Harry Potter and the Magical Tours

Compared to the start of the new school year at Hogwarts, Harry's time in Japan had been a simple, single-minded business. Agreed - maybe not quite single-minded, although with balance as the common factor. At any rate, those four weeks had offered a quiet, comforting environment with very few people around.

Here, in contrast, people came storming at him - people in flesh and bone, people in his mind, and sometimes they were identical.

Everybody wanted to grab him, pull him somewhere quiet, and talk with him. Harry wanted to grab someone too, and a quiet place certainly would have been a prerequisite, except that everyone else was keeping him busy.

Lupin grabbed him after Transfiguration. "Harry, can we meet in my office?"

There was no tea today, not shortly before lunch. Lupin asked, "First question, Harry: is your wand under control?"

"Yes, Prof - with or without the new top, because it doesn't matter at all." Harry repeated Shigura's explanation.

Lupin looked thoughtful. "In a way, that's no surprise. We all encounter situations in which our own magic manifests itself without the help of a wand - except that it's usually in a moment of extreme emotions. Did you test it?"

"Erm - Shigura made me test it. I was locked in a cell, and had to open the lock with my mind."

At the mention of a cell, a quick cloud crossed Lupin's face, very much as Harry had expected. Then his teacher and friend tried to grin. "And no snake guarding the door ... But how did the Zen master put emotional pressure on you, Harry? I can't believe you managed just because this was a test."

"No, Prof."

Lupin waited, looking curious.

Harry felt the blood rushing into his cheeks. "Someone was waiting for me," he murmured.

Lupin looked blank for a second, then smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Harry - I didn't mean to intrude into your privacy like that. But it explains a few changes I noticed in your appearance - and of course it's exactly what to expect from Shigura."

Still shaky, Harry asked, "You know him?"

"Not personally, no, but I've heard about him."

Glancing up, Harry could see that there was neither a question nor any confusion in Lupin's face. For a few seconds, this was a relief after his embarrassment, but the next moment the effect seemed more disquieting, and then Harry couldn't hold his curiosity any longer.

"Prof, have you been to Japan?"

Lupin smiled. "Why do you think your answer was all I needed to hear?"

A sudden suspicion flared up in Harry. "You don't seem surprised, Prof."

Lupin held his stare calmly. "I sent you to Japan because I knew this training was mandatory, and I was right. I might have had speculations - and if so, I accepted any possible conflict of lesser importance, and accepted any responsibility for that."

Harry bowed, feeling certain to be understood. "No ... I don't hold you responsible."

The teacher's glance was sympathetic. "I'm sorry for the obvious conflict, Harry. I'll do what I can to help you resolve it."

"Thanks, Prof." Harry couldn't imagine any support Lupin might contribute, except perhaps sympathy. Then another question came up in his mind, and the moment seemed just right.

He said, "I'd like some help with another conflict - in my understanding of changed roles and courses."

Lupin grinned. "I remember a time when you were more blunt than today. Then, you'd have said, 'You can't even transfigure, so how come you're assigned Transfiguration teacher' - maybe not with those exact words."

Harry grinned back. "Hopefully not. Otherwise, it's correct - true, I mean."

Lupin laughed. "Overdose of Zen, eh? But I owe you an answer. So let me teill you that I'm working on something with Al - and until we have some results - "

"With Al?"

Harry's surprise at hearing this particular name from Lupin was probably to blame for his rude impoliteness; maybe it was also the first sign of being back at Hogwarts, where people cared less about privacy and feelings. Whatever - there had been something in Lupin's expression which kept idling in Harry's mind after he'd left the office and gone to the lunch table.

Recently, he'd acquired a fine eye for certain movements, and a fine ear for undertones that came with words or names, even very short ones.

* * *

Katie grabbed him before he could sit down. For a change, the quiet place wasn't immediately necessary. She said, "Harry, we have to meet - me, you, and Alicia.

This grouping told Harry at once what Katie was talking about. The three of them were the only survivors of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, now that the twins, Lee Jordan, and Angelina had left Hogwarts. Only - for Harry, Quidditch suddenly seemed so far away, so ... unimportant. Could that really be?

"Yes," he sighed, "I know."

"Your excitement's unbearable." Katie looked at him in bewilderment. "What's wrong? Does my breath smell?"

On reflex, though still an unfamiliar one, Harry replied, "Let's test it."

Katie stared at him, then took a step forward.

"Okay, okay, test passed. When, and where?"

"As soon as possible, which means tomorrow; today I'm booked up. Where? I'd say, we get our Steel Wings and find a quiet place somewhere at the lake. This weather's just too good for sitting in some sticky classroom."

"Sounds better by the minute."

With the business at hand settled, Katie examined him thoughtfully. "Well, well. Young Potter, look at him - "

"Where did you hear that?"

She grinned. "Doesn't matter ... Anyway, I don't think you'll hear that much longer." Before he could answer, Katie left.

Glancing over at the Ravenclaw table, Harry saw that Cho had been watching the short conversation. From the distance, her expression was hard to decipher. Still, in addition to the situation in general, he felt the need for a closer inspection. So after the meal, he marched over and asked, "May I sit down?"

Almyra gaped at him.

Cho smiled. "Certainly, Harry."

"The Gryffindors have to form a new Quidditch team. Katie was talking to me about it - "

"Oh, Quidditch, was it, then?"

"Yes." Harry could remember harder tests probing his temper. Calmly, he added, "She, Alicia, and I are the only ones left. How is it with your team?"

"Is that your problem?" Cho answered.

"We've lost three," came Almyra's answer, after an incredulous look at Cho.

Harry kept to his topic. "Then you aren't better off by much. Right now, I've got some trouble gathering enough interest in Quidditch to stand those endless training sessions - "

"Why not?" Cho faked astonishment. "It's all about balance, isn't it?"

There was little sense in continuing this conversation, but Harry had promised to court Cho, no matter how. He looked into her eyes. "Are you going to keep your position as Seeker?"

"Sure, and I dearly hope you will, too. We won't fight with Steel Wings, but Firebolts are fine as well - for each of us."

The hidden command was obvious. He saw it in her eyes - it hadn't been ordered by accident. He bowed, coming pretty close to the fine measure of her father. "Okay, then."

"Salut, copains."

Harry turned and looked up. Fleur stood there, smiling.

"Sorry to interrupt - 'arry, can we talk in my office?"

Fleur's grabbing and pulling him to a quiet place felt more like a rescue operation. But if Fleur had sensed it, her expression didn't show.

"We're waiting for your visit, 'arry - that is, my parents and I; though with Gabrielle, you can expect an invitation to Beauxbatons, or a visit here - she's very determined, as you know. But that's not the reason why I wanted to talk with you."

Fleur smiled - seductively, that was the only fitting term that came to Harry's mind. She said, "I'm looking for an assistant, 'arry - it's not that I don't have volunteers, but - "

"Oh. Yes, I see."

Fleur's eyes widened. "But, 'arry - you sound as if the thought is bearable only with a Veela shawl around your neck. Considering that, some time soon, I might be something like your sister-in-law ..."

Harry felt the heat in his face. "Please, Fleur - I haven't forgotten what you did for me, back when nobody would have dreamed of this new relationship. Please excuse my remark - " He bowed and changed from French to Japanese. "Shimata."

"What does that mean, 'arry?"

"I made a shameful mistake."

Fleur examined him. "That must have been a remarkable seminar. I'd like to hear more, but not now ... I will need several assistants, 'arry, so you could combine with your own plans. But I want assistants who can move, and seeing you walk ..." She smiled. "Oh-la-la."

He bowed again.

"What are your own plans for this new course - and those of Cho, of course?"

"I planned to attend your lessons anyway, Fleur. I haven't discussed it yet with Cho, so ..."

Fleur searched his face. "A dispute, 'arry?"

"Er, yes."

Assuming what appeared most natural to her, and definitely no conversation tabu, Fleur asked, "Different opinions about an - er, elementary topic?"

"No, not exactly."

Only now, Fleur seemed to remember that non-Veela, or non-French, might have different opinions. "Pardon, 'arry - it's none of my business - "

Which made Harry feel even worse. "No," he said quickly, "I mean, maybe not, but - I'm glad to talk with you about that, Fleur. You were the first - "

Disbelief appeared on her face. "Another woman??"

He nodded.

"I can't believe it, although ..." Fleur seemed to remember something. "It's not Ginny, is it?"

He grinned. "No - but I know why you're asking."

Fleur grinned back. "That's some sister you have, or will have soon." After another second, perplexion appeared in her face. "An older woman!"

He nodded again.

Fleur beamed. "Excellent, 'arry! And about a year ago, you couldn't imagine the two of us ..."

He had to smile, remembering his embarrassment then.

Fleur looked mischiveous. "Pardon my nasty curiosity, 'arry, but have you been a diligent student?"

Remembering a moonlit room, Harry replied, "Yes, I'd say so."

Fleur was delighted. "More than - er, the basic course?"

Tutor or not, Harry found it high time to stop her curiosity. He said, "I didn't have in mind discussing details, Fleur, so just to answer your question - in Japanese, soixante-neuf is called the way of Yin and Yang."

Apparently, Fleur knew the symbol. "That's nice - very poetic, indeed." Her grin returned. "And what's the term for ..."

Harry shook his head, grinning somewhat helplessly. "Fleur, you're impossible."

"I know - like any other woman, Veela or not."

"Well, then ... The journey toward the clouds and the rain."

Fleur clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Thank you, 'arry - that's definitely an enrichment of my vocabulary."

"Yes, isn't it?"

Fleur took his hands. "Don't you worry - she'll forgive you, I'm sure of it."

Unfortunately, Fleur didn't express an opinion of when this day might come, which for Harry seemed hardly an accident: maybe Fleur didn't know Cho as well as he himself, but she knew her well enough to avoid unrealistic predictions.

* * *

His Head of House grabbed him before supper. "Harry - can we talk in my office?"

"Yes, Prof."

Inside, she smiled at him. "You look changed, Harry - quite a bit, I must say."

He bowed.

McGonagall smiled more. "Your response - I know that I can't recognize all the intricacies in it, except that it makes me think we all should do it ... Anyway: Harry, have you had an opportunity to talk with our new teacher?"

"The sensei? No, not yet."

"What is that you call him?"

"Sensei - a master in combat techniques, a teacher ... It's a title of honour, allowed only for a sennin - a student, I mean."

"What makes you sure he knows combat techniques?"

"The way he walks, Prof - it's obvious."

"Hmm ..." McGonagall seemed to have received more answer than expected, or demanded. "What are your plans for this new course?"

"Prof, without being pompous, or trying not to be - it's not by coincidence that this sensei appears exactly when I'm asking myself how to continue my training, is it?"

"You're right, Harry, although more common sports are a welcome enhancement of our program, too."

"Well - my plans are to drop as many of the other courses as possible, to take the new one, and to extend it as much as I can. If necessary, I'll build it as graduate study, although I have nothing in mind other than learning."

"That fits nicely, Harry, because Mr Kenzo asked for some assistance - mentioned your name, actually. That's why I thought he may have talked with you, before."

"No, Prof, and he'd never done that."

"Yes, he's very polite - although I seem to miss the finer points here." The witch looked curious. "Why couldn't he ask you before asking me?"

"If I had said no, he would have lost much face. If I had agreed, but then you had said no, we both would have lost much face."

"And what if I had said no to him, coming to me?"

"Then it would have been you losing face, Prof."

She looked completely perplexed. "Well, I'm relieved this wasn't a situation in which only Mr Kenzo could lose face, but why would I have lost face?"

"Hogwarts has asked him to come, and he came - so far, both sides have won much face, okay?"

Suddenly, Harry realized the tone he was using with his Head of House, but right now she didn't care, simply saying, "Okay."

"Now - his request is just a consequence of his task. Refusing necessary help, I mean you saying no, would increase his face while Hogwarts would have lost some, and you, as the one to blame, would have lost incredibly much."

McGonagall looked as if this all made her dizzy. "I'm awfully glad I didn't say no."

"Pardon the question, Prof, but what did you say?"

"I said I'd ask you." She saw his expression. "It wasn't the right answer, was it?"

"It wasn't wrong, Prof."

With some impatience, McGonagall said, "Please, Harry, I'm not too old to learn, and not too proud to learn from a student, especially you with your freshly gained skill. So what should I have said?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Your first answer should have expressed your own opinion, Prof. You said, 'I'll ask him,' which means you didn't answer the part of the question which demanded your own vote. That was insulting, but probably within the scope of what a Japanese expects from us gaijin - er, barbarians."

The witch sighed. "And what else?"

"Assuming your own answer was positive, you should have said you would do what you could to obtain a positive answer from me - meaning you not only accept his request, you also support it."

"But wasn't it quite obvious you'd agree?"

"Certainly, but it doesn't matter."

"So I've lost some face, because I'm a stupid - what's the term? Yes - gaijin ... Well, so be it." McGonagall's smile looked almost like a grin. "And besides, there's a famous example in literature - I never fully understood it before, but now I can imagine."

Harry looked at his Head of House with bafflement. "An example, Prof?"

"Yes, Harry." It was definitely no longer a decent smile. "The cat of which only the grin was left - no face and no body, just the grin." McGonagall laughed, saw Harry's face, and sobered up. "Alice in Wonderland, you know?"

"No," replied Harry, "but my sensei in Japan quoted her, too."

This sent McGonagall almost into another fit.

Taking the opportunity, Harry asked, "Prof, what can I drop in place of those exercises?"

The subject was good to let her regain self-control. "Your optional courses, Harry."

"What about History?"

McGonagall showed some amusement. "No, Harry ... By the way, it won't be History any longer, since that was finished last year. Instead, it's Social Ethics, and" - another short grin - "at least according to the topic, it's definitely within the scope you should cover."

"Anything else? Care of Magical Creatures?"

McGonagall thought for a moment. "An hour ago, I'd have said no, Harry. But your explanation has rattled me a bit - about the face, I mean." For an instant, her lips twisted again. "I might know a solution - if we say, you take care of a magical creature all the time, and if you agree to assist every now and then - that is, you and Nagini, we can justify this exception."

"I really hope Professor Grubbly-Plank won't be insulted - a pity I have to drop her, but I'll need all the time I can get."

McGonagall beamed. "From your description I know that I should ask her first. But don't worry - for her, you and Nagini can do no wrong."

* * *

Almyra grabbed him after supper, before Harry had a chance to reach the Ravenclaw table, which had been his intention. She asked, "Harry - can we take a walk?" and looked quite determined.

"A pleasure, Al."

They headed for the place with the two graves, that of Hagrid and that of Flitwick. In contrast to the lake, which attracted many students, here it was quiet and private. For Almyra the Voodoo witch, sitting close to a grave was nothing unusual. For Harry, sitting close to what was left of Hagrid felt comforting.

They sat down, side by side - quite convenient for looking somewhere else when talking about complicated matters. Harry automatically assumed in the lotus position, after stripping shoes and socks.

Almyra watched him. "Have you turned Japanese, Harry?"

"No - it's just very convenient, once you're used to it."

"Talking about convenience ..." Almyra paused, waited a moment for the expected reply, which didn't come, then said, "I don't know how to begin ..."

"Oh, sorry, Al - I recently stopped remarks like Go ahead, because waiting silently means just the same, without expressing a command."

"Great. Now, can we put aside Japan for a while?"

Suppressing a chuckle, Harry said, "Probably not, if my assumption's right, but go ahead."

"Harry, do we feel like brother and sister?"

"Absolutely. You're a different type of sister to me than Ginny, but - yes."

"I love you, Harry - in a spiritual sense."

"And I love you, Al - in the same sense."

"I also love Cho."

Rather than making the obvious reply, Harry asked, "In which sense?"

Almyra's voice was angry. "I'm not lesbian, if that's your question."

"No, it wasn't - I know you're not."

Almyra's head jerked around. She swallowed. Before the moment could develop more embarrassment, Harry added, "I know Cho isn't - my question was serious."

"I don't know - maybe in the same sense, except she doesn't feel like a sister to me ... Anyway, all I'm trying to say is, you two are equally important to me, although Cho can - er, claim seniority. Okay?"

"I never thought you'd take party against me, Al."

Almyra made a snarling sound. "Okay's just fine, Harry - keep it simple for once."

He bowed. "Okay."

"What happened between you and Cho?"

He had seen the question coming for the last quarter of an hour. His answer was given immediately. "Our problem is that something happened, but not between the two of us."

"Oh."

"Exactly."

Almyra glanced in his direction. "Something ... serious?"

"If you mean, do I love someone else, or did I stop loving Cho? No to both cases. I met a woman who taught me how to - walk toward the clouds and the rain with a woman, and she did so quite thoroughly ... Her name's Tamiko."

Almyra sounded a bit breathless. "Harry - when I said keep it straightforward, I didn't mean you should dump it. A piece a time's just fine for me."

"Sorry, Al - I've only had time to formulate it since we left the hall."

"Sometimes you're a bit scary, Harry."

"For you? Please don't think that way - but I know what you mean, I've had trouble enough mastering the changes by myself." Next moment, hearing the sound Almyra made, it was his turn to stare at her in astonishment. "What's this? I thought you never giggled, Al?"

She did it again. "Usually not, but at the moment ..."

Looking down at the grass, he said, "I'm not trying to drop the subject, not at all, but maybe it's simpler for both of us when switching from an interview to an exchange."

At the corner of his vision, he could see Almyra's head come around, staring at him again, apparently more than startled.

He added, "Recently, I got used to some conversations, with - sisters, I wouldn't have dreamed of six weeks ago."

Almyra regained her balance, grinned, and blushed, then found her own grass to watch while talking and exhaled deeply. "All right, Harry ... This summer, I lost my virginity."

"And that's the reason why you started giggling? That's strange, Al."

Of course, she did it again. "No - the giggling's only temporary ... His name doesn't matter, it was in Jamaica, and his only function was to perform the task - as far as I was concerned."

It answered one of Harry's question. "I know what you mean. To be ... prepared, not to be clumsy."

"Yeah, that's exactly what I had in mind."

"With Lupin."

Almyra twisted, gasping. "Harry - stop scaring me like that! Please tell me you can't read minds."

The next giggle was his own. "No, not at all ... In Japan, there was another woman, Shihiko ... for a while, I thought she could, but now I've got a better understanding how - "

"How do you know??"

"Over there, I learned to interpret the slightest intonation, and choice of words, in a conversation - and at the same time, I learned - er, what Tamiko taught me. And today, I had a conversation with Lupin."

Almyra stared at him, disbelieving, anxious, expectant. "What did he say?"

"I asked him about Transfiguration, and his - er, missing qualification. All he said was, he's working with you on some project, and I should wait till there are results."

"And from that ... from one ..."

Almost apologetically, Harry said, "Al - it's simpler than it sounds. Actually, it's similar to how Cho found out about the Goblins. When he mentioned that project, he said, 'with Al,' and, 'until we have some results' - and how he spoke your name, and this we ... And I was so surprised, I asked, 'With Al?' It wasn't polite - only, when I saw his face ... By accident, I had moved the shadow. Well, and then, of course, your reaction a minute ago."

Almyra nodded, didn't object to his usage of Japanese terminology, seemed to understand anyway, and seemed to have listened to more important meanings. Her face began to shine.

With his embarrassing confession made, Harry felt easier, and the thought filled his mind with joy. "That's - super, Al ... you and Lupin ..."

The words blurted out of her. "We're not that far yet. Until now, it's just - we haven't talked about it yet, but when working together ... He's a teacher, and I'm a student, and for him, this barrier could never ... But I could feel it, and I did what I could from my side, but you know how it is ... And this is my last year at Hogwarts - as a student, at least, so - "

"So you hope, with a little bending of the rules, it won't take still a year?"

Almyra nodded. "That's why ... I was sure, knowing I'm still a virgin, he'd never ..." She giggled again, then stopped. "You're right, Harry - but now it's out, so I think this has been the last giggle for a while."

"Which means Cho doesn't know yet."

"Well, she might suspect my feelings, but Cho can be very tactful ... But the newest - er, developments I've not yet shared with her, because I know she's still - " Almyra stopped, blushed. "Damn, Harry, there are traps all around in this conversation!"

"Oh yes, there are." To soothe her deep embarrassment, he said, "Which brings us back to my own case."

Almyra looked grateful. "Yes. Half an hour ago, I only wanted to find out how I can level out things between you and Cho, and now ..."

"It wasn't really news to me - with Cho, I mean. So you haven't let slip a deep secret - "

"You're too damn clever, do you know that? How ..."

He giggled. "To swap one slip for another, and since most of this conversation will never leave this nonexistent room ..."

Almyra nodded vigorously.

"... I'll tell you how: at the morning of the Hogwarts battle, Cho and I had a watch shift at the Giants, and Lleyrin told us all we could do was to get some sleep in a barn - lots of hay and straw."

Almyra listened very attentively.

"Well, there was nothing, of course, except for some remark. Only when I came awake, I saw her looking at me, and she said something about keeping me at a straw blade's distance ... I mean, even then, I knew what she was talking about ..."

Just in time, Almyra shifted from a giggle to a chuckle.

"... but it's only now that I can decipher her motivation ... Well, and then, a few days ago, when she heard about ... It was in her parents' limousine, on the way to the Chang house, she said something else." He glanced at her. "You see, it's simple, in a way."

"In a way, yes ... with some special training."

They both chuckled. Then Almyra asked, "And now, Harry?"

"We agreed that I'll court her, that I have to, er, conquer her - I mean in this particular sense. We love each other as before, and somehow, that doesn't make anything simpler, quite the opposite."

"And this courting ..." Almara's voice sounded as if she was carefully inching forward. "You're allowed to kiss her - is this any indicator for the level you've reached?"

"No, unfortunately not. It's - I told her I never kissed Tamiko that way, so kissing isn't compromised - and of course, everybody in the school expects us to do so ... And it's a kind of safety-valve."

Almyra grinned. "Then maybe not doing it might speed up things."

"Maybe. Only - of course I've compromised her, and my lessons in Japan dealt with more than ... It was a lot about honour, and face, and acceptance - it's no question, I won't blackmail her."

Almyra nodded. "Only joking - at your account. Do other people know?"

"Sure. It's not something you can hide from people who know you well, and I've stopped playing hide and seek, or trying to. Ginny was the first - then Hermione. Fleur ... Even Ma Weasley noticed immediately."

"What did they say?"

"Basically, all the same - she'll make me pay a bit, and then she'll appreciate it."

Almyra smiled. "Basically, that's my guess too."

* * *

Next morning, Hermione announced that she was going to do a graduate study - about Potions, with the Wolfsbane potion as her obvious choice.

Harry asked, "What's your goal?"

"To make it last - to make it a real cure."

"No, that's your planned result. What's your own goal?"

Ron looked flabbergasted. "Cool, Harry. You maek it sound as if Zen could even be used for organization."

"If it's Management by Chaos, certainly."

Hermione said, "Yes, our Harry has learned something."

"Will you answer the question, or are you trying to come through with a bit of flattery?"

She smiled archly. "Harry, you still have to learn that compliments aren't just a one-way street from men to women."

Ron showed the familiar signs of uneasiness, raising in Harry the suspicion that Hermione wanted to tease Ron as much as try to avoid the answer to his question. He said, "So you won't ... Is it more than just challenging Al?"

"I'm not challenging Al."

Harry smiled inwardly at the double meaning nobody except him could see. Aloud, he said, "Your project has nothing to do with hers, and her topic?"

Hermione seemed to register how little credit her explanations earned. "True, it was her project that made me aware of graduate studies, yes, but aside from that, its really coincidence. I think I'll run for a Potions job at Hogwarts - maybe not immediately, at least, I want to make a name for myself."

She looked challenging at Harry. "I wouldn't mind being famous."

He nodded. "Sounds reasonable ... I wish you luck, in more than one sense."

Hermione seemed a bit surprised.

It wasn't really complicated to extract the truth from Hermione, as Harry just had realized. All you had to do was present the truth as more profitable than some cock-and-bull story, then she would deliver, and would use it immediately as a bastion against any attack.

He would remember this, for conversations with Hermione as much as a pattern against which other people could be checked.

* * *

Before lunch, Harry found the opportunity to talk with Ichiro Kenzo. Calling him Professor felt flat-out wrong, while calling him sensei wasn't allowed yet. He met Kenzo outside his office and bowed deeply.

The teacher bowed back.

"My name is Harry Potter. I ask for the privilege to be a student in your lessons, master."

Another bow. "I am honoured with your determination. I will be your sensei here in Hogwarts."

Bowing. "Hai, sensei."

In Kenzo's office, Harry explained that he would be a student in the full sense that aikido demanded, including assistant services as something the sensei could ask for any time. He informed Kenzo that he had dropped three other courses in favour of this one, and of dancing.

Kenzo smiled. "Very good, Ha-ri. I'm still a student myself in the mystery of Zen, so together we might exchange letters with the master in Japan."

"Hai ... This exchange will be limited, due to the long time the letters will be under way."

"No - we'll use the new service."

That new service, Kenzo explained, used portkey links to send letters, with mail agents at every station. It was totally new to Harry.

Then Kenzo explained that the training hall would be ready the day after tomorrow, that he would give an inaugoral presentation, and hoped Harry would assist him.

Harry bowed again. "My skill is limited, sensei. What I can offer is at your command."

Kenzo grinned, showing that Shigura wasn't the only aikido sensei who could talk western-style. "I spoke with your Head of House, Ha-ri, and heard about your conversation. We're in England here, so we can talk like normal gaijin - but it's comfortable to hear about unworthy services every now and then."

Thinking about the proceedings ahead, Harry asked, "Sensei - will we have Japanese recreation features here? Hot water, cold water, steam room?"

"It would be helpful, Ha-ri, and comfortable as well. I have not yet addressed the issue with the Headmaster."

The message was clear. "With your permission, sensei, I will explain to Professor Dumbledore why such rooms are more than a demand from personal preferences."

Kenzo bowed back. "Your word has weight with the Headmaster, Ha-ri."

* * *

Alicia told him their meeting would be a little later this evening. Harry used the opportunity for another visit at the Ravenclaw table. "Hi." He looked at Cho. "Are you in the mood for a walk? Only I have to stay close to the building - Katie and Alicia will fetch me in a while."

"Such a privilege, to be granted a spot in your tight schedule with women."

Aside from that, Cho was in the mood.

Almyra was about to leave. For a change, Harry saw somebody grab someone other than himself - Cho had caught Almyra's arm. "Oh no - you come with us."

Harry looked questiongly at Almyra, and saw her bite her lips.

They reached a place distant enough from other students, close enough to be found by the two remaining Gryffindor Chasers. Cho looked at Almyra, then at Harry. "You two have talked."

"Yes, ma'm."

Cho flared, "Not that way!"

Harry bowed. "Yes, queen of my heart, dragon of my castle."

For a moment of dangerous unbalance, Harry watched Cho's hands, which might turn to fists, and saw Almyra's widening eyes at the border of his vision. Then Cho smiled.

"Green dragon, if you please ... What did you tell her?"

"What happened."

"What, exactly?"

"Basically what I told you - a bit less, maybe, and what we agreed afterwards ... Certainly not a detailed report."

"Hmm ... What did she tell you?"

Time to parry, and to cut. No time to hesitate. "That she loves both of us equally much, and that your rights are the older ones."

Cho's expression softened. She glanced at Al, smiling, then turned to Harry, smiling wryly. "Yeah ... When I said you'd court me, of course I had in mind making you dance like a puppet on a string. I wasn't aware ... It's no longer as easy as some time ago ... To be honest, I think it's impossible - which is fine as well, saves me from ..."

The hope in Almyra's eyes was stronger than in Harry's.

"... anyway, I'll reconsider my strategy." Cho turned back to Almyra. "This evening, the two of us will talk."

Almyra seemed relieved, and a bit scared.

Harry said, "Cho - to make sure you're fully informed, and you don't think I'm hiding anything - a few others know as well. It was inevitable."

"Who?"

"Ginny, Hermione, Fleur - even Ma Weasley found out immediately."

"Argh ..." The flare was back. "Are you trying to blackmail me?"

"Not at all. I'm not going around telling lies to anybody - and women have eyes to look."

"Eyes, huh? Among a few other parts."

Harry stared at Cho - her face, her body. "Yes, among a few other parts."

It seemed to speed up her answer, which came slightly out of breath. "Okay, so we have, er, spectators. Well, I take it back what I said about blackmailing. And - "

She stopped, because there where two figures appearing whose names hadn't been heard in the list of spectators.

"Hello, everybody." Katie looked at her teammate. "Are you spying or betraying, Harry?"

Cho answered for him. "We were speaking about roles in general. Seekers are sometimes a bit single-minded, even naive ..."

"Oh, really? I'd never have guessed - "

"... especially with Chasers ..."

"Ahh - that's how the wind blows."

"... who might watch out for Beaters."

Katie grinned. "You're a true multi-talent, Cho - all this, and Keeper, too ..."

Harry rose from his lotus position very fast. "If it's the heat you're suffering from, Katie, the cool air will help ... Let's get our Steel Wings." He turned, bent down for a goodbye kiss, and heard Cho's whisper: "Thanks."

* * *

The three Gryffindors enjoyed the cool breeze high in the air, flying a moment longer than required to find a nice place opposite the lake. The trees had accumulated the heat of the day, were still emitting more warmth than agreeable, so they sat down close to the water.

Katie opened the discussion. "We need a Chaser, two Beaters, and a Keeper ... Any suggestions?"

"We need four players," said Harry, "but not necessarily these four positions."

Alicia stared at him. "What do you mean?"

"I could imagine myself in a position other than Seeker."

Katie grinned. "You've found - "

He interrupted her. "I'm talking about Quidditch, because that's why I'm here - and I was thinking of Ron, who'd join us on the spot ... The two of us could be the Beaters - provided we find an adequate Seeker."

Alicia looked incredulous. "You - a Beater?"

Katie turned to her. "If you ever opened your eyes, Ali, you wouldn't ask that."

Harry cut in. "I've trained with bokken for weeks - they're like quarterstaffs for humans, not too different from a club ... Ron and I aren't replacement for the twins, but still, I'm sure we'd score better than anyone else."

Katie seemed finally able to concentrate on Quidditch. "And where to find a Seeker?"

"Well - we have to look in the younger classes anyway, because if we choose only older students, a year or two from now the Gryffindor team would fade from seven to nothing ... Now, assume there's another boy with that gift ..."

Alicia said, "Harry - you were the youngest seeker in hundred years."

"Yeah, okay, but you know, I never felt special, I mean not for that reason. More than once, I thought it was just by luck, because Draco provoked me, and just by accident McGonagall saw it. If we're ready to believe there's a natural in the first year, all we have to do is check if it's true."

"But how?"

"I'll ask Viktor for permission to attend their first lesson - guest of honour, something like that. I'll watch them, and then, with Viktor, if there's someone promising, we'll have a test. Viktor is neutral, officially, but ..."

Katie said, "He was a Seeker himself, and it was the Gryffindor house where he struck, um ..."

Harry stared at her. "Gold!"

She grinned mischieveously. "I take your word, Harry - although I still wonder if you're as well informed as - "

"I've got a postcard from Bulgaria, Katie - and can we now talk about Quidditch, please?"

She looked impressed, gave a rueful smile. "Yes, okay ... I promise."

"Then - any idea who might replace Angelina?"

Alicia sighed. "No, none whatsoever. She's a real loss."

"Yes ... You three were the Chasers of Hogwarts."

Alicia beamed, then looked sorrowful again.

Harry said, "I think it should be another girl."

"That's what we thought, too, but just out of habit. What's your reason?"

"Well - if it's not a girl - how should that poor boy concentrate on a Quaffle, with you two flying around."

Alicia looked flattered. "Didn't you say we should talk about Quidditch?"

"Yes - and that's exactly what I'm doing. Isn't it true what I said?"

Katie answered. "Obviously, you shouldn't ask us. But we take your word for that, Harry - actually, more than ever."

"Well, then ... All that crosses my mind is Ginny, although I don't know whether she's interested ... Wouldn't it be funny - two Weasleys for two Weasleys?"

"Wouldn't it be nepotism?"

Harry shrugged. "We could have tryouts. With Ron, there's little doubt he'll qualify, but with Ginny, to me it seems the bigger question is her own opinion. If she's interested, I'd put money on her in a test - quick reaction, not frightened of the big guys on the other teams - "

Katie grinned. "No, she isn't, is she?" Seeing Harry's look, she added, "I'm talking purely Quidditch, Harry."

Maybe so, if not for her grin. "Other candidates?" asked Harry.

A few names, none of them listed full-heartedly, however good enough for tryouts."

"Then what about our new Keeper?"

Nobody had anything close to a suggestion, regarding names, that was. Katie had a suggestion - big and broad-shouldered ... She assured them that yes, she was talking about Quidditch, and then was opposed by Harry who argued that quick reflexes and a calm hand were more qualifying, and agreed with him, at least for the calm hand, while the quick reflexes might be a bit ...

She was again admonished to keep to the subject of their meeting.

In the end, they agreed to ask Viktor for suggestions and, failing that, either Dean Thomas or Seamus Finnigan. Harry would ask Ron and Ginny, and the task of finding a promising Seeker would be crucial in the process of forming a new Gryffindor Quidditch team.

The last question was about the new captain. Katie and Alicia weren't interested in the job and asked Harry to do it.

He said, "Only as a last resort ... But I think I know the perfect captain - Ron. He's awfully good with administration, and ordering people around."

The girls agreed immediately, expressing surprise at not having seen the obvious. This done, Alicia glanced toward the water. "We were stupid."

"Why?"

"I could do with a swim - I feel sticky all over ... Only we didn't think of swimsuits."

Swimming - that would feel great at the end of a long, hot day, now that dusk had fallen. Refreshing, and a bit creepy in the dark water.

Katie asked, "Do we need them?"

Alicia looked at Harry, looked away, said hesitantly, "We could use the - um, underwear."

Harry stood up. "In Japan, people consider it normal to be naked in water." He started to undress.

Alicia quickly looked away. Katie did, too, but slowly.

Stripped naked, Harry said, "What are you waiting for?" reached the waterline, and jumped in.

It was wonderful. He crawled a moment then turned, pausing on his back. The two girls were still busy undressing. He turned again, inhaled deeply, and dived down.

Dark water, cold - an eerie sensation, although not dangerous, not insidious at all, with the merpeople somewhere down there. A Grindylow was the only risk, but Harry kept at fair distance from the bottom ... Unable to see, to feel anything other than cool liquid passing his body, he knew - his sense of orientation was strong and genuine ... Was this haragei?

With surprise and pleasure, he also realized that his timespan of diving had increased significantly. He could control the first signs from his protesting lungs, knew there was still oxygen left, and blew some air to reduce the pressure.

He came up, panting. Treading water, he balanced his breath, inhaled again, and dived down. And again. And again.

His last dive brought him back toward the lakeside. He could feel the vibrations from the two girls paddling somewhere close, heard noises of splashing, and laughter.

He broke through the surface, yards from Katie and Alicia. There was a gasp and a squeak.

"It's me - calm down."

He reached dry ground, stepped out, and walked to his clothes, none of which seemed suited as a towel, or if so, would be wet and chilly afterwards.

He walked a few steps farther under a tree, feeling still some warmth under the leaves. He sat down taking the lotus position.

With a few breaths, he had reached calmness. In his view, two girls were splashing through the water. In his mind, scenes at the lake passed through - Flitwick, who had been not too far away in the patrol exam, then, somewhere down in the depths, four dragon skeletons might be found, or maybe not even that ... Two years ago, he had found four people down there, among them Gabrielle, establishing the basis of a precious and important friendship. Also among them Cho.

Something called his mind back. A figure - standing in front of him, naked, water gleaming on a body whose details were mostly hidden in the shadow, with its outline illuminated by the low moon.

Fully awake, he said, "Hello, Katie."

"Are you waiting for something, Harry?"

"I was meditating a bit, and waiting for my skin to dry ... You have a fine body, as far as I can see."

"Want to see more?" She turned a bit.

"It's all very nice." He saw the moonlight on her nipples, which had reacted to the cold water.

"Then why don't you step out of the shadow?"

He looked at her. "What's this, a contest?"

"No - it sounded more like an invitation, didn't it? ... Maybe" - she turned, looking in Alicia's direction, then turned back - "with an enhancement, to let nobody stay in the cold."

"Katie - if you stay a moment longer there, you'll certainly trigger a natural reaction - but that's all, and it won't be an invitation. Please sit down and dry off."

She sighed, sat down to his side, just out of reach, but then, the zone of warmth from the tree wasn't that big. "Well," she said, "it could have been ... I wasn't sure; on the other hand, I didn't want to miss an opportunity."

Harry smiled. "It's okay ... It wasn't a matter of quality, only I couldn't warm up to the idea."

Katie giggled. "If I weren't the wrong person - this problem I could have solved."

"No doubt about that."

Alicia had reached the bank and was lingering there, not knowing what to do, or what to think.

"Ali," called Katie, "come up here and dry off, under the tree it's warmer. And stop worrying - or hoping. He's completely resistant, because of some Chinese spell."