Extracurricular activities - year 6

The next morning they were outside of McGonagall's office right at 9:00 waiting to go. She let them in and they quickly went to Veganos Castle. Stepping out into a large room in his home Harry said, "It seems strange being here again. I got used to it over the summer but after being gone for a few months it seems weird."

"I could get used to living here really quick," Ron said.

"Wonder if your parents would let you stay over the summer? If we learn to Apparate, you could go back easily. I think they'll keep my floo pretty restrictive until I graduate. You know, this place is big enough that you and Hermione could both stay here after graduate," Harry said.

"Who knows where Hermione will end up? She may decide to teach in America or something. But, I'll work on the parents about staying for a bit over the summer," Ron said. They looked out back and found a large object wrapped in heavy burlap. It had a note attached.

Harry

If I'm not around when you come for this, it's here. It was a real challenge making it but enjoyable as well. After you present it to the recipient, I'd like to hear what they thought of it.

If you have time, come down and say hello before you head back to school.

Tom.

"What's in the package?" Ron asked.

"Don't want to tell. I haven't told anyone, not even Cho. Let's walk down to the Wilkin's."

They walked down the long lane and came to the nice two-story home. Harry knocked on the door and their oldest granddaughter Katie answered. "Harry! What are you doing here? It's good to see you. C'mon in." They went in and Katie said, "Dad. Harry and his friend are here." The other daughters came out and said hello. Ron kind of blushed when Angie said hi.

"Harry. Glad you came down. It was Ron wasn't it?" Mr. Wilkins said and shook Ron's hand. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Just some water please. I just wanted to personally thank you for making the gift. It is going to be a surprise to everyone. I haven't told anybody about it yet. Not even Ron. Did Hedwig deliver the payment correctly?"

"Oh yes, I'd probably do work like that for free since I love it so much, but it will help out with supplies."

"Harry. Good to see you. Have you been practicing your French?" Mrs. Wilkins came in speaking French.

"Pleasure to see you Mrs. Wilkins. Yes I have been practicing. Some of the students are going to a ball at a French school and I'm sure it will be very useful there. I should have learned to read and write in French also."

"Well that's something for us to do this summer."

"Well, we are on a timetable to get back. Thanks again and it was good to see all of you." Harry and Ron both said goodbye and walked back to the castle

Back at the castle, Harry tried to lift the sword. He was able to, but if it had been down at the Wilkins, there is no way he could have carried it all the way back. They took a look around and traveled back to school.

"I didn't expect you two until just before 3:00," McGonagall said.

"It's more fun to explore here Professor," Harry joked, "May I leave the present in your office. If I take it up to my room, someone may open it."

"Of course Mr. Potter. You may set it in the corner. Are you giving any hints on what it is?" McGonagall asked.

"It's heavy Professor, that's what it is," Harry said smiling at her. "When would you be available for our tutoring?"

"How about 3:00? That will give us some time before supper."

Harry and Ron left and found Ginny in the common room. "Man, this should just be the Weasley tower and not Gryffindor tower," Harry joked.

She threw things and asked where he and Ron had been. "We went to Harry's house to pick something up," Ron said.

"Who went with you?" Ginny asked.

"No one, they let us go by ourselves. Said we were responsible enough," Ron replied.

"Fred and George won't like hearing that," Ginny joked.

"What are the twin's plans for the joke shop?" Harry asked.

"They've been researching new items and hope to open a shop over the summer. I don't know if it will be in Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley?"

"I would think Diagon Alley. Hogsmeade could be ok during term but Diagon Alley would get more traffic. They should ask Cho, she knows all about finance and stuff like that."

"Maybe they could get your girlfriend to work for them," Ron said.

"How hard was it for the twins to learn to Apparate?" Harry asked.

"It wasn't as bad as they thought it would be. You know for how smart Percy was, it took him two times to pass the test. Fred and George did it first time. Hopefully I won't take after Percy," Ron said.

Harry and Ron sat around the common room talking to Ginny until a little before three. Then they made their way to Professor McGonagall's office. "In a normal class, we would begin with reading some background and learning the fundamentals of Apparation. But I dare say you two wouldn't pay much attention to that part of the lesson to begin with. So, we can skip past that part and hopefully you will find it beneficial when it does come up in your lessons. First of all Apparation. is not normal magic. This is why some people just can't do it at all, and why we require a license to be able to do it. Imagine all the things that could go wrong when you are essentially moving your body in and out of time and space. They key to Apparation. is to concentrate on where you want to be and on yourself. In some ways it is like being an animagus Mr. Potter. You concentrate on how you want your body to be. Apparation. is concentration on where you want your body to be."

"Professor. That sounds kind of like 'Fliari Memeori', the message spell. You concentrate on a thought and who you want to receive that thought."

"Well yes Mr. Potter it is very similar."

"Yeah, but mine haven't quite worked yet, and I haven't practiced much," Ron added.

"Well Mr. Weasley, I would suggest you should work on that spell. It could help you with Apparation. Apparation. is not a verbal spell, it is strictly a thought."

"Professor, I have another question. I know people have apparated to places they've never been. How can they concentrate on a place if they've never been there?"

"Good question Mr. Potter. Since I have never been to your house, I couldn't Apparate by concentrating on Harry's house. However since I do know you live at Veganos Castle, I can Apparate to that location. If you wanted to Apparate to the Italian National Quidditch Stadium, you could even though you've never been there. If you were at home, you could even Apparate to say next to the tree behind the Three Broomsticks, since you do know that exact location. The other tricky part about Apparation. is confidence. When you try to Apparate and concentrate on the destination, you must be confident you can do it. It is called splinching when you have doubt that you will succeed."

"But, since we can't Apparate on Hogwarts grounds, how could we even attempt to practice?"

"Because, we establish one classroom where you still cannot Apparate in or out, but you can Apparate within. You could go from one corner to another, but not from the hall into the room. We maintain our security that way but do allow practice."

Ron asked. "How do you keep from Apparating on top of someone?"

"Excellent question. The spell will take care of that. It will either delay your arrival, which means you hang in limbo until the spot is clear, or it will adjust your arrival spot to prevent landing on someone or inside a wall. Mr. Potter could you please go to the other side of the room and demonstrate the 'Fliari Memeori' spell for me. Make it something pleasant please."

Harry went across the room and thought of Ron in bright green pajamas and issued the spell. A large silvery phoenix erupted from his wand and flew into Professor McGonagall who stifled a laugh. "Mr. Weasley, I hope that you do not really wear bright green pajamas."

"No Professor I don't. Harry, quit messing around," Ron yelled.

"That is a good sign Mr. Potter. What distance has that spell covered for you?"

"I'm not sure Professor. I have been outside the castle and sent a message to Cho who was in her common room before. I've never tried any further," Harry said.

"That's quite good. I would be interested in doing a test to see how far that spell would go for you. And, I would ask you don't tell many people about it. We don't want message spells flying around the school all day. Ok, we can begin some practice tomorrow. I will have my classroom setup for practice. Madame Pomfrey has been notified what we are doing in case either of you get splinched, she can repair the situation. I will see you both in my classroom at 3:00 tomorrow."

"Um. Professor. I have Quidditch Practice tomorrow, do you think It would be ok if Ron came along?" Harry asked and saw Ron's eye light up.

"As long as Dobby still goes and you return straight here. Remember, one misstep and it's back to no special treatment," McGonagall said in a tone where they knew she meant it.

On the way back to the common room Ron couldn't stop thanking Harry, "This will be great. I can't wait to watch practice. Can you introduce me to the team?"

"I'll try. Sometimes they don't talk to me much but we'll see. Wouldn't it be great if we can get this figured out before holiday is over. Hermione would be really disappointed she didn't stay with us."

"Maybe you'll be able to but not me. I can't even do that message spell. Ginny picked it up really quick but not me. But who cares, I'm going to see the French National Team practice."

"Don't get too excited, it's not much different than your practice. We just get yelled at more."

Once in the common room Ron went up to the dorm and Harry sat down next to Ginny. "Ginny can I ask you something? Do you get the feeling things aren't great between Ron and Hermione?"

She looked at him and said, "Yeah, I think something's wrong. Hermione hasn't said anything and I don't think they're mad at each other, but something just doesn't seem right."

"I don't want to ask Ron about it. If he wanted to talk, he would make some hints about issues or something. You know a while back, Hermione and I kind of got into it. I got irritated at something she said and then it got worse. We got over it, but it was the first time her and I had ever been upset at each other. She said she wished things could be back like they used to be. You know that Hermione, Cho and Cho's friends have all said I have a lot to learn about girls and I totally agree. I don't understand you girls at all. You don't know what I'd give to be able to know the things I'm supposed to do or say."

"I'd agree with them Harry. The only thing that saves you is that you always try to do what you really believe is right. Maybe from our point of view it isn't the right thing but we believe that you really think it is so we give you a break."

"If you and Hermione hadn't been such good of friends to me over these years, I don't know how things would have turned out."

Harry and Ron arrived at the practice pitch the next morning. The trainer came walking over. "Hello Harry. Who's this you've brought with you?"

"Hi Tom. This is my best friend Ron. He's the captain of the Quidditch team I was on at school. Most of the students are gone for the holiday and Ron's parents took a trip so I asked him to come with me. Is that going to be ok?"

"Since your house-elf friend has helped me out so much, I guess we can let you friend hang around. Just don't talk to the players or the coach. Ron, you can hang around my area until practice is done."

"Thanks Tom. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know," Ron said and then followed Tom to the training area.

"So, did your little girlfriend leave you alone too?" Kristi asked, obviously overhearing Harry talking to Tom.

"Hi Kristi. Yeah, she went to her parents."

"And you're not going to see your family?" she asked.

"I don't have any family. I always stay at the school." Harry replied not bothered by the talk of family.

She looked at him for a second and said, "You really should come to Paris. You're getting to be very popular here. They would treat you well."

"I hope to be able to sometime. I come here all the time for practice and I've never seen the city," Harry said and the coach yelled for them to listen up.

Practice was shorter than normal. Coach wanted to let them out early for the holiday. He reminded them that their next match was against the league's best team; Bulgaria. That meant Harry would be playing against Viktor Krum. He looked forward to the match but couldn't see how they would win. Ron met him half way back and when Harry was telling Ron about Bulgaria, he could see Ron's eyes getting bigger looking at something behind Harry.

"Schoolboy. Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" Kristi said.

"I didn't want to bother you Kristi. This is my best friend Ron. He's captain of the Quidditch team I was on. He's a big fan of yours."

Ron stammered, "Nnnice to mmeet you."

"So, your parents are traveling and schoolboy here doesn't have a home to go to for the holidays. You should really come to Paris," Kristi said but Ron interrupted.

"Harry has a home, it's a castle."

Kristi looked at Harry strangely and he said, "I said I didn't have a family."

"My mistake. When you come to Paris, bring your friend along," Kristi said.

"Have a nice holiday." Harry called as she was walking away. She just raised her hand and kept walking.

"Man she's sexy!" Ron said. "When are we going to Paris?"

"C'mon we need to get back to the school."

Back at school, Ron couldn't stop talking about practice and about Kristi. Harry just sat with Ginny listening to Ron. "She invited us to Paris!" Ron kept saying and headed up to their dorm room for a minute.

Ginny asked Harry, "Why aren't you so excited about her inviting you to Paris?"

"She's just being friendly. Besides, if I go I want Cho to come with me, I wouldn't go without her."

Ginny smiled and said, "That's what I thought. Then why isn't Ron feeling the same way about Hermione?"

"You know, that's just Ron. He's always been like that. I think it annoys Hermione. He wouldn't want to go without her though." Harry yelled up the stairs, "Ron, we have that 3:00 appointment, remember?"

Ron quickly came down and they arrived at McGonagall's classroom on time. The desks had been move out of the way. She described the technique once again and then demonstrated Apparating across the room. Harry suddenly had a question, "Professor. You didn't use a wand. Why do people not believe in wandless magic and yet so many of them do it when they Apparate?"

"Because they're used to it. If they had been brought up with people doing wandless magic all the time, then it would be no big deal. However, they've been brought up that it is a myth and can't be done so they would be shocked to see it actually performed. It's all in their beliefs."

They did some small practice techniques and then tried to go across the room. On the second try, Ron actually vanished and reappeared in the exact same spot. "Excellent Mr. Weasley. You nearly had it." Ron looked extremely proud. It took Harry until the last try of the day to accomplish the same thing. Ron could do it consistently by then.

"Ron, you're going to get this way before me," Harry said.

"Finally something I may be better at," Ron sounded happy.

"There's already chess and anything to do with strategy," Harry added. Ron looked very satisfied.

By the third day of Apparation lessons, Ron could consistently go across the room ending up close to where he wanted. Harry had finally caught up to Ron. Once he got the technique down, he made up ground so they were both at the same level now.

The next morning was Christmas and Ron woke Harry up early to open presents. Ginny was waiting in the common room for them. The first thing Harry thought of was whether Cho was going to like her gift or not. Harry opened a large package and found a painting that looked very old. It was of his mother and father. He grabbed the card and read it.

Harry.

I had this made from a picture of your parents. This style seems to fit with your new home and hopefully you can find a location to hang it. I'm sure R.J. would have approved.

S.

Harry nearly cried. He sat there for a long time just looking at the painting. It looked like it could be very old. He opened the ones from Ron and Hermione and they were both very nice. He then saw a small rectangle package and opened it up. It looked like a large old coin. It was about three times the size of a galleon. On one side was a pressed outline of a dragon and on the other was a falcon. It had some oriental inscriptions but he couldn't read it. He read the note.

Harry

This is a Chinese good luck charm. My father located it for me. I then had a charm put on it. Actually, you gave me the idea for the charm. You and your message spell. Hold the charm between your fingers and thumb and rub it in one hand.

Harry did what the note said and at first there was nothing and then Harry had the mental picture of him and Cho kissing. He kept rubbing it and was just filled with the same feeling he had when he was actually kissing her.

I have a few of my favorite memories charmed into it. When we can't be together, I hope you use it to remember how I feel about you.

Love

Cho

p.s. This won't work for anyone else so don't worry if Ron takes it from you.

"What is that Harry?" Ron asked.

"It's a Chinese good luck charm from Cho." Harry said but didn't tell them any more. There was a card that he had missed. When he opened it, it was a magical picture of Paris with snow falling. It was really pretty. The writing on the bottom was very short.

Schoolboy

You really need to see Paris in the winter.

Kristi

Ron saw the picture over his shoulder and grabbed the card, "Cho's not going to like this!"

Ginny got the card from Ron and said, "He's right, she's not. You're going to tell her aren't you?"

"Wouldn't it be better if I just threw this away and forgot all about it?" Harry asked not knowing what to do.

"What are the chances of Ron keeping his mouth shut? If she found out from someone else, you'd be in big trouble," Ginny said knowing how her brother would be.

Harry looked at the picture. Paris was really pretty with the snow falling. He wished he and Cho could go there.

Harry grabbed a couple of presents he needed to deliver and headed to the kitchens. He found Dobby and Winky working. "I've got presents for you two." Harry announced. Dobby looked excited but Winky looked a little worried.

Dobby opened his and found two sets of really colorful socks that didn't match. His ears were twitching and he hugged Harry. "Sir, these are Dobby's favorite! How do you find such good ones?"

"I just keep my eye out for them Dobby," Harry said and watched Winky open hers. It was a scarf in the same color as the dress she usually wore. She didn't seem as excited as Dobby. "Is it the wrong color Winky? I could get something else?"

"Oh no sir. Winky is just not used to getting clothes. It is normally a bad thing for us to get clothes. Winky is liking the color very much sir."

"Just remember, you're both free elves. If I give you clothes, it's just a gift. If you tell me something else you like, next year I can get that instead," Harry said.

Winky perked up a bit and wrapped the scarf around her. "No sir, clothes will be fine with Winky. Thank you." The other elves didn't look as shocked as they had in the past when clothes were mentioned. Harry sat there for a minute watching them talk to each other. He pulled out the charm and rubbed it. He had the vision of Cho lying with him saying she loved him. This was the memory of the first time she said that. Harry vowed to keep the charm with him all the time.

At the next Apparation test, McGonagall announced that since they were doing so well, the next lesson would be in Hogsmeade so they could cover greater distances. Harry and Ron were really excited about this. "Oh, this is going to irritate Hermione so much!" Harry said and then thought of a question, "Ron, what did Hermione get you? I didn't see it."

"Oh, the usual. She got me a book of historic battles," Ron answered not overly excited.

"And... What did you get her?" Harry felt like he was fishing.

"Ginny helped me pick out a sweater for her. I think she'll like it. I can't wait to try Apparating in Hogsmeade," Ron went on.

The next day they traveled to Hogsmeade with Professor McGonagall. They were at the far end, near the cave where Snuffles stayed sometimes. "Ok, try to Apparate in front of the Three Broomsticks. At this time of day there won't be many people around."

Ron went first and disappeared. Harry went next hoping to get close. He ended up right next to Ron, standing in front of the pub. They gave each other a high five and saw McGonagall appear next to them. She was very pleased and made them go back and forth a few times before stating, "You are both doing exceptionally well. I think tomorrow we will do an even further test. You should be proud of yourselves. Let's meet here tomorrow."

They went back to the school and were talking about where they would have to do it next time. "Maybe into the next town, it's over 20km away," Ron said.

"Maybe, that would be a good test since I've never been there," Harry added.

When they rounded the corner of the Three Broomsticks, they were surprised to find not Professor McGonagall, but Professor Dumbledore waiting. "Right on time I see," he said.

"Hello Professor, we weren't expecting to see you?" Harry said.

"Professor McGonagall and I decided to give you the official Apparation test today. If you successfully complete this, you will be licensed to Apparate as of today. I dare say you won't be able to use the new ability since you will be returning to Hogwarts, but you will be licensed."

Ron and Harry looked at each other very excitedly. Dumbledore went on. "Professor McGonagall is already at the destination just in case there are any complications. You both know of the location but we are going to be very specific about where you need to end up. The destination is Veganos Castle." Ron and Harry looked even more shocked. "We have removed certain protections on the location for the duration of this test. I want Mr. Weasley to arrive in the kitchen, in front of the oven. Harry, I want you to arrive next to the table. Do you both understand?" They nodded. "After you have both gone, I will follow you. Mr. Weasley you may go first."

Ron looked nervous but concentrated and fully disappeared. "Harry. I took the liberty of sending the painting Sirius gave you ahead with Professor McGonagall. She has good taste and could suggest a location. Whenever you are ready." Harry felt really nervous but tried to calm down and concentrate. The next thing he knew, he was standing next to his kitchen table looking at a very happy Ron and Professor McGonagall.

Dumbledore appeared a few seconds later. "Congratulations both of you. You are now licensed to Apparate Since the remaining term in your Charms class was teaching this skill, you can both have that as a free period."

"All right!" Ron exclaimed.

Professor McGonagall suggested hanging the painting above the large fireplace they used to travel by floo. There was already a picture there, but it was a landscape painting so Harry didn't feel bad moving that one. He didn't want to re-arrange much of R.J.'s stuff. Winky had come and fixed them all a meal before they headed back. Ron and Harry ended up back in Hogsmeade exactly where they had planned and went back to the school with Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"Harry. We will come up with some new protections for your home that will allow you to let specific people Apparate in and out. We still cannot let it be fully accessible, I hope you understand. I have spoken to a friend of yours, a Mr. Fletcher and he is going to help arrange security on the floo network," Dumbledore said.

Harry and Ron didn't tell Ginny because they didn't want Hermione to find out until Charms started. They just goofed around for the remaining couple of days, spending time with Hagrid and Ginny. On the day the train was due back, they went down to meet it. Harry couldn't wait to see Cho. Harry was standing next to Ron when Hermione came running over. She gave Harry a quick hug and then gave Ron only a slightly longer one. "Did you two behave yourselves?" she asked Ron.

"Even better than that Hermione," Ron answered making Hermione get a confused look.

Then Cho came running up giving Harry a long tight hug and a kiss. This is how a greeting should be Harry thought. "Harry! That brooch was amazing. I don't know how you found something like that. I love it."

"It couldn't be better than the charm you gave me. I'm never going anywhere without it." Harry responded.

"C'mon you two, let's get up to the school," Ron said.

"So, what did you two do all the time? How many points did Gryffindor lose?" Cho joked.

"We didn't get into any trouble at all. In fact, both Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore said they were proud of us. They even let Ron come with me to pick up the present for the giants and to practice," Harry said smugly.

"They let you two go off by yourselves? What were they thinking?" Hermione asked, seriously.

"They were thinking we would be responsible and not get into any trouble. And they were right. Even when Kristi tried to get us to come to Paris," Ron said and then wished he hadn't said the last part.

"She did, did she?" Cho said immediately getting an attitude.

"And we came straight back to the school. Ginny can vouch for us. I really missed you Cho," Harry said and squeezed her hand. Harry went off with Cho to her common room and listened to everyone's stories. Harry felt a bit jealous at all the good times the other student's had with their families. He heard Cho tell everyone about the brooch and about how her father kept showing it to his extended family.

He decided to let them all talk and to go back to his common room. He went over to Ron, Hermione and Ginny. Hermione said, "Let's see this good luck charm Harry." He handed it to her.

She looked at it closely and said, "Do you think it works?"

"I know it works. She had it charmed so that when I rub it, I can picture certain memories she has. Said the message spell gave her the idea. I can see us kissing and things like that. It's really amazing. She put a lot of thought into it," Harry said. Hermione looked a little sad. "You should see what Sirius got me. He had a picture of my parents made into a large painting. It looks really old and fits perfect above my fireplace."

"How do you know it fits there? You wouldn't have had the present when you and Ron went to your home," Hermione looked confused.

"That's... um a surprise. Ron and I can't say anything. You'll find out Monday," Harry stated.

"They've been acting weird, went off to some appointment every day at 3:00," Ginny told Hermione.

"Perfectly within the rules. We were model students," Ron spoke up.

"I can't stand talk like this from a Weasley. What would the twins think?" Dean said, overhearing Ron's comments.

Harry sat with the Ravenclaws at lunch the next day. "Want to go for a walk after lunch?" Cho asked him.

"Sure. Um, I forgot to tell you something. Kristi sent me a Christmas card. I can show it to you later if you want. I didn't want to keep it from you," Harry said dreading her reaction.

Cho's friend Kelly overheard this, "See Cho. I told you not to worry about him. Harry's one of the good ones. So, did the card tell you all the things she wanted to do to you?"

"Kelly!" Cho said, "I want to see this card."

"Me too, go get it," Kelly demanded.

Cho nodded so Harry ran up to his room and brought the card back. They were sitting in the great hall when he got back. He handed the card to Cho who looked at it with Kelly. "She's trying to be subtle with you," Kelly said, "What she really means is why don't you come to my place and show me your broomstick."

Harry was shocked but Cho didn't yell at her, "Kelly's right, she's trying to make you think she just wants to be friendly. Paris is really pretty though." Cho said and then continued. "You're throwing this away now aren't you?" Cho said more as a statement than a question. "I heard Hermione saying that you start Apparation tomorrow. Are you excited? I was really glad to pass the test."

"I'm not taking the class," Harry said flatly.

"What? You don't want to learn?" Cho asked disappointed. "It would be easier for us to get to each other."

"I didn't say I didn't want to learn, I only said I'm not taking the class," Harry replied slyly.

"Spit it out schoolboy," Kelly said.

"I told you that Ron and I had been model students over the holiday. We got private lessons from McGonagall. We've already passed our test. McGonagall and Dumbledore went with us to my home for a meal and then came back to Hogsmeade. We have a free period while the others are learning. Don't tell Hermione, she's going to be jealous that she didn't stay."

"Maybe staying around over the holidays wouldn't be such a bad thing," Kelly said.

"That's great Harry, I'm really proud of you. I say a little dancing is in order. Don't you agree?" Cho said with a grin.

Before Harry could say anything, Kelly said, "I definitely agree."

Harry just started blushing. He met Cho that night and they made love and were talking afterwards. "Cho. What do you think will happen after you graduate?"

"What do you mean Harry? We'll see each other as much as we can."

"But, you'll be out in the real world with new and exciting things to do. I'll still be in school. Why would you want to wait around for some schoolboy?"

"Harry. You can't really think that. I'd wait forever. Besides, why would you want to be with someone like me when you're an international Quidditch star? You could be with models and celebrities."

Harry didn't think that was true. "I just worry about not being able to see you much. I missed you enough over the holiday."

"We have a while before we even have to think about it. I have confidence we can figure something out." Cho said, and Harry really hoped so.