Extracurricular activities - year 6

When they got back to the school, Professor McGonagall noticed Ron, Hermione and Cho setting in the corner down the hall, obviously waiting for him to get back.

Harry walked down to them trying to look like he was disappointed. Thinking about not playing for Gryffindor did make him feel that way so he concentrated on that. Ron saw him first and they all jumped up. "So, how'd it go?" He could see the anxious looks on both Cho and Hermione's faces.

"It went pretty good. I didn't do anything stupid," Harry answered still trying to hide his emotions.

"Well you did your best. We're proud of you Harry." Hermione hugged him, having assumed he didn't get picked.

"You can still play here. That still gives me a chance to beat you," Cho said and gave him a hug also. This was the first time she ever hugged him.

Ron just looked at him for a minute and then exclaimed. "Wait a minute, you got picked! You bloody well did it!"

Harry just smiled and then nodded his head. Both Hermione and Cho hit him and said, "You prat!"

He told them about flying against Marcus Yuergen.

"He's an amazing seeker, carried Wales for a few years. Decided to retire while he was still healthy," Ron explained.

"So, did you tell them yes already?" Hermione asked, still acting very excited for her friend.

"I have until Saturday to tell them. McGonagall is looking over the contract."

"Oh man, you're playing for France and getting paid!" Ron moaned.

"Don't tell anyone yet, I want to keep it quiet," Harry pleaded. "Can I at least help you pick the new players for the house team?"

They spent all afternoon talking about Quidditch. Hermione was kind of left out since Harry, Ron and Cho were all on the school teams and she didn't care about the sport much. But she stayed right with them pretending to be interested.

On Sunday, Ron, Hermione and Harry decided to visit Hagrid. They didn't tell Hagrid about the French team because they knew he'd leak the news. The students wanted to know about the giants. "Should be 'ere in a few weeks. Thing are getting strange in their area. You-Know-Who's been stirring up trouble."

"Can we meet them when they get here?" Hermione pleaded.

"Not officially but maybe we can arrange something unofficially," Hagrid replied.

"Hagrid. She's a prefect; you can't say things like that around her. Wait until Harry and I are alone." Ron joked drawing another evil look from Hermione.

"Ron. It would be a learning experience to meet them. I can take off the badge for one night," Hermione huffed.

Saying goodbye, Harry added, "We may have some news for you by next week. That's all I'm saying," and they left.

They were walking back to the castle talking about giants when Fleur came bursting out of the castle, nearly knocking Cho and her friends off the steps. She was yelling, "'Arry! 'Arry! Is it true? For my team?"

How did she know? Harry madly started motioning her to be quiet. When she finally got to him, she hugged him tightly and said, "You're going to be seeker for the French National Team. I'm so proud of you. After seeing you with that dragon, I know you'll be great."

"How did you know? I haven't even told them officially yet. I just had the tryout yesterday." Harry said trying to make sure no one was around to hear.

"Well of course my family has connections 'Arry! Soon as my father found out, he got a message to me. Can't wait until we play England. Oh, Gabrielle is going to be so happy for you." She hugged Harry again which made him blush. Ron was fighting to hold back a laugh.

Just then Cho walked over not looking happy. "Hey Harry, did you forget about me waiting for you?" She gave a quick glance at Fleur.

"Ah 'Arry, I won't talk about it anymore now," Fleur said, not knowing Cho already knew.

"Cho knew yesterday Fleur," Harry quickly said, "she was waiting for me to come back from the tryouts." Fleur seemed surprised but Cho perked up at hearing Harry state this.

"Well good, she should be very proud. It is an amazing honor to play on a national team. I just can't believe it." Fleur headed back to the castle.

"Sorry Cho, I didn't tell her. Ask them, they were here," Harry said trying to make sure Cho wasn't mad at him.

"He's telling the truth, but we're leaving," Hermione added while pulling Ron away. Ron kept straining, hoping to hear Harry get yelled at.

"I believe you Harry. She's just so 'touchy', and she's a teacher," Cho said angrily.

"She's part Veela too," Harry added.

"You know she's kissed you way more than I have," Cho almost spat out.

Harry stopped and stared at Cho. "You've never kissed me Cho. Unless I was asleep and didn't know about it."

"Then you'll never know Harry. But I can't have her that far ahead," she said and kissed him on the cheek.

"If you're going to keep trying to catch her, maybe I should call her back over so you have a lot more work to do?" Cho hit him at this comment. However, Harry caught her smiling as she turned her head.

That afternoon Ron put up a sign in the Gryffindor common room about needing three players for the house team. Ginny came over to them and asked, "Why do we need three? Only the twins are gone?"

"Ginny, come closer, I want to ask you something," Ginny leaned in. "How would you like to play seeker this year?" Harry whispered.

"C'mon Harry, what do you really want to say? You're our seeker," the redhead said, clearly not believing Harry.

"I'm not playing this year. I can't. We think you should be the seeker."

The girl looked between Ron and Harry. "What do you mean you're not playing this year? You have to. Is something wrong?"

"He's playing this year, just not for Gryffindor," Ron said with a knowing smile.

Harry told her about playing for the French National Team. She didn't believe him at first but he promised he wasn't lying and she finally believed him. She was really happy for him but also a bit sad that he wouldn't be playing with them. "Who's going to catch me when I fall?" she asked.

"If I'm there watching, I'll still catch you," Harry said and hugged her shoulder.

Dean and Seamus had seen the notice and came over. "Ok, why do we need three players? We've already got you three?"

"I can't play this year. There's a special condition that's going to keep me from playing. I'm really sorry," Harry replied. Once again it took a while before anyone believed him.

"You're not playing? But you've never missed the snitch. We wanted to win one more time before our final year," Dean moaned.

"If Ginny plays seeker, you'll never know I was gone. She's at least as good as I am," Harry said and Ginny blushed.

They all tried to get the details of why Harry wasn't playing but he and his friends did really good about not revealing the true reason. Some of the Gryffindors were actually mad at him. He knew that if they could get another good chaser that Ginny would do an excellent job as seeker.

Harry saw Professor McGonagall early the next morning and when she assured him the contract was fine, he signed it and sent it back. Now it was official. He was playing professional Quidditch for France. He decided to write a note for Sirius:

Sirius

Hope you are doing well. I'm glad to be back at school with my friends. Viktor Krum arranged for me to have a tryout for the French National Quidditch team last weekend. Professor McGonagall came with me. It was pretty hard but the coach seemed nice. It looks like I'm going to be playing for them this year. I'll have to quit the Gryffindor team but I'm really excited about this.

Any news out there? It's been quiet here.

Harry

P.S. Ginny's going to be the new seeker, she's really good.

He also decided to write a note thanking Viktor.

Viktor

Thanks for getting me the tryout for the French team. I can't believe you did that. Somehow I was able to make the team and am looking forward to playing. I really appreciate you arranging this, it really surprised me. I really owe you one. If you can think of anything I can do for you, just ask.

I hope you are doing well

Harry Potter

He ran up to the owlery and gave Sirius' note to Hedwig and Viktor's note to a school owl.

The word spread quickly about Harry not playing Quidditch for Gryffindor any more. At breakfast, Draco Malfoy came walking by and asked, "Is it true Potter? Did you really quit the team?"

"Yep Malfoy it's true. I didn't think I could handle you any more and had to turn it over to someone better than me. Ginny's the new seeker."

"Her. She can't even stay on her broom," Malfoy sneered and then realized he shouldn't have said that. Ron and Harry were up with Hermione not far behind.

Malfoy walked away quickly. The Gryffindor students headed off to Potions. Harry didn't want to be early so Fleur wouldn't get a chance to talk to him alone. He was afraid she'd say something too loudly about the French team. Most of the Ravenclaws were already in the room when the trio got there. The professor was going over various antidotes to poisons. Fleur did do one thing the same as Snape, she made the students try their antidotes out on each other. Harry was glad to be working with Ron and Hermione instead of Neville or a few of the others. Class went well and Fleur let everyone out early, but called Harry over, "'Arrry. May I speak with you for a minute please?" The Ravenclaw girls gave him a dirty look on their way out. Harry went up to Fleur's desk.

"'Arry. I have a surprise for you. This is still a secret but I wanted to share it with you. We are arranging two balls this year. One 'ere at 'ogwarts and one at Beauxbatons. Students from each school will go to both. Don't you think that's a splendid idea?" Fleur couldn't contain her excitement.

Harry didn't share her excitement at this news. He had a good time at the Halloween ball last year but still worried about his dancing. "All the students will go to both balls?" Harry asked not sounding too excited.

"Only fifth years and up 'Arry. You don't seem too excited."

"I'm not a very good dancer so they make me uncomfortable," Harry said feeling a bit embarrassed.

Fleur's eyes got big and she said, "I can teach you! You'll make quite an impression at Beauxbatons if you speak French and can dance. It would only take a few lessons. How about starting after classes today? It'll be fun. I love to dance and don't get to do it much being here."

Harry would like to dance better and spending time with Fleur was always enjoyable. The thought of Ron finding out didn't make him feel good. He left and went to catch up with Ron and Hermione but saw them sitting talking together so he didn't want to interrupt them. He knew they didn't mind him around but he also felt they liked their time together without him around. He walked on out to talk to Hagrid who was sitting on his steps. "Hi Hagrid am I bothering you?"

"Never botherin' me Harry. What're you doin' alone? Not on the outs with the other two are ya?"

"No, everything's fine. I think they could use some alone time."

"Reckon they might at that. Think that'll be a problem for ya?"

"No. I've been expecting it ever since they got together. I'm happy for them. Any news on when your friends will be here?"

"Not sure Harry. I can't wait though. It'll be good to see them again. I think you'll really like them."

After a while, Harry saw Cho and her friend walking toward the castle from the greenhouses and hurried over to them. "Hi ladies can I walk up with you?" he greeted the group.

They all smiled and said sure, making small talk. When they got to where they would be going in different directions Harry said, "Cho, can I talk to you for just a second?"

She stopped and he nervously said, "Cho, I want to tell you that I'm planning on doing something and it's kind of for you so don't be mad." She looked really confused but he went on, "I'm going to get some dancing lessons just in case you know there's a ball and you actually go with me."

She smiled and said, "Just in case huh? You must know something. And you seem confident I'll be going with you," she hesitated and then added, "Wait a minute, who's teaching these lessons?"

"Um... well Fleur volunteered to teach me. I'm doing it to not embarrass you though," Harry said trying to make Cho see the up side of the arrangement.

Cho eyed him and said, "I can't say I'm really happy about that, but it would be nice if you knew how to dance well. The thought of her touching you so much doesn't make me happy, but I'll try to deal with it. Thanks for telling me upfront instead of trying to sneak around. You would have been in real trouble if I found out from someone else."

Now he was glad he told her. He had thought about just trying to keep it a secret but had learned his lessons over the years. Thinking about his conversation with Cho got him confused. Were they a couple? They had never been on a date or anything and yet Cho had kissed him on the cheek. It felt like they were a couple when they were together.

He went on and met up with Ron and Hermione outside of Defense class. "Where have you been? We expected you to come find us," Ron said.

"I saw you and you looked like you were enjoying your time alone so I went to talk with Hagrid. You deserve to spend more time without me hanging around."

Hermione blushed a bit and said, "You're welcome around us any time. You know that."

"Yeah, but if you really want to go do things without the prefect finding out, now you have a good excuse," Ron added and was quickly hit by Hermione.

Class was fun for Harry because he got to see how everyone else handled the pain spells. Toward the end, Hermione had been able to make good progress at reducing the pain. This made Ron feel bad. "Great, before long you'll both be able to hex me and I won't be able to do anything about it.

After classes, he told Ron and Hermione that he needed to talk to McGonagall about something. This was a lie, but Harry wasn't ready for them to find out about the dance lessons yet. They didn't protest much, probably wanting the time alone. If they weren't together, Harry would have a much harder time sneaking away. He knocked on Fleur's office and she said come in. "'Arry! I was hoping you didn't cheekin out," she said smiling. "Don't worry; I won't use my veela charm much. Let's go to the classroom where there is more room. We must be able to move around." They walked out and Harry was hoping no one noticed him going into the classroom with her. She quickly magicked the desks out of the way and tried to find some good music on the Wireless Wizard Network. She finally found some that sounded somewhat like the music from the school balls he had been to. "Ok. You have danced before. Let's see what you know." She stepped up to him and he took her hand and placed the other one on her waist. His arms were a little stiff and there was a decent gap between them. She quickly said, "I won't break, hold me like you mean it," she pulled on his shoulders and he was nearly rubbing against her now. His lower arm was more on the small of her back. They began moving to the music with Fleur leading the motions. Harry was feeling a little more comfortable but still moved rather stiffly. They stopped after the song ended and she said, "That's not too bad already. You need to relax more. When you dance with a girl, you must feel like you are enjoying every second of being near her. Make her feel like she is the most important thing at that time. Remember you may not want to be dancing with a person but during the dance you need to make her feel special. If you do that, the exact movements you make won't be so important. Let's try again."

Harry held her close like she showed and tried to look her in the eyes often and smile. She was still leading the motions but he felt a bit more comfortable being this close to her. She smiled back at him warmly. As the song went on, he felt like he was floating with her. When it ended she said, "Now, how did you feel that time? You danced very well."

"That was great Fleur. I felt like we were floating."

Fleur giggled a bit. "Ok, remember that feeling. This time I'll keep the veela charm to myself," she said with a sly smile.

"You cheated!" Harry exclaimed.

"True, but when you are dancing with someone you really want to be dancing with, it will feel the same. Trust me." By the end of their first session, Harry really was enjoying just dancing. He had been able to talk a little while still moving around. He had thought of Cho most of the time but it was just nice being close to a pretty girl like that.

"Thanks Fleur, this has been great. I really enjoyed it. Will we be able to do it again?"

"Of course 'Arry. Dancing is a passion of mine. You made good progress. A few more times and you'll be the hit of the Beauxbaton ball. See you after next class."

Harry was walking down back to the common room, almost skipping from the good time he had when he turned the corner and saw Cho standing there. "You look a little too happy Harry."

Harry just grabbed her hand and danced a little circle with her and said, "Yes, but I was only thinking of you."

"What did you say to me?" Cho demanded but didn't seem as mad.

"I said 'Yes, but I was only thinking of you.' That's the truth Cho. I was picturing dancing with you all the time."

Cho blushed as she said, "Well... um...That's the way it better have been. I kind of liked it when you spoke French. Will you do it again? And while I'm asking for things, when will you show me your form?"

"I'll speak French to you again when the time is right. And, I'll show you my form when you quit worrying about me and Fleur," Harry said with a chuckle and they went to study together for a little bit before going back to their common rooms. Harry went over to his friends and Ginny asked why he was in such a good mood. "It's just been a good evening Ginny," was all he would say.

Ginny smiled and said, "It's nice to see you so happy." Ginny looked a bit worried and when Harry asked about this, she replied, "I'm nervous about taking your place on the team though."

"I've seen you fly, you'll have no problem. I'll be jealous when you win the cup this year and I won't be a part of it," Harry said.

"You'll always be a part of our team. We'll be jealous when you win the European Cup and forget all about us."

"How could I forget my best friends? I'm going up to bed." Harry said with a smile and went up to bed. Hey lay awake for a long time thinking about his dances with Fleur and wondering about his relationship with Cho. He didn't see anything bad with either one.

The next morning they were sitting at breakfast when the mail came. Harry wasn't paying much attention and luckily Ron saw a large package drop toward Harry. Ron grabbed it and handed it to his friend. "What could I be getting?"

"C'mon let's get to opening it." Ron demanded and the three of them ripped the package open and saw it was a broom. Harry recognized it immediately. XANDARI MK 1 - H.Potter was engraved into the front part of the handle.

"Harry? Why did you get another broom? I've never seen this model before," Ron said confused.

"It's my signing bonus. This is what they fly, brand new models. It's way faster than my Firebolt. Want to try it later?" Harry said and Ron immediately perked up. Ron forgot about everything except for examining the new broom. Harry also received a couple of notes; the first was from Coach Gialli.

Harry

Glad to see you chose to accept our offer. I think with hard work and the right training, the team we have now can do well this year. Since you returned the letter so early, you can join us for the first team practice this Saturday morning at 8:00am. You should be able to return by 1:00pm. We work hard during our practices and will expect you to keep up. Viktor assures me you me that I should have no worries about us picking you.

We are delivering your signing bonus as well, in case you have an opportunity to try it out.

Looking forward to our first practice.

F. Gialli.

Dean and Seamus came over when they saw the broom so Harry put the first note away quickly. "What did you get a new broom for if you can't play this year? Something's going on here; you know you can't keep it from us for long."

"Ron, keep them busy looking at the broom while I read my other letter," Harry whispered to his friend.

Harry

Congratulations on making the team. I had confidence you could do it. I want to give you some advice I learned the hard way. The crowd and your teammates will love you when you catch the snitch and win. They will both hate you when you miss the snitch and lose. Your teammates may like you and the crowd may not hate you if you catch the snitch and still lose. One more thing. Getting a penalty called on you is much better than not catching the snitch. This is very important to remember.

Tell everyone I said hello.

Will see you soon

Viktor

He smiled and handed the note to Hermione to read. Ginny was reading Hermione's Daily Prophet while Hermione was looking at the broom. Ginny said, "I don't think it's a secret any more," and showed Harry the front page.

Triwizard Champion joins French National Team

Will this be their missing piece?

Harry Potter the co-winner of the last Triwizard Championship had just signed a contract to play seeker for the French National Team. According to Coach Gialli 'We had week long tryouts and he came out on top of our candidates. We're very excited about the team we will be fielding this year. Our current players have come together well this last year and we think adding this final piece will give us the final spark we need.'

Harry Potter is only in his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When asked about his age and experience, Coach Gialli noted 'We don't see his age as much of an issue. He conducted himself as well as any other competitor and we see no reason that would change. As far as his experience is concerned, I dare say he has accomplished more than most wizards that have already left school.'

This reporter is anxious to see how a young boy holds up in the rough world of professional Quidditch. Harry Potter may wish he were back facing You-Know-Who instead of the English National Team.

Harry heard the mumbling get louder and looked up to see Fleur beaming at him. She was holding the Prophet and pointing at the cover. He could see McGonagall fighting to hold back a large smile next to her. His face had turned red and he really just wanted to get away from all the people.

"This is why you can't play for us? You'd rather have international fame and glory than play with your housemates! Blimey Harry," Dean laughed.

"I need to get out of here," Harry told Ron and Hermione. He grabbed his broom and started to make his way out when Dumbledore got everyone's attention. "For those of you who don't read the paper and haven't understood all the yelling, let me explain." Harry turned toward Dumbledore with a pleading look, but Dumbledore was having none of it. "Hogwarts now has the distinction of being the home of the current seeker on the French National Quidditch team. Harry Potter." Almost all the students were clapping loudly. He glanced over and saw no one at the Slytherin table clapping at all. Draco looked like he had been hit with a brick.

Harry tried pushing through all of the people congratulating him and asking him how he did it. Finally, he got out the door and was relieved to find Professor McGonagall waiting for him. "Mr. Potter, a word if you don't mind. Will the rest of you please let him get on with his school day?" He followed her to her office where she said, "It's out in the open now."

"I wish it wasn't Professor. I had been really careful to make sure only select people found out. I didn't think about this happening."

"I doubt you'll find it getting much better. If you do well, even more people will want to talk to you. If you do poorly, many people will want to rub that in as well. I suggest you remember who your real friends are and work through things with them. You have one advantage; you were already famous in our world. Now it will be for reason you can control."

"Thank you Professor. They are having practices starting Saturday. Are you going to come with me each time?"

"You didn't like my company?" Harry suddenly became aware of what he said but then saw a slight smile on her face. "No Mr. Potter. You can travel by floo directly to the practice area. For the first few times, I would prefer if you took Dobby or Winky with you. They can be back here in a flash if anything was to happen or you needed anything. They will cause you less concern with your teammates than I would by joining you every week. Make sure you keep your grades up so we don't regret allowing you to play. And, don't be offended when I root for England when you play us. Every other time, I'll be pulling for France."

"Thanks again Professor. I still can't believe this is happening." Harry tried to get to his classes early to keep from talking to people in the halls. During break Harry snuck down to the kitchen. He hadn't been down to see Dobby and Winky since term started. Entering the room he was bombarded by squeaks of "Congratulations Harry Potter sir. Is there anything we can get for you?"

Then he heard a familiar squeaky voice, "If Harry Potter needs anything Winky will see to him." The other house-elves quickly scurried away. "What can Winky do for you sir?"

"Hi Winky. How are you and Dobby doing back here?"

"We is doing fine sir. Winky likes the quiet of the castle better, but Dobby is liking the excitement of the school."

"Where is Dobby?"

"Oh, doing a favor for Professor Dumbledore. Dobby should be back soon sir."

"Winky. Since I made the French team, Professor McGonagall suggested I asked either you or Dobby to come with me to practices on the weekends. I have to travel by floo but either you or Dobby could just pop there. Would you rather I ask Dobby or would you like to go?"

"Oh sir, Dobby would be offended if you asked Winky instead of him. Please sir, take Dobby. Dobby would enjoy the trip very much and Winky will make sure he behaves himself. I will tell Dobby you asked when he returns. Is there anything we can get for you?"

"No thanks Winky. I may come just to sit down here. Now that the school found out I'm playing for France, I haven't gotten much peace and quiet."

"Sir could always go to the place Dobby setup for Sir and Miss R.J. No one ever goes there. Winky will make sure it is in condition."

Harry flashed back to the time he and R.J. spent in the tower room and it made him smile. "That's a good idea Winky, thanks. Bye."

Harry left and snuck back out to head to the next class. Right after class Harry went back to the common room so all he had to deal with were Gryffindors asking him questions. When he asked them firmly to please just treat him normally they kind of toned it down. A little later, Ron came in and said, "Cho's out here looking for you."

Harry left the Gryffindor house and found Cho out in the hall. "How are you handling it Harry? Seems like a crowd around all the time." Even while she was saying this, students came by and starting whispering and giggling around him. "We'll never have any quiet time now," she added with a little frown.

Harry thought about Winky's idea. "Cho would you like to go someplace quiet and private? Just to talk. We could even take some books and study if you want. I just want it to be private."

She looked at him and said, "No studying, let's just talk."

"Ok, I need to grab something out of my room. I'll be right back." He ran up and got his invisibility cloak and they headed off. Harry led her through some corridors and near where the hidden stairs were to get to the tower. "Ok, when no one is around, let's put this on."

"What is this?" Cho asked looking at the bundle under Harry's arm.

"Oh, it's my invisibility cloak. I thought you knew. I just assume my friends know."

Cho just shook her head and said, "No wonder you were in trouble so often." They got under the cloak and went up the stairs to the door. Harry pushed the right place to open the door and they walked in removing the cloak. It looked different than the last time he came up here. Winky must have made it brighter. Dobby must have arranged things last time. "How do you know about this place?" Cho asked in amazement.

"You know, a little house-elf told me," Harry joked. "Are you ok being here? We can go someplace else if you're not," unsure if she was comfortable being alone with him.

"No, I'm fine here. I just can't believe you know so much about the castle. I don't know anything very special and I've been here an extra year."

"C'mon, you've had to find out secret places. There are tunnels to Hogsmeade and one that comes up near the Whomping Willow. Have you seen the kitchen and all the house-elves there?"

Cho shook her head, "Really, I don't know about any secret place. My time here was really very normal until last year. You three don't know how much different you are than other students. Seeing how much you know and how good of friends you are really makes me jealous."

"You have good friends too Cho. And, I found out about the kitchens and the tunnels from other Gryffindors. You should see this map I have. It shows me a bunch of secret passages and plots out where all the teachers are so I can keep from getting caught. Professor Lupin and Professor Moody both found out and took it away from me but gave it back when they weren't teachers any more. Professor Lupin, Sirius and my dad made the map when they were here."

They sat on the floor for over an hour talking when Cho said she should be going, "Do you promise to bring me here again? I'd never find it by myself."

"I promise. It's the only place I'll get any peace if people don't go back to treating me normally." They put the cloak on until they were in a normal corridor with no one around.

Harry walked her to the Ravenclaw house hallway. Cho got an excited look and said, "You want to see someplace you've never seen before?" Harry nodded. "How about coming to the Ravenclaw common room tomorrow evening?"

"Really? You don't think they'll mind? Sometimes they don't seem to like me much."

"They won't mind. Besides, I'm a seventh year, they can't stop me. My friends probably act like they don't like you when they see you talking to Fleur or other girls. Some of the others don't like that you're always getting into trouble. Ravenclaws don't cause much trouble as you've probably learned."

"That would be great. I've only been inside the Slytherin house before. That's not a cheerful place."

"What would you be doing in their house? They hate you," Cho looked stunned.

"Oh, they didn't know Ron and I were there. Hermione was supposed to join us but she had a mishap."

"Let me guess, the invisibility cloak?"

"Nope, polyjuice potion and that's all I can say. Night Cho."

"Goodnight Harry" she said and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. That was the first time she'd ever done that. Harry got back to the common room still thinking about the kiss and found Ron, Hermione and Ginny in the corner reading. "Glad you're here Ginny. That means I can come and interrupt them."

"Funny Harry. Where have you been?" Ron asked.

"Trying to find a quiet place to talk. People are acting weird."

Ginny laughed and said, "Harry. You're going to be an international Quidditch player; they're going to act weird around you."

"Well you're not. You're just the way I like it, nice and normal," Harry responded and it made Ginny smile. They were talking about classes when 'pop' Dobby appeared. Ginny gave a little scream and the other Gryffindors looked over in surprise.

"Harry Potter asks Dobby to accompany him to training. 'Tis such an honor sir."

"So I guess you want to go? You'll behave yourself, right?" Harry said.

"Of course sir, Dobby will be a proper house-elf. 'Tis such an honor to accompany Harry Potter sir."

"Oh, Dobby, can I ask for a favor?"

"No favor sir. You ask and Dobby and Winky will do it."

"No, this is a favor, for a friend. Can you get me some really nice sweets for tomorrow? I need a small plate with a couple of sweets and then a larger tray with about twenty. Is this too much trouble? Can you bring them to Fleur Delacour's office about an hour after classes?"

"Of course sir. Dobby will make them special. Goodbye Misses and Sirs" 'pop' and he was gone.

"They're still weird to me. So he's going to practice with you. Hope he doesn't try to protect you or anything," Ron laughed.

"McGonagall said someone should go with me and since a house-elf could just pop back here if something happens, she suggested one of them. It'll be kind of embarrassing though."

"I think that's a smart choice. By the way Harry, why are you getting two trays of sweets delivered to Fleur's office tomorrow?" Hermione asked.

"A little French connection Harry?" Ron said raising his eyebrows.

"No! I didn't want to tell you guys because you'll all make fun of me but I'm getting dancing lessons from Fleur."

"No way! You spend time after classes dancing with a veela teacher? Why do you have all the luck?" Ron said and then ducked out of the way of Hermione's punch.

"What does Cho think of this? You have told her haven't you?" Ginny asked, sounding somewhat like Hermione.

"Yes Ginny I have told her. Thanks for making sure I'm honest though. She's not that happy about it but realizes if there's another ball she'd rather have me able to dance."

"Ok, that's the small plate, but Fleur's not going to eat twenty sweets. What's the full story?" Hermione asked again. She wasn't going to let it go.

"I've been invited up to the Ravenclaw common room tomorrow evening. I'd like to make a good impression and sweets always seemed to work for Fred and George."

"Yeah, until their sweets turned someone into a canary," Ron said laughing. "It has got to be better than the Slytherin house was," Ron added with a shiver.

"How did you ever see the Slytherin house?" Ginny asked.

Harry laughed, "Cho just asked the same thing."