‘I’m glad you could come Professor Potter has taught us loads over the past few weeks’

‘First of all cut the Miss Granger crap I haven’t been called that since I was a student myself, my name’s Hermione’ Hermione said in amusement ‘I look forward to seeing what you’ve learnt’

‘Thankyou for coming Mr Weasley’ Michael said to Ron holding out his hand ‘Louise and I know how busy you are’

‘No worries it’s good to be back here’ Ron said shaking Michaels hand ‘And call me Ron, like Hermione I haven’t been called by my surname since I was a student myself...Mr Weasley’s my Dad’

Michael laughed.
‘Well if you’re sure’ He said.

Ginny was next to greet Michael and Louise.
‘I don’t mind so much being called Miss Weasley seeing as before me there wasn’t one for a hundred years but I would prefer you call me Ginny’ She said shaking their hands each in turn ‘It feels weird being addressed like you were when you were a student when you graduated five years ago’

‘Suits me’ Michael said with a grin ‘Professor shall we open the Hall doors now?’

‘Not yet I want to introduce Ron, Hermione and Ginny to Professor Springs first’ Harry said ‘I’ll let you know when okay?’

‘Yes Sir’

Harry gave a little laugh as he Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked over to where John and Flitwick were organising the seating for the teachers.

‘I don’t think I’ve seen a more star struck pair in my life’ He chuckled ‘I thought for a minute they were going to drop to their knees and kiss the hems of your robes’

‘Oh you are full of crap’ Hermione said rolling her eyes.

‘I bet they were more starstruck when they were introduced to you’ Ron said ‘We weren’t the ones to vanquish Voldemort you were’

‘Technically he committed suicide’ Harry said deciding at the last minute to be pedantic ‘His Avada Kedavra curse rebounded off me’

‘Pedantic bastard’

John spied Harry ascending the steps and came over.
‘Harry!’ He said levitating a roll of rubber matting over to the stage where it laid itself out.

‘Hey John these are my best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger and of course my fiancée Ginny Ron’s sister’

‘Hi nice to meet you all’ John said enthusiastically ‘Ah Hermione you work with my wife Cidney at the Ministry!’

‘Yes I do’ Hermione said allowing John to kiss her on each cheek ‘She’s fit in really well and enjoying working at the Ministry. She says its loads different to the American Ministry’

‘I’d imagine it would be, Ron good to meet you mate Harry’s told me a lot about you’

‘Oh been yapping on again has he?’ Ron said dryly ‘He’s full of crap so whatever he said is a total load of bullshit’

‘So you’re not a nice guy who will help anyone who asks for it?’ John said with a chuckle ‘So you must be an insensitive, vain, arrogant ass who never thinks about anyone else apart from yourself’

‘Yeah sounds about right’ Ginny said with a great snorting laugh.

John, Harry and Hermione all snorted in laughter as Ron just rolled his eyes.

Neville arrived a minute later his dark hair still damp and smelling faintly of expensive cologne having obviously just cleaned up from his day in the greenhouses.

‘Neville you’re clean!’ Hermione exclaimed embracing their old friend in a hug.

‘Did you expect anything less?’ Neville said with a grin returning the hug ‘I do like to keep some standard of personal hygiene you know. Deodorant is a wonderful invention, Hey Ron good t’see ya mate...Ginny’

‘Hey Neville’ They chorused.

‘So shall we get this started?’ Neville suggested

‘If you like can you Draco and John open the doors?’ Harry said.

‘Sure’

‘Yeah lets shall we wait here?’ Ron said pointing to the teacher’s chairs and Neville set off for the other end of the Hall.

‘Yeah if you could then I’ll introduce you one by one’ Harry said starting off to the duelling platform.

‘Lovely I’ll help Ron apply his makeup’ Ginny said ‘He does prefer the Body Shop Grape Delights lip tint’

‘Oh fuck off’ Ron muttered.

With a laugh Harry climbed the steps to the duelling stage and tested the strengthening and re-enforcing charms on it as the student body flowed into the Great Hall buzzing excitedly.

With the help of the prefects, teachers and Head Boy and Girl the students quickly mobilised and sat in groups according to house. The teachers then took their seats an Harry began casting an amplification charm on his voice.

‘WELCOME WELCOME EVERYONE!’ He boomed his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous hall ‘I HOPE YOU ARE BY NOW WELL VERSED IN THE DEFENSIVE CURSES, JINXES AD HEXES WE HAVE BEEN LEARNING OVER THE PAST THREE WEEKS. I THOUGHT THE TIME WAS RIPE FOR A REVISION SESSION SO I HAVE INVITED THREE OF THE BEST DUELLERS I KNOW TO COME ALONG TONIGHT TO HELP ME OUT. THEY WILL GIVE A SHORT DEMONSTRATION LIKE THE ONE PROFESSOR MALFOY AND I GAVE AT OUR FIRST MEETING THEN EACH OF THEM WILL FLOAT ABOUT THE ROOM HELPING YOU REFINE YOUR WAND TECHNIQUE AND INCANTATION PRONNOUNCIATION AND IF YOU’RE LUCKY A NEW SPELL OR TWO’

An enthusiastic cheer rose from the students.

‘OKAY WITHOUT FURTHER ADO I WOULD LIKE TO INTRODUCE YOU TO THE FIRST OF TONIGHTS GUESTS. HE WAS INTRUMENTAL IN HELPING ME DURING THE FINAL BATTLE AND IS NOW HEAD OF THE AUROR DEPARTMENT AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC…PLEASE WELCOME RON WEASLEY!’

The students leapt to their feet and roared their approval as Ron his face as red as the setting sun climbed the steps of the platform and walked over to Harry acknowledging the applause he was receiving then shaking Harry’s hand. He stood on Harry’s right and made a point of looking at his shoes as Harry prepared to introduce Hermione.

‘NEXT TO COME UP HERE IS ONE OF THE SMARTEST WITCHES I HAVE EVER MET. NO ONE ELSE IN HOGWARTS HISTORY HAS SPENT MORE TIME IN THE LIBRARY THAN HER. SHE IS NOW SECOND IN COMMAND OF THE IMPROPER USE OF MAGIC OFFICE AT THE MINISTRY WELCOME HERMIONE GRANGER!’

The students laughed as Harry teased Hermione about her fondness for the library and roared their approval as Hermione ascended the steps of he platform glaring in a way that clearly read ‘I will hex you for that’. Hermione gave a quick wave to the students then gave Harry a quick hug whispering in his ear.

‘Harry I am going to hex you back at the Manor’ She said ‘Mean bastard’

‘Luv ya too `Mione’ Harry said giving her a wink.

Hermione took her place next to Ron and Harry cast the amplification charm on his voice again.

‘THE LAST GUEST TONIGHT IS SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL TO ME AND SOMEONE WHO I’VE BEEN KEEN TO HAVE COME TO A DUELLING CLUB SESSION SINCE WE STARTED. SHE’S A STARTING CHASER AND SOMETIMES SEEKER FOR THE HOLYHEAD HARPIES AND IS MOST ACCOMPLISHED AT CASTING THE BAT BOGEY HEX PLEASE WELCOME GINNY WEASLEY!’

Several wolf whistles were mixed amongst the cheers and whistles that greeted Ginny as she made her way up onto the platform and over to Harry kissing him quickly on the lips.

‘Okay decide who’s going to duel first’ Harry said to them ‘Rock paper scissors between you and Ron first Gin the loser pairs with Neville the winner pairs with `Mione’

‘Rock paper scissors?’ Hermione exclaimed as they gathered in a circle ‘Oh that is so first year’

Harry grinned.
‘What can I say I feel first year’ He said ‘Ready Gin, Ron?’

‘You bet’ Ginny said poising her fist.

Ron poised his fist and looked at Ginny.

‘ROCK, PAPER SCISSORS!’ They bellowed.

Ron formed a pair of scissors and Ginny formed a piece of paper.

‘Yessssss first duel won’ Ron hissed giving Ginny a little bow.

‘Sanctimonious bastard’ Ginny said in a barely audible voice.

Ron Just grinned As Ginny took her leave and resumed her seat next to Neville.

‘OKAY LADES ANDGENTS THE FIRST TO DUEL WILL BE RON AND HERMIONE’ Harry announced ‘THEY WILL FOLLOW THE PRESCRIBED DUELLING CLUB RULES ALL OF WHICH APPEAR IN THE DUELLING CLUB RULE BOOK YOU ALL GOT A COPY OF LAST WEEK. THE AIM WILL BE TO IMPEDE THE OPPONENT FROM DISARMINGTHE OTHER. NO HEXES, JINXES OR CURSES MAY BE USED THAT WILL CAUSE ANYTHING MORE THAN A BAD BRUISE OR A SPRAINED ANKLE’

‘Got it you two?’ Harry said to Ron and Hermione after removing the charm on his voice.

They nodded and each bowed to him ad duelling etiquette decreed.

As soon as Harry left the platform and took his seat beside Ginny Ron and Hermione bowed to each other then sprang into action. Hermione jabbed her wand forward and bellowed ‘STUPEFY!’ but Ron ducked and avoided the jinx,, He then leapt forward and yelled ‘TRIPUDO!’

As if tripping over a rock Hermione’s feet were whipped out from under her. She yelped but held onto her wand and after dragging herself onto her stomach screamed ‘CUSTULUM OPPUGNO!’

Every one of the thousand students and twelve teachers let out a loud ‘OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH’ As a huge cast iron frypan erupted from the end of Hermione’s wand and flew toward Ron. Quick as a flash he followed it’s track and screamed ‘BOMBARDA MAXIMA!’

The resulting boom and crash was so loud a nearby window shattered everyone in the room to clap their hands over their ears, but that didn’t stop Ron and Hermione they barely noticed the sharp shattering noise as they swept into action once again.

‘JELLEXIO!’ (Hermione)

‘LOCOMOTOR MORTIS!’ (Ron)

‘HITMIO!’ (Hermione)

‘PUNCTUM!’ (Sting) (Ron)

‘INFLIGO GENU!’ (Knock kneed) (Hermione)

‘CORNUUM!’ (Antlers) (Ron)

‘DENSAUGEO!’ (The tooth growing jinx) (Hermione)

‘AGUAMENTI MAXIMA’ (Ron)

A torrent of water on the scale of Niagara Falls erupted from the end of Ron’s wand and crashed over Hermione soaking her clothes to her skin. She wiped her hair out of her face (And pulled strands of it from the antlers she had sprouted) and opened her mouth in what everyone present thought would be another confronting spell but she grinned and bellowed....

‘EXPELLIARMUS!’

Ron caught by surprise had let his guard down and his wand flew out of his hand and over to Hermione who caught it deftly. And bowed graciously signalling the end of the duel.

The students roared with laughter seeing the simplicity of Hermione’s strategy and applauded wildly as Ron bowed in return and walked over to her shaking her hand.

‘AND THAT LADIES AND GENTLEMEN IS WHY ONE MUST ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION IN A DUEL!’ Harry announced ‘THE DISARMING CHARM REALLY IS THE MOST USEFUL SPELL AND I WOULD ENCOURAGE ALL OF YOU TO USE IT WHENEVER THE OPPORTUNITY ARRIVES. IT MAY BE SIMPLE SOMETHING YOU LEARN IN FIRST YEAR BUT NEVER PASS UP AND OPPORTUNITY TO USE IT. OKAY NOW TO GIVE THE SECOND DEMONSTRATION OF THE NIGHT IS GINNY AND PROFESSOR LONGBOTTOM!’

There was loud but polite applause as Ron, Hermione and Harry left the platform and Neville and Ginny took their spots.

‘Ahh that was good it blew out the cobwebs didn’t it?’ Ron said brightly ‘Haven’t had anything like that at the Ministry for a while’

‘Yes I rather enjoyed it’ Hermione said tying her hair back more securely ‘I don’t get much face to face combat in the office…duels like that makes me wish I had become an Auror not a lawyer’

‘Why don’t you become one then?’ Ron said as Neville managed to get Ginny with a trip jinx ‘We’re one down now that Harry’s gone and the next intake isn’t til June next year. You’d be admitted to the training program in a trice’

‘Nah I’ll just do the occasional duel for fun I love my job too much to leave it’ Hermione said leaning on Ron and allowing him to put an arm around her.

‘Love is a bit of an understatement’ Harry said with a chuckle ‘I’d suggest obsessed is a more apt description’

‘Oh sod off’

Ginny and Neville’s duel went longer than Ron and Hermione’s and it ended when Ginny got Neville with a well aimed trip jinx. It his him with a lightning like rope which hit him on the ankles and flipped him up so hard he did a somersault and landed on his belly with a thud his wand flying out of his hand and into a bunch of Ravenclaw second years.

The student body applauded enthusiastically as Ginny bowed then summoned Neville’s wand to her hand. She helped him to his feet and returned his wand to him giving her old a friend a quick hug.

‘Great job guys that out to get the students enthused about practicing’ Harry said as he climbed the steps to the platform waving his wand at the window that had been broken during Ron and Hermione’s duel ‘Reckon you can teach first years to do that Gin?’

‘I’ll give it a go’ Ginny said.

‘Okay take a seat with the others and I’ll get things started’

‘Sure’

Ginny and Neville left the platform (To the groans of the students) and Harry once again cast the amplification charm on his voice

‘OKAY LADIES AND GENTS THAT’S IT FOR THE DEMONSTRATIONS I NEED YOU ALL TO GATHER INTO GROUPS AS PER YEAR LEVELS WITH THE TEACHER WHO INSTRUCTED YOU LAST WEEK. RON, HERMIONE AND GINNY WILL FLOAT AROUND THE GREAT HALL GIVING HELPS AND HINTS WHERE IT IS REQUIRED. SEVENTH YEARS COME WITH ME PLEASE!’

The next few minutes were taken up with the teachers packing away the platform and seating then gathering together their year level groups. Harry corralled his seventh years then took them up to the front of the Great Hall where the Head Table normally stood (It had been shrunk and put in a nearby side room).

‘Okay seventh years pair up and line up in parallel pairs’ Harry said ‘I want you to pair up with someone from a different house than you, such as Ravenclaw, Slytherin, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor...it’s up to you’

The students re-arranged themselves into opposing house pairs. They took up the entire length of the front part of the Great Hall even though enlargement charms had been placed on the hall to give each of the thousand students more room to work.

‘Okay ladies and gents we’re going to work on a new spell today’ Harry said walking up and down the lane of students ‘It’s called the Electrocution Curse. Now those of you who do Muggle Studies know what electricity is and the effects of electrocution are. Now this Curse doesn’t literally electrocute the person being cursed it mimics the feeling one experiences when they are electrocuted. It’s basically the magical version of a taser gun a device muggle police use. Now this is a curse the Ministry has only recently approved but in the few times it has been used by the Aurors and Hit Wizards it’s been most effective’

‘Who created it Sir?’ Saxon Rawiller asked.

‘One of my old colleagues Olivier Giteau he’s the three I.C of the Auror office. He’s a muggleborn wizard from France and was educated at Beauxbatons’

‘Oh I’ve heard of him he’s on the duelling circuit innee?’ A Ravenclaw student asked in interest.

‘Yeah Mr Waters he is’ Harry said ‘I’ll see what I can do abut getting him here to help one night he’s a wizard I think you’d all benefit from learning from’

‘Sir are we still having the duelling club when you’re away on your honeymoon?’ A Hufflepuff girl asked worriedly ‘I mean we’re all having so much fun learning all this new defensive magic and it’d be pants if we had to miss three weeks worth of sessions’

Harry grinned.
‘No Miss Delaney you won’t have to miss three weeks of sessions’ He said ‘Professor Springs will take over the tutoring of the seventh years while I’m away and I’ll expect you all to learn a new hex curse or jinx a week while I’m away’

The seventh years collectively groaned.

‘Oh come on Sir that’s sadistic’ A Gryffindor boy complained ‘We had real issues combining the Frypan Assault Hex and the Trip jinx at once and you want us to learn three new ones?’

‘Yup you’ll all be fine’ Harry said with a chuckle ‘What will be sadistic is when I get back I’ll want you all to show me all the hexes, jinxes and curses you’ve learnt while I’ve been away PLUS the ones you’ve learnt so far’

The groan was louder that time.
‘I know I’m a bastard’ Harry said laughing out loud now ‘Okay lets get back to the matter at hand the incantation for the Electrocution Curse is ‘Desumo offensus!’ Can you repeat that?’

‘DESUMO OFFENSUS!’

‘Again’

‘DESUMO OFFENSUS!’

‘Great stuff now the peculiar thing about this Curse is depending on the enthusiasm in which it’s cast you can drop your opponent like a shot duck. If you say it loudly and with feeling that’s what will happen but if you do the opposite and say it almost in fun you’ll just give your opponent a mild shock. Now if cast with feeling and meaning it can penetrate a shield charm so if you are defending yourself against this curse you have to put feeling into protecting yourself understand?’

‘Yes sir!’

‘Okay now let me get out of your way and I’ll get you to start practicing but the minute I stay stop you stop I don’t want anyone getting carried away’

Harry jogged over to the side door of the Great Hall taking off his robes and slinging them over a chair which had been left in the corner.

‘On the count of three’ He said ‘One two...THREE!’

The air was suddenly filled with the seventh years cries and their enthusiastic participation piqued Hermione’s interest and she left John and his group of fifth years and came over to him.

‘Having fun?’ She said as a nearby pair of a Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff student duelled fiercely.

‘Yeah got this lot going on the Electrocution Curse’ Harry said ‘Next week I might try them on the Dizziness Jinx. How are the sixth years going?’

‘Great Neville’s got them going on the Singing and Dancing Hex combination they’re doing rather well so I thought I’d come over here and check out what you’re up to. Ginny’s with the first years working on the Leg Locker Curse and Ron’s with Neville as I said doing the Singing and Dancing Hex combination but non verbally'

‘Ron tackled non verbal magic?’ Harry asked in surprise ‘He hates non verbal magic’

‘I know but he’s having fun’

‘Fancy helping me tutoring this lot with me?’ Harry asked watching a Slytherin and Gryffindor student in combat.

‘Sure’

‘Okay okay okay stop!” Harry exclaimed holding his hands up and walking through the lanes ‘AH BLOODY HELL!’

Harry yelped as one last Electrocution Curse got him right across the bum. One Gryffindor girl looked at her wand to Harry and back a look of total incredulity and shock on her face.

‘OHMIGOD!’She exclaimed her hands flying to her face and her wand clattering to the floor as Harry danced around comically clutching his bum ‘Oh sir I am SO sorry! Oh my god I hexed a teacher! Oh my god oh my god oh my god I am in soooo much trouble!’

Despite the stinging sensation coming from his bum Harry pulled himself together with a wince.

‘Miss Laverton calm down you are not in trouble’ He said as behind him he heard Hermione and several students stifle snorts ‘It was my own fault walking into an area where a hex could go astray. Pick up your wand and take a deep breath’

Eventually Hermione couldn’t help himself and burst out into loud laughter that echoed around the hall. Then one by one the students joined in and it wasn’t long before every one of the seventh years were roaring with laughter.

‘Oh ha ha ha veeeery funny’ Harry said dryly trying to cast a healing charm on his bum and only inciting more by now hysterical laughter ‘I’d like to see you cop a sting in the bum’

‘That’s not likely to happen Harry’ Hermione said her brown eyes filled with mirth ‘As you showed up by your excellent demonstration we now not to go walking anywhere where a stray curse will go astray. Harry Potter I’m disappointed I you, you’re one of the best Aurors the Ministry’s seen for years what would Moody or Tonks think?’

The students if possible laughed harder.

Harry rolled his eyes.
‘Moody would give me the constant vigilance lecture and Tonks would just laugh at me’ He said ‘Can we pick on someone else now?’

McGonagall came rushing over her navy blue robes billowing behind her.

‘Is everything okay?’ She puffed lowering her wand slightly.

‘Everything’s fine Minerva Harry just got in the way of a curse and copped an Electrocution Curse across the bum’ Hermione said with a giggle ‘He wanted to demonstrate how to be inattentive’

By now the seventh years were giggling like small children and Harry had his arms crossed and was tapping a foot in mock anger.

‘I’ve got to write about it in the Charms Club Newletter Headmistress’ Christina Felton a Gryffindor student the President of the Charms Club said with a grin ‘It’ll be the front page story and quite possibly a whole special edition’

Hermione snorted in the most unladylike manner.

‘Okay okay okay that’s enough the Pick on Potter five minutes is up’ Harry said ‘Seriously Minerva everything’s alright’

‘Well if you’re sure’ McGonagall said reluctantly pocketing her wand.

McGonagall left and went back to the group of fourth years she was watching being tutored by Draco.

‘Okay for the next few minutes I want you all to work on wand technique Hermione and I will help you remember it’s the reverse of a Levitation Charm with a forward poke’ Harry said demonstrating the movement ‘Flick, Swish and poke. Try and begin the movement with the first syllable of the incantation and do the poke with the last syllable. I know it sounds complicated when I describe it in such detail but the spell will be more effective if cast like that’

For the next fifteen minutes Harry and Hermione coached the students on wand technique then Harry decided to wander about the Hall checking in on Ron and Ginny.

‘You okay to mind this lot while I go for a wander?’ He said to Hermione.

‘Sure go ahead’ She replied ‘No no Claudia make the poke more pronounced you...’

Harry left Hermione with the seventh years and went wandering through the Great Hall. He laughed inwardly as Ron taught the sixth years the Dancing and Singing Hexes combination then went in search for Ginny. She was at the far end of the Hall near the doors with the first years teaching them the Bat Bogey Hex a hex she was most adept at casting.

‘Ah a victim enters the lions den!’ She announced with a grin rubbing her hands together

‘Why am I scared?’ Harry said dryly crossing his arms.

‘You shouldn’t be Professor!’ Orion Springs exclaimed with such a mischievous grin Harry was momentarily reminded of Teddy ‘Ginny has been teaching up the Bat Bogey Hex!’

‘How did I guess that?’ Harry said dryly to Ginny ‘Okay Frankie show me what you can do’

‘Alright Frankie you and John Pair up and show Harry what you’ve learnt’ Ginny said to Orion ‘Remember the wand movement a good hard poke’

The other first years gave Orion and his classmate space ad quick as a flash her thrust his wand forward and cried….

‘ACERODON JUBATUS FIMUS! (Acerdon Jubatus is the Latin name for the Giant Golden Crowned Flying fox and Fimus is Latin for dirt. There was no literal Latin translation for 'Bat Bogey')

A squelching noise emanated from Orion’s wand and in an instant great clods of snot formed into the shape of a bat and started attacking John who didn’t quite manage to cast the shield charm in time to avoid being covered head to toe in great flying bogies.

‘OH GROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSS!’ He bellowed waving his hands about his head as if to shoo away an annoying fly ‘This is DISGUSTING!’

The other first years roared with laughter as one Bat Bogey flew around John’s head like a halo then fell on him like a pancake being flipped.

‘Okay okay okay that’s enough’ Ginny said in amusement ‘Frankie good job you can remove the hex now’

Almost lazily Orion waved his wand at John and muttered ‘Finite Incantatem’ and with that the Bat Bogeys disappeared.

‘Ginny that’s gross!’ He announced adjusting his robes ‘I had bogeys in my ears!’

Orion let out a great snorting laugh.

‘It’s not the grossest hex out there’ Harry said with a grin.

‘Oh Yeah what’s the grossest one?’ Orion asked his interest piqued.

‘The Farting Jinx but I’m not teaching you that til at least third year’ Harry said with a grin.

‘Awwwwwww come on Professor teach us the Farting Jinx!’ A Slytherin student exclaimed to the general agreement of the other first years ‘That would be so cool!’

‘No way Jose if I teach you that now Professor McGonagall will have my head’ Harry said with a grin ‘And I like my head thankyou very much’

‘Aw Professor you’re no fun’

Ginny laughed.

‘Okay you lot I’m going to leave you with Ginny’ Harry said ‘Keep practicing and lets see if you can perfect the Bat Bogey by the end of the session eh? There’s forty five minutes to go’

Harry gave Ginny a wink then made his way back through the Great Hall distributing advice to the students as he went. On the way back to his seventh years he called in on the sixth years who were being tutored by Ron and Neville on the Singing and Dancing Hexes. Neville was red in the face and out of breath when he arrived after obviously having a hex removed.

‘What was the song?’ Harry asked in amusement.

‘My Humps’ By the damn Black Eyed Peas’ Neville said the blush on his face increasing with every second.

‘Okay who was responsible?’ Harry said with a snort.

A Ravenclaw boy timidly raised his hand.

‘Great stuff Mr Pritchard’ Harry said with a grin as Ron struggled to control himself his face almost as red as his hair ‘Can I have a demonstration?’

‘Aw Harry noooooo’ Neville groaned.

The Ravenclaw student pointed his wand at Neville and silently cast the Singing and Dancing Hex there was a slight pause then Neville began dancing like Beyonce and singing...

‘My hump, my hump, my hump, my hump,
My hump, my hump, my hump, my hump, my hump, my hump.
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
My lovely lady lumps (lumps)
In the back and in the front (lumps)
My lovin' got you...’

Harry couldn’t help himself and with Ron roared with laughter. The noise attracted Hermione’s attention and within seconds the seventh years saw what was happening and began laughing too.

The Ravenclaw student who had cast the hexes struggled to control himself but after two renditions of the ‘Lady Lumps’ chorus and a hip thrusting dancing display from Neville he removed the spells.

Harry applauded enthusiastically.

‘Twenty points to Ravenclaw great use of non verbal spells Mr Pritchard keep up with that stuff and you’ll sail through your exams’ Harry said with a grin ‘The Ministry Examiners would be impressed with that display’

‘Well I wouldn’t!’ Neville exclaimed half mortified half amused ‘It was Ron’s idea this whole Singing and Dancing Hex thing you know I was quite happy to stay on with the Somersault and Aguamenti Maxima Hexes’

‘Nah Professor that’s boring anyway we aced them last week’ a Gryffindor girl piped up ‘And you did volunteer to be a guinea pig’

‘You volunteered to be hexed?’ Harry asked in surprise ‘Are you mental?’

The sixth years sniggered.

‘Yeah I must be and I tell ya I’m not going to do it again’ Neville said dryly ‘I only want to look like an idiot once’

‘Actually Neville it was twice’ Ron said

‘Yeah yeah no need to rub it in’ Neville said adjusting his robes

‘Can we try adding the Amplification Charm Professor?’ A Hufflepuff girl asked Harry.

‘You can try if you like’ Harry said ‘But doing a three in one hex might be a bit difficult to do non verbally at this stage, if you find it a bit hard do it out loud to start with or do one out loud and the rest non verbally whatever works for you. It’s something you can start this week and work on next week’

‘Can we practice it during Defence during the week?’

‘Maybe, you could get a head start and do it in your own time on the weekends if that would work for you’ Harry said ‘But you do know it’s unnatural to do work outside of school hours don’t you?’

‘Great Sir that means you have no more reason to give us any homework’ A Slytherin boy said with a cheesy grin.

Harry rolled his eyes.
‘Ha ha nice try’ He said ‘Okay keep on with your work people’

Harry returned to the seventh years and for the next forty-five minutes worked with them alongside Hermione. He then conjured a chair out of thin air and stood on it immediately attracting the attention of all the students in the Great Hall.

‘OKAY LADIES AND GENTS GREAT WORK TONIGHT YOU OUGHT TO HAVE LEARNT ENOUGH TO PRACTICE TIL OUT NEXT SESSION ON TUESDAY, BEFORE WE BREAK FOR THE NIGHT I’D ALL LIKE YOU TO SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR RON, HERMIONE AND GINNY AS THEY ALL TOOK TIME OUT FO THEIR BUSY SCHEDULES TO BE HERE TONIGHT TO HELP OUT

Every one of the thousand students and all the teachers burst into deafening applause and Ron, Hermione and Ginny bowed to them acknowledging the reception…a few of the sixth years whistled and whooped and three Gryffindor seventh year girls thrust their wands into the air uttered a silent incantation. Ribbons flew out of the ends of their wands and formed the enormous words ‘THANK YOU’

‘Oh that’s nice’ Ron said as McGonagall approached him and the rest of the teachers began ushering the students out of the Great Hall so they could pack up and get the house tables back in position for dinner.

‘So did you three have fun?’ Harry asked as Flitwick, John and Slughorn brought the High Table back into the Hall.

‘Yeah loads’ Ron said ‘Wish we’d had something similar when we were here. The piss ant session Lockhart organised was shit compared to what you have up and running’

‘Thanks’

‘Harry you’ve done a really good job with the seventh years’ Hermione said ‘They’re really well versed in defensive spells and combat even though the school year is only four weeks old. They obviously want to learn from you’

‘I know they’re bunch of sponges’ Harry said with the enthusiasm of a small child on Christmas morning ‘All my students are. Especially the first and seventh years the Seventh years because they’re learning the hardest magic a school aged student can and the first years because they’re new to magic and everything I tell them’

‘Have you asked McGonagall about setting up a inter-house duelling competition?’ Ginny asked ‘I know you were keen to start one up’

‘I haven’t asked her yet I’ll do that in the new year when I think everyone’s learnt enough to take part in one’ Harry said ‘I want everyone to be as well practiced as possible’

‘Another successful evening Harry’ McGonagall said brightly ‘The students are picking the spells up well. What do you have planned for the seventh years on Tuesday?’

‘I had thought about staying with the Electrocution Curse and bringing in the Dizziness Hex’ Harry said ‘Then when I go on leave it’ll be up to John what to teach them though I have several suggestions’

‘You’ve got it planned down to the last letter then’

‘Just about, as I said to you when I first brought up the idea I want to do this properly and planning ahead is part of that’

‘True now oughtn’t you be getting to quidditch training?’

Harry looked at his watch.

‘Bollocks!’ He cussed ‘It’s quarter past, see you at breakfast tomorrow Minerva’

‘Good evening Harry’

Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione left the Great Hall and made their way up to the seventh floor and into Harry’s quarters.

‘Right we’ll floo to Bill and Fleur’s then apparate as a group to the stadium Harry’ Ron said to Harry ‘See you there eh? Have a good session’

‘Sure thanks mate’

Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss and saw her off as she flooed to Shell Cottage. He then changed into his travelling cloak gathered up his broom and bag and flooed to the Manor where he then apparated to the Cornwall Moor stadium. Queues of the England National side were already lined up at the various entrances all decked out in robes and carrying flags bearing the England Flag design. Harry ducked into the race before any press saw him and made his way down the race to the Puddlemere United Rooms which now had a brass sign bearing the words ‘ENGLAND NATIONAL QUIDDITCH TEAM CHANGEROOMS’ in place. He knocked and waited, a moment later the door was flung open and Alicia stood there beaming.

‘Harry you goof you don’t need to knock’ She said embracing him ‘How’s your day been? You’re sweating already! Don’t let Oliver know you’ve been over exerting yourself he likes to wrap his players in cotton wool’

‘Firstly I thought I better knock at least for my first training session, secondly my day’s been great and fourth I haven’t been over exerting myself I’ve just come from a duelling club meeting at Hogwarts’ Harry said returning Alicia’s hug ‘Seen the line ups outside?’

‘Yeah there were a few hanging about when Oliver and I got here an hour ago’ Alicia said closing the door after him.

‘Well there’s more than a few now’ Harry said going over to his regular locker to drop his bag ‘I reckon there were a couple of thousand by the number five and six entrances’

‘And they’ve all turned up to see you’ Gordon called from across the room where he was filling up a bottle with spring water ‘Heya Harry’

‘Hi’

‘What did you come to training in a three piece suit for?’ Alicia asked Harry looking him up and down.

‘I came straight from Hogwarts’ Harry said taking off his vest ‘I didn’t have enough time to change. If I had I would’ve been late and Oliver did insist last night at United training I had to be on time tonight’

‘Well it looks quite smart the pinstripe look is very dashing’ Alicia said ‘Do you normally posh up to that extent?’

‘Usually yeah all of the male teachers at Hogwarts do, of late I’ve dispensed with the vest and jacket and just worn by robes. In winter I’ll probably leave the vest and jacket on’

Harry changed into his trousers and a plain navy muscle shirt. He then started stretching in ways that made Gordon and Larry blanch.

‘Oh don’t be a pair of pansies’ Harry said pulling one of his legs up behind him and putting the sole of his foot on the back of his head ‘Gordon you were in Gryffindor I’ve never known one to be so girly’

‘Fuck off Harry I don’t fancy intentionally knackering myself’ Gordon replied wincing again as Harry leant forward slightly.

‘Don’t be a prat Gordie Harry’s not knackering himself’ Alicia said ‘Do you think he would be doing that if he were?’

‘No not really I suppose’

‘Good’

‘A hundred Galleons says I can get you to do this by my stag night next Wednesday’ Harry said swapping legs and doing the same stretch.

‘Hundred Galleons says you can’t’ Angelina who was nearby talking to Katie said with a grin ‘They’re both too frilly knickered to try’

‘Frilly knickered? Frilly knickered?’ Larry exclaimed ‘What the hell is that supposed to mean?’

‘Lots of things’ Angelina said ‘Limp wristed, wimpy, sooky, girly, wussy...’

‘Yeah yeah I get the idea’ Larry said.

‘Just think lads if Harry does get you to do the leg thing it’ll only be fifty Galleons each’ Katie said with a grin.

Harry snorted
‘Com give it a go’ He said ‘It won’t kill you’

So for the next twenty minutes Harry got Larry and Gordon to stretch Oliver broke things up when he entered the rooms with David Alesci the England Team manager.

‘Harry, Larry I’d like to introduce you to David Alesci the England Team manager’ He said ‘Dave this is Larry Tallis and Harry Potter’

‘Lovely lovely’ David said shaking Larry then Harry’s hands enthusiastically ‘Welcome to the team lovely to have you two lads with us, we’re going to kick butt in the Four Nations Cup this year I know it’

‘Thanks for the invitation’ Larry said ‘What’s happening before training? Oliver said something about a thing in front of the media’

‘Yup we’ll have a small press conference where you’ll be presented with your team robes…a picture opportunity then you can get to training. Nothing major but every new player to the national squad needs to have their robes and tradition dictates it’s done in front of the press. Now Harry from what Oliver tells me you’re not the biggest fan of the press so we’ll keep things minimalist and quick to the point. I promise it won’t be a drawn our experience’

‘Thanks’

‘But we’re ready to go now the press are gathered in the press room…are you ready to go?’

‘Yeah lets get this over and done with’ Larry said.

‘Okay team lets go!’ David announced waving to get Angelina, Katie, Alicia and Gordon’s attention.

David led the way out of the changerooms and up the race to a spiral staircase. The team followed til David paused outside a door with a ‘MEDIA CENTRE’ sign in the centre. Harry could hear the many voices of the gathered press rumbling from inside.

‘Okay here’s the procedure’ He said ‘Team you line up behind me and Harry you and Larry join me at the lectern I’ll announce your appointments to the squad then you’ll be presented with your robes...got it?’

‘Got it’ They chorused.

‘Okay here goes’

David grasped the brass handle of the door and twisted pushing the dor with his shoulder. It swung open and the photographers gathered inside went mental the flashing from the cameras causing him and the others to squint.

Once the glare from the cameras dissipated Harry could see the entire board of the England team including Peter Symonds (Also the president of Puddlemere United) gathered on the right hand side of the lectern upon which rested two folded sets of robes. The rest of the team lined up behind them as David began the speaking.

‘Good evening ladies and gents of the press I won’t keep you long tonight because my team want to get out onto the pitch’ He said ‘As you know due to injuries suffered by our captain and Beater Gwenog Jones and our Seeker Troy Lancaster the Great Britain and Ireland Quidditch board have been forced to find replacements. As manager of the England team I am pleased to announce our two new additions Larry Tallis to fill the position of Beater and Harry Potter to fill the position of Seeker. Welcome to the squad guys’

Harry and Larry nodded as the rest of the team applauded.

‘And now I’d like to call to the stand our stand in Captain Oliver Wood to present Harry and Larry with their new robes...Ollie?’

Oliver grinned and stepped up to the lectern.

‘The national squad has had to due to overwhelming necessity choose two new players to join our midst and it it my pleasure to welcome Larry and Harry to the team’ Oliver said picking up one of the folded robes and shaking it out to reveal a white set of quidditch robes with the traditional three quarter length sleeves the St George Flag on the breast pocket and the surname ‘Tallis’ embroidered on the back with a bigger St George flag underneath it.

Larry came forward and shook Oliver’s hand to the applause of the board and the rest of the squad. Oliver helped Larry into his new set of robes and the two men posed for photos and once again the photographers went mad snapping away. Harry was forced to conjure up a pair of stylish sunglasses from this air and put them on. The applause died away then Oliver turned to Harry.

‘The next person to join the team is a bloke I’ve known for thirteen years ever since his first year at Hogwarts when he joined the Gryffindor team. He’s one of the best players I have seen on a broom and is at the moment doing his bit for Puddlemere United. To fill the position of seeker Harry Potter!’

This time the reporters joined in the applause as behind him Katie, Angelina, Alicia and Gordon let fly with several piercing whistles. Harry rolled his eyes at them as Oliver Helped him into his robes and shook his hand enthusiastically.

‘Plenty of room in the armpits then’ He said with a grin doing up the clasp at the front.

I gave Madam Malkin your and Larry’s measurements and she made up the robes’ Oliver said ‘They suit you Harry hopefully you’ll have them on for a while yet’

‘I’ll do my best to stay on the team’ Harry said with a grin ‘No ones got a chance against us in the Four Nations Cup’

‘That’s the spirit!’

Larry and Harry answered several questions from the gathered press then David ushered them back downstairs to the changerooms.

‘Okay guys and girls hit the pitch train hard we’ve not got a lot of time together and only have two training sessions together before Harry goes on his honeymoon’ He said ‘Make it count after next week we’re not going to have the opportunity to work together til a week before the game against Ireland’

‘Gawd he sounds like Oliver’ Larry said to Harry a minute later as they walked down the race.

‘Oy I heard that!’

‘Eavesdropper’ Alicia said with a giggle elbowing Oliver in the side

************************************************************************************************************************

Harry’s first training session with the England squad was much like a match. As their skills were already top notch from playing in the domestic league Oliver got them straight into playing a three on four match. Harry Angelina and Katie were on one team while Larry joined Oliver, Gordon and Alicia on the other. Harry had to play seeker and chaser and at one point almost fell off his broom when he tried to catch the snitch and the quaffle at the same time. The crowd ‘Ooooohed’ amd ‘Ahhhhed’ when Harry ended up hanging off his broom by one leg and had to be helped back on by Katie and Angelina.

‘You prat Harry go for one not the other’ Katie said hauling him up with a loud grunt and steadying him with a hand on his left shoulder.

‘If I hadn’t gone for both the snitch would’ve disappeared and it could’ve been hours before it turned up’ Harry said releasing the snitch which he had managed to hold onto.

‘And you dropped the quaffle in the meantime’ Angelina called back as she flew toward the ground where a hundred feet below lay the quaffle.

‘Sorry!’ Harry called apologetically.

‘No worries Harry’

‘Harry you alright mate?’ Oliver called from the other side of the pitch where he was hovering in front of the middle hoop.

‘Fine thanks!’

Angelina returned with the quaffle and tossed it to Harry he took off with it toward the hoops Oliver was guarding and with the artistry of a chaser with more experience in the position than he popped it though the left hand side hoop. Oliver just brushing it with the tips of his gloved hand.

‘Shit!’ He cussed,

‘Onya Harry that’s the sort of artistry you need!’ Katie exclaimed as Oliver flew to the ground to retrieve the quaffle.

‘That was a fluke’ Harry said still slightly surprised with how quickly he had scored a goal (He had missed on his previous five attempts)

‘See if you can have another fluke’ Oliver called soaring up and tossing him the quaffle ‘Make these other lazy arses work

‘Fuck you Oliver’ Came the collective reply.

************************************************************************************************************************

Harry was never happier than when he was soaring around a pitch on his room so it was with some reluctance that he flew to the centre of the pitch when Oliver called a stop to the practice at quarter to nine just as Harry caught the snitch for the twenty fourth time.

‘Well team good work’ He said ‘If we have a training session like that every time we’ll go through the Four nations Cup undefeated. I’m betting the other teams haven’t trained as well as us’

‘That’s the spirit Oliver good to hear you sounding positive for once’ Harry said with a grin

The rest of the team roared with laughter while Oliver just rolled his eyes.

‘Okay hit the showers’

‘Oy Oliver can I take five and give Ted a fly about the pitch? Harry asked at the last minute as the idea popped into his head ‘Do you nedd to call a de-breif of the session?’

‘Nah Harry go ahead’ Oliver said turning his broom toward the ground ‘Might stay and watch’

‘Thanks’

Harry pulled his broom upwards and flew his broom up to the level of seating where all his friends and family were seated. They all pressed forward to the barrier when he arrived hovering slightly.

‘Oy Ted want to come for a ride around the pitch with me matey?’ He said to Teddy who was bouncing up and down the balls of his feet.

‘Oh can I?’ He shrilled ‘Rweally truly?’

‘Uh huh come on not long though I have to hit the showers’

‘Harry be careful!’ Ginny exclaimed worriedly as Teddy climbed onto the front of Harry’s broom ‘If he falls off and gets killed Andromeda will rip you limb from limb’

‘He won’t fall off Gin’ Harry said flicking his wand so a harness materialised out of thin air and wrapped itself around Teddy securing him to the broom ‘I won’t let him see?’

‘Just be careful’

‘Ready mate?’ Harry said wrapping and arm around Teddy’s waist.

‘Yeah let’s go!’

So with Ginny leaning over the barrier watching them worriedly Harry leaned forward and his broom shot forward. Teddy let out a shrill shriek of pleasure as Harry rolled away and zoomed up the pitch while the rest of the team stood by the entrance of the race and watched.

‘Andromeda’s going to kill him’ Ginny said to no one in particular.

‘Who?’ Ron said leaning over the rail to watch the blue blur that was Harry and Teddy ‘Harry or Teddy?’

‘Both she’ll send Teddy to his room then kill Harry by slowly torturing him by stripping strips of flesh off him with red hot pincers’

‘Harry’s not going to do anything stupid in front of the press’ Charlie said jerking his head to the next box that housed the attending press as Harry and Teddy raced by ‘Take a deep breath Gin they’ll be fine’

Ten minutes later Harry and Teddy returned coming to a screaming stop right in front of Ginny. Teddy was so exhilarated he couldn’t make up his mind what colour he wanted his hair to be so it flashed a different colour every second.

‘There you go matey I better hit the showers’ Harry said to Teddy helping him off the broom and over the rail into Ginny’s arms ‘See you back at the manor eh?

‘Can we do that again soon Hawwy?’ Teddy puffed.

‘Let me talk to Oliver and see if we can do it after United training on Tuesday night’ Harry said ruffling Teddy’s fluctuating hair ‘No promises though’

‘Okay!’

Harry flew down to the pitch and walked the few feet over to his teammates.

‘I can’t believe you did a Wronski Feint with a six year old on your broom’ Katie said with a laugh as they made their way down the race.

‘It wasn’t a proper one’ Harry said ‘If I’d done a proper one Andromeda would’ve gelded me and I rather like my testicles where they are thank you very much’

Oliver, Gordon and Larry sniggered.

************************************************************************************************************************

So where are we going for your stag night Harry? Gordon asked later after they had showered and changed and was packing up.

‘Dunno my stag night is totally Ron, Seamus, Neville and Dean’s creation’ Harry said folding up his new robes ‘But I have been told we are going overseas which will require passports’

‘Gawd that sounds ominous’ Larry said.

‘It is’ Harry said dryly ‘My four best mates are secretive crafty bastards but I know they won’t cause me any bodily harm Gin threatened them with bodily harm if they did’

‘How long will be away for?’ Oliver asked slinging his bag over his shoulder.

‘Two days from beginning to end’ Harry said ‘Festivities begin nest Wednesday night and end that Friday morning Gin’s doing the same for the girls’

‘You know I don’t normally like to miss a training session unless it’s for some catastrophic injury but on this occasion I’ll drop a session to supervise your last days as a bachelor’ Oliver said with a grin ‘Who’s taking your classes while you’re away?’

‘Minerva’ Harry said ‘And John our Muggle Studies professor is taking over Drco’s transfiguration classes while he’s away on my stag night too’

‘I never ever thought I’d hear that Draco Malfoy would be going on your stag night’ Oliver said shaking his head in mild disbelief.

‘Yeah well if you’d asked me wether he was going to go on my stag night when we were both at Hogwarts I would’ve said you were touched in the head’ Harry said slinging his bag over his left shoulder and his broom over his right.

‘He is touched in the head’ Larry said with a snort.

‘Gee thanks’

‘Hey mate that was me being nice’ Larry said ‘If I hurt like Hades after this gym session we’re having tomorrow night my description of you will be a bit more colourful than that’

‘I have no doubt it will’

‘Alright you lot see you tomorrow’ Harry said ‘Sharp at four o’clock yeah?’

‘Yup see ya then Harry good job tonight’ Oliver said ‘Night’

‘See ya’