Chapter 12

Harry and his companions were all gathered in the library at their usual table. All Professors did an excellent job of handing the students a lot of work, even if it was only the second week of the semester. Harry, however, felt more like complaining about something else. The girls completely ignored this as they had been enduring his complaints for the past two weeks. Harry's constant grumbling about his recent fame and the fans who flocked to him, was getting on their nerves.

"Potter, for the last time, stop carping about your fame." Daphne was struggling exceedingly hard to read her book. "If you don't shut it, I'll hex you. Don't tempt me. I swear I'll do it!"

Harry banged his head on the table and the girls winced. "But what am I supposed to do? Come on, you girls! Help me here. I'm in a crisis and I'm desperate. I haven't had a day without anyone asking for my autograph. There's no peace in Hogwarts for me, not in the common room, library, or our private place by the lake!"

"For the last time, Harry…" Regine began exasperatedly.

"We don't know!" the girls voiced in unison.

Harry brooded at their response. "Fine then! Don't help me. Am I the only one who cherishes four years of beautiful friendship? Glad to know it means something to you girls."

"Oh Harry, you're being dramatic." Callista leaned closer to Regine, presenting her parchment to her friend. "Regine, would you mind checking my Herbology work?"

"Sure, why not."

"I am not…" Harry scoffed, scowling. The girls hoisted their heads up at him with challenging looks, evidently not believing his words. "Okay, fine! I guess I am being dramatic but I blame Sheila for giving me her disease!"

"Hey!" the Gryffindor girl exclaimed in a low tone. "I'm not the one who keeps whining about fame." Tongue cutely poking out of the corner of her mouth, she focused on her parchment once more. She had been working on it for the last hour.

"Look, Potter, why don't you just finish your work? That way, your mind will be on something else and not your silly problem." Fully engrossed in her book, Daphne didn't bother to look up. A furious scowl etched onto her beautiful face.

"No, I won't do it unless you girls give me some advice concerning this predicament I'm in," Harry said stubbornly. "Or solve it for me!"

The girls heaved a faint sigh. Now they were dealing with a childish Harry. They swear they spoiled him too much for his own good.

"Harry, if you keep doing this, you're just going to cause us even more trouble," chided Regine.

"Trouble?" Harry said rhetorically with incredulous look on his face. "How the hell did I cause you girls trouble? You girls are exaggerating."

"Yes, no trouble at all," Callista grumbled, shooting him a glare. "What would you call the event that occurred in our Charms lesson?"

"I mean, don't they have a life to get on with?" Harry interlocked his fingers together and rested his hands on the table. "They're like a flock of stubborn geese that keep coming after me, all for the sake of my autograph. How am I supposed to deal with that?"

"I don't know, Harry…" Callista tucked her hair behind her left ear, wearing a rare a scowl on her face. They were both in Charms together, just like all of their previous years at Hogwarts. Callista was furiously scribbling notes, trying to take in everything Professor Flitwick was saying, but with Harry at her side constantly cursing his fame, it was quite a difficult task for her.

"Harry, just stop with this nonsense and jot down what the Professor is saying," Callista whispered, trying her hardest not to be mad at her friend. "It's important for you to concentrate. We're facing O.W.L next year!"

Harry tapped his wand on her parchment. The words Callista had been writing for the last hour materialized over Harry's blank parchment. He waved his wand and it changed into his writing, unmindful to his friend bristling next to him, looking furious. Callista had worked hard on those notes and he thought he could just copy it all? Typical Harry. When Harry continued on talking, entirely disregarding what had just transpired, Callista snapped.

"Harry Potter!" she hollered, rising from her seat.

As she was about to reprimand him, "Ms. Campbell!" Flitwick shouted. Eyes huge, she faced the diminutive Professor. By the looks of it, the tiny man was furious with her behavior, shocked that she would interrupt such an important lesson. The Charms Professor scuttled over to where she and Harry were seated.

"Ms. Campbell, what is the meaning of this? Why are you disturbing my class?"

"U-um w-well P-p-Professor, you see, uh…" She flushed, truly embarrassed.

The Professor shook his head at one of his favorite students. "It is truly a shame and disheartening that I must do this, mainly for a clean and spotless record in a student such as yourself, but you leave me no choice. Ten points from Ravenclaw for your behavior, and a day of detention. I hope that, in the near future, you learn from your mistake and never disrupt my lesson again. If this is to occur again, I might just have to cast a silencing charm on you, Ms. Campbell." Flitwick scurried back to the front of the room, ready to begin his class yet again.

Callista crumpled to her seat, a mixture of shock and disbelief plastered on her face.

"It was just ten points and one day detention," Harry protested. "I don't see any reason why you're so fussy about it. You're over-reacting."

"Over-reacting?" Callista repeated his words angrily. "I had never once gotten points deducted or a detention from any Professor - including Snape - in my entire Hogwarts life! Even when we would go out on one of our crazy wild adventures, I was never punished! That was the first time for me, and it was from my head house too! Flitwick warned all of the other Professors concerning my behavior in class and all of them are now concerned. It was humiliating and it was all your fault, Harry!"

"How was it mine? You were the one who made too much noise in class, not me." Callista's jaw hardened.

"What about the time we had Herbology together?" Regine cut in, a grumpy expression on her face.

"And there's this girl who stalks me everywhere I go. It's freaky, I tell you…" Harry shivered visibly. "How am I supposed to lose that kind person off my tail?"

"I don't know, Harry," Regine answered curtly. Her forehead creased, reviewing the plant she and Harry were assigned by Professor Spout. They were both in the same Herbology class and always partnered together. Presently, Regine was striving to take care of the plant properly, but her 'partner' was babbling away, not assisting her in the slightest.

"Don't know? You do have a better answer than that, don't you?" Harry just stared at her, not lifting a finger to help her with their project.

"When I say I don't know, then I don't know!" Donning the dragon hide gloves, Regine started conducting the task they were given. Harry followed suit, but promptly switched back to venting all of his problems to her.

"Harry!" Regine growled. Thrusting her gloved hands deeper into the pile of dragon dung, she scooped some up and hurled it to the large pot. "Look, if I'm not focused, there will be some serious consequences to the plant Professor Sprout assigned us to. Also, she entrusted us her own plant, so I must concentrate. We have to give it our full attention, just like brewing a potion. Concentration is the key!"

"Um, Regine…" Harry looked at her cautiously. She hadn't stopped tossing the fertilizer onto the plant and her eyes were on him the whole time.

"Harry, please, not now. Just let me work." She looked over the plant and was horrified to discover it was nowhere in sight. It was completely covered with fertilizer. Regine had buried it completely.

"Ms. Barberis!" Sprout shrieked, drawing the attention of all the people in the greenhouse. The Professor frantically rushed to the girl, shoving few students along the way. "Where is it? I told you to be careful with it and to not put too much fertilizer in it or it will die! There is no plant in this pot...it's full of shit!"

Regine whimpered as Sprout bustled around, fretting over one of her precious plants.

"It wasn't my fault." Harry shrugged indifferently. "You're the one who was doing two things at the same time."

"So you're saying it was my fault?" The girl gnashed her teeth. "Because of that incident, Professor Sprout forbade me from entering the greenhouses! I spent most of my Hogwarts life in the greenhouse! I destroyed her precious plant! I have to practically beg her forgiveness, just so she let me in again. She lost all of her trust in my ability to take care of the plants and now, she has to watch me closely every time I'm working! I have to earn her trust all over again!"

"But still, it wasn't me who buried that plant with fertilizers. It was your own bloody hands." Regine was flooded with even more rage.

Sheila jumped into the conversation, slamming two of her hands on the table. "How about in Transfiguration? Because of you, McGonagall almost murdered me!"

"I swear, one of these days I'm going to be raped by my so-called fan girls," said Harry, gazing up at the ceiling. He was bored out of his mind. "How am I supposed to avoid that?"

"I don't know, Harry," Sheila whispered harshly. It was the rare occasion that she was not in a good mood. Her cheerful attitude was nowhere to be found. She bobbed her head, understanding how the task supposed to be done. McGonagall was explaining them how to transfigure their own table into flock of birds. Nevertheless, Harry was not making this lesson easy for Sheila. It was complicated enough to comprehend what McGonagall was saying, but with Harry unleashing all of his trivial complaints on her, it was even more difficult.

"Sheila, don't you care that your friend is going to get raped in the near future?" Harry averted his eyes from the ceiling and looked to her.

"Oh yes, I care. I care, alright," she sarcastically replied, mimicking the movement of McGonagall's wand. Seeing this, Harry pulled out his wand and began doing exactly what Sheila was attempting. Now at least he looked like he was paying attention, though he was still absently conversing with his friend beside him.

"Gah! Harry! What you're talking about makes no sense at all! You can protect yourself even without a wand in hand," Sheila spat. "Not to mention, never in my life have I heard of a guy getting raped at Hogwarts! That's just ridiculous, it'd have to be the end of the world! And if it did happen, then consider yourself lucky. That's every guys dream, isn't it? So shut up and let me concentrate! This is too important for me to miss!"

Harry opened his mouth to speak, but this just angered his friend more. "Harry, I told you to shut up! I know what I'm talking about!" She threw her arms in the air out of exasperation, unconsciously transfiguring something behind her in the process.

"Ms. Jonnet!" Sheila flinched and shakily turned to confront her head of house. Her eyes widened as she was met with the sight in front of her. McGonagall's face was deluged red in anger. Her attire has been transfigured into some kind of bird suit, almost making her look like a real giant bird, her pointed hat contributing to the effect. McGonagall quickly switched it back to her previous attire. The class didn't dare laugh.

"Stay behind after class," said McGonagall in low, vicious tone.

Sheila's face paled as she lowered her gaze.

"Now, how could that possibly be my fault?" Harry wisely reasoned. "I'm sure what McGonagall had in store for you wasn't that bad."

"Not bad?" Sheila seethed. Her body was quaking in rage. "I was banned from Quidditch for two bloody months, you git! Not to mention she took away my broom! What am I going to do in my free time now? I always fly around the castle to burn off some steam. I was supposed to be her number one Gryffindor, but now I can't look at her face without feeling ashamed! Also, every time I enter her class she warns me no 'funny business.' She thinks I'm some sort of troublemaker now! How embarrassing is that?"

"But it wasn't my wand that transfigured McGonagall's clothes into some kind of... bird suit, it was yours." Sheila's fists clenched tightly.

"Potions," Daphne breathed in irritation, thumping her book shut. "How do you explain yourself during our time in Potions?"

"They've been ogling me all day long. It's like they can see right through my clothes. I feel like I'm naked with their eyes on me. Heck, I'm being violated!" Harry muttered, glancing throughout the classroom to verify his observations. "How am I supposed to dodge something like that?"

"I don't know, Potter." Her straight shiny blond hair was tied in a ponytail as she was working on the potion they were instructed to make. Snape was not in the classroom at the moment, having disappeared into the store room. Harry leaned his back on the table they shared.

"Come on, can't you just give me a suggestion or something?"

"No."

She was disgruntled to say the least, that all of the students had to be partnered together just for this one special assignment. Harry didn't even bother to assist her and she soon realized she would have to do it all herself. Snape made it clear that having a partner would increase efficiency when brewing this particular potion. One person could do the practical work, while the other could check the progress of the potion as it developed in the cauldron. This would help students avoid unnecessary accidents.

Harry observed her lazily. She added some ingredients to the cauldron and stirred it carefully. The color changed from orange to purple, then back to a vivid orange again. "Potter, I'm going to need some of your assistance here. Just put the ingredients that I name into the cauldron. Do you understand?" Harry shrugged in response. Daphne hesitated, but coerced her mind back to their assignment. She blew a frustrated breath, scowling deeply once Harry resumed his endless complaints.

"That's enough, Potter!" she cried out after a few moments, causing nearby students to jump. "Give me that!" She snatched the ingredient from his hand - the spine of Lionship he was holding is dangerously incompatible to their potion. "For Merlin's sake, just shut up for one minute! All you do is complain this and that, and I'm tired of it! This time, I'll give you a fair warning... I will curse you badly if you don't suck it up!"

Harry opened his mouth, eyes fixed on the ingredient in Daphne's hands. "Don't think I won't do it, Potter," she hissed angrily. Mechanically, she tossed the thing into the cauldron. Harry reacted instinctively, pulling her into his embrace and erecting a powerful shield to surround them both. The ensuing explosion was one of the most memorable things that would ever occur in the Hogwarts dungeon. The Potion Master hastily rushed into the classroom.

"Greengrass!" Snape's beady eyes were large as saucers, taking in the scene that lay before him. "I'll see to justice for what you've done today!"

Daphne's tongue was far too tied to form a response.

"That definitely wasn't my fault at all," Harry stated nonchalantly. "Besides, everything turned out perfectly by the end of the day."

"Perfectly?" Daphne mouthed in disbelief. Then her shock turned to outrage. "I was summoned by Dumbledore to discuss my behavior with my parents in his office that day! And let me tell you, it was far from a wonderful experience. And now Snape won't allow me anywhere near most of potion's equipment. I can't do any practical potion work for the time being, I only have writing assessments! Making potions is my life and no one was able to take that away from me. But now, I can't even brew one simple potion without someone breathing down my neck!"

"As I recall, I wasn't the one who tossed that thing into the cauldron, it was you. So it's got nothing to do with me." Her eyes flared dangerously.

Harry looked at the four girls and he shuddered at their apparent rage. He sighed tiredly. "Okay, I guess all of it was my fault and I'm sorry for that. I didn't mean to get you girls in any trouble," he mumbled. They calmed a little at his sincere apology and the fact that his expression was quite morose.

"We're sorry, Harry," Regine spoke up, now feeling guilty for yelling at him. "We're not angry at you. We only wanted you to stop complaining to us about your recent fame. It's pretty annoying."

Daphne lessened her scowl. "Look Potter, I don't see any reason why you should complain about it."

"What the slimy snake said," Sheila agreed.

"Harry, the thing is-" Callista purposely interrupted before Daphne could retort, "-signing bunch of autographs isn't really troublesome. It's just how celebrity life is. It's part of their daily routine. You just have to put up with it. It's a price you have to pay."

"Callista does have a point, Harry," Sheila nodded her head enthusiastically. "Anyway, from what we've seen, there aren't really that many people asking for your autograph. You're just being dramatic." Pausing for a while, she shrugged her shoulders. "Well, more dramatic than how I usually am."

"I told you, girls. I. Am. Not!" Harry grumbled. "The only time I'm safe from those bloody crazed fans of mine is when I'm with you girls! Even Professors have asked for my autograph."

Daphne cocked an eyebrow. "Potter, that's a bit unbelievable. If you wish for our help or to catch our full attention, you don't have to go that far. Regardless of how many times we broke the rules, leave the Professors out of this."

"I'm serious!"

"Harry, really? A Professor?" Callista asked in disbelief. "I could believe that you were mobbed by your student fans but a Professor?"

"I think he's really stressed and mess up," Regine stared him worriedly. "Are you, Harry?"

"No, I am not," Harry growled, irritated.

"The Professors? Oh, that's a good one!" Sheila giggled, but her mirth subsided once she surveyed his expression. "Wait, you're serious?"

Harry offered her a look of annoyance. "Remember the time McGonagall held me back after class? You two were there." He nodded to Callista and Sheila.

"Mr. Potter, stay behind for a moment. There is something I wish to discuss with you."

Harry exchanged confused looks with his two best friends. They just shrugged, sharing his bewilderment. Glancing at him one last time, they silently gestured that they would wait for him outside. Nodding his head, Harry walked up to McGonagall's desk when the class was empty save for the two of them. "Um… did I do something wrong, Professor?"

"No, not at all, Mr. Potter."

"Oh, that's a relief." Harry felt wave of reassurance wash throughout his body.

McGonagall gave him a slight smile. "I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, Mr. Potter. I was merely wondering if you can provide me with some of your assistance."

"Of course, Professor. I'll do what I can in my power."

"Splendid." The smile on her face extended further. She pushed a parchment in front of Harry and handed him a quill. Harry accepted the quill but looked at her incredulously. By now, he had guessed what she wanted him to do. McGonagall cleared her throat professionally, though a tint of red coated her cheeks. "Now, Mr. Potter. This is not for me. One of the first years in Gryffindor had brought this matter to my attention, requesting your autograph. She was simply too shy and couldn't gather enough courage to do it herself. As the head of Gryffindor, it is my responsibility to see her wants fulfilled. This is also an effective way to make her feel more comfortable in Hogwarts."

Harry slowly nodded his head, agreeing her words. It did make sense. He signed the parchment in his fancy calligraphy and set the quill gently on the Professor's desk. "May I ask her name, Professor?"

"Yes, you may," McGonagall said, admiring Harry's autograph with a large smile. "Her very close friends call her Minnie."

Both Harry's eyebrows vanished into his hair line.

"Didn't McGonagall said it was for the first year?" Sheila pointed out.

"Yes, you told us after you left the classroom," Callista assented.

"Oh, come on!" said Harry exasperatedly. "Is there really a first year named Minnie? I never remember hearing that name during the Sorting Ceremony."

"Well, Minnie is a short form for…Minerva," Regine reluctantly voiced out what was on her mind.

"See?"

"Potter, that's enough already. It's completely understandable. Everyone knows McGonagall is a big fan of Quidditch."

"Yeah, Daphne's right. McGonagall is a Quidditch fanatic. That's why last year she was more than willing to let your little brother join the Gryffindor Quidditch team. She wanted the Quidditch Cup so badly. It's really no surprise that she wants your autograph." Sheila passed her work to Callista, silently asking her friend to check it. The other three girls nodded their heads in agreement, ready to go back to what they had been doing moments ago.

Harry scowled, unwilling to lose the argument. "Okay, what about Pomfrey?"

The girls heaved a tired sigh. They should've known he wouldn't give up so easily.

Placing Sheila's parchment on the table, Callista massaged her temples. "Harry, please don't tell me you're going to drag Madam Pomfrey into this too?"

"Why not? That was a perfect example!"

"How's your hand, Mr. Potter?" Madam Pomfrey emerged from behind the curtain.

Harry stretched his right hand. "Its fine now, Madam Pomfrey. Thanks to you, of course."

The girls were waiting for him outside after getting kicked out by the bustling healer. They dragged him to the infirmary when they saw his hand was shaking non-stop. After signing countless autographs and on top of finishing all his homework, he had acquired a painful cramp in his hand. In spite of how knowledgeable he was in terms of spells, he didn't know too many healing ones. He was just too damn polite and he didn't like pushing away his demanding fans. He blamed Callista for that, the girl rubbed her politeness off on him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Madam Pomfrey."

"Well, shall we test that?" A parchment suddenly appeared in her hands. She shoved a quill into Harry's grasp. "Why don't you sign it in your usual signature just to be sure?"

"Umm, is this necessary, Madam?" Harry tittered nervously.

"Mr. Potter, I'm a professional healer and one of the top in the British Wizarding world. Of course, this is necessary. Just have faith in me and stop questioning my ability as the school matron. Now, hurry up, your friends are waiting for you outside. Let's not keep them any longer." Harry was left with no choice, and with a sigh, he touched ink to paper.

"She was confirming your hand, Harry. That cannot be considered as a fan asking for an autograph," protested Callista. "But if you think about it, it does kind of seem like she was aiming for that."

"Hmm…" Daphne hummed. "I confess that was very Slytherin of her."

"What did I tell you?" Harry declared indignantly. "There's no longer peace for me at Hogwarts."

"Umm…" All five teenagers turned to the newcomer who stood by their table, smiling nervously. Another figure peered out from behind the girl. "C-c-can m-me and my friend have your autograph, Harry?"

Right away, Harry smiled dazzlingly. "Of course, of course! Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott, right?" He pried their parchment from their hands and signed it accordingly. The two blushed copiously.

"Y-y-you remember us?" Hannah Abbott stammered.

"How could I forget such cute girls especially the ones I saved in their moment of distress? Now, that's unlike like me at all." Their blushes heightened dramatically and they found their shoes to be more fascinating than ever. Several fake coughs sounded in the background, undeniably from the girls. Harry stiffened and hastily gave the girls' parchment back. "W-w-well, can you two leave us now? We're busy with our homework."

The two girls just smiled timidly at him with red all over their faces and turned to leave. Harry's friends watched the second years as the two took their previous seats. Hannah and Susan's gaze, however, lingered on Harry. Their eyes clouded with mist, not ashamed to be ogling him from afar. Harry couldn't help but notice that this blatant staring was mimicked by many other girls in the library.

"Can you give us some rational explanation as to why you're taking the pleasure of signing autographs for them, Harry? I was under the impression that you didn't like the attention," said Callista in a flat tone. The other three girls looked at him with displeasure, expecting an answer.

"N-n-now w-w-ho am I to resist little girls? It's not like I'm flirting with them, they remind me a lot of my baby sister, Rosaline!" Harry reasoned. There was a hint of panic in his tone. "Come on, they're just little girls!"

"As I recall, Potter, you never bother about age when it comes to flirting." Daphne narrowed her eyes dangerously.

"Like Madam Rosmerta," Regine groused, squinting her eyes slightly. "Fine. We'll let it slide for now."

Harry unconsciously drew a breath of relief. "Can we get back to the previous topic?"

"Oh, that reminds me!" Sheila snapped her fingers, grinning. "I thought that having three celebrities in school would've divided the people's attention, but all they want is you, Harry. It's like there's only one instead of three. Lockhart and your brother aren't nearly as famous as you are."

"Is that what you were reminded of, Jonnet?" Daphne muttered. "And here I thought you would say something useful. What a shame… a shame, indeed…"

"Well, no, that wasn't all of it." Sheila shot a quick glare at Daphne. A grin then spread over her lips. "I just remembered my first lesson with Ravenclaw in Defense Against the Dark Arts. It was the most enjoyable lesson I've ever experienced, and it was all thanks to Harry."

"Ah yes," Lockhart bobbed his head, displaying his brilliant, shiny teeth. "One of my most wretched experiences was facing that awful werewolf, but I'm afraid I dealt with him without a wand. I simply wrestled him to the ground and then my Wolfsbane did the rest."

"More like he curled to a ball, sucked his thumb, and cried out to his mommy for help," Harry muttered, his head propped on one hand. Sheila snickered beside him. Harry's half lidded eyes stared insipidly at Lockhart before turning to Callista, who was seated at the front. "Remind me again why Callista insisted on taking a seat in the very front row with Clearwater instead of the seat next to us?"

"Beats me. She said she wanted to fully take in what Lockhart has to say. She said he's more experienced in dealing with a real threat." Sheila played with her quill instead of paying attention. She tossed it to the table and let out a low groan. "I'm bored."

"You're not the only one." Harry looked over Lockhart's books on his desk. "Holidays with Hags, Year with a Yeti, Wandering with Werewolves…What is this crap? These aren't school books. They're just detailing his adventures."

"You're right, Harry." Sheila inspected each book title.

"I have an idea on how to make this class more fun." Harry bent over her ear and whispered something.

A grin toyed her lips and she giggled evilly. "Oh, that's brilliant, Harry…" Putting on an innocent expression, she waved her right hand giddily. "Oh, Professor!" All the people in the class turned to her.

Lockhart smiled dashingly in her direction. His shiny teeth almost blinded everyone. "Yes, Ms…?"

"Jonnet, sir!" Sheila perkily answered.

"Ah yes, yes! Ms. Jonnet! Do you have a question?"

"No!" Still enthusiastic, Callista cast her a suspicious look. "I'm just saying that wrestling a werewolf is remarkable and very brave of you! Not many people could do that."

Lockhart laughed off at her compliments. "Yes, yes, it was an intense experience, but I brought it down without breaking a sweat!" A few of the girls sighed dreamily at his words.

"I was just wondering if you would show us your moves. I mean, how you defeat the werewolf with your bare hands?" She then grinned widely with eyes gleaming. "Let one of us pretend to be the werewolf and you can re-enact how you took it down! We want to see you in action!" She paused for a moment before adding an afterthought. "Sir!"

Lockhart beamed at the thought of gaining more fans. "Very well then, if you insist, Ms. Jonnet. I'm sure this will be an excellent lesson to you all. Now, any volunteers?" He purposely missed the many hands that rose up and focused on Harry.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, so good of you to volunteer!" He glided his way to his place and hauled Harry to the front. Harry hid his satisfaction. The males in the room wore expressions of glee. They knew how good Harry was in close combat and they hoped he'd do more than a little damage.

Callista stood up abruptly in alarm. "A-Ah Professor! I don't think that's a good ide-"

"Not to worry, I will go easy on Mr. Potter. You'll have your friend completely intact after this, everyone." Lockhart brushed away Callista's weak dissent. "Now, Mr. Potter. What I want you to do is to come at me and hit me with your best shot. Do not hold your strength back, alright? Yes? Okay! Now, now, not to worry, Mr. Potter. I won't inflict a lot of pain."

"Certainly, Professor!" His tone was full of innocence, folding his school uniform's long sleeves back to his elbows.

Lockhart moved to the front again, smiling widely. "Class, remember this day! The day when I-" His words were promptly cut off when Harry, wasting no time, punched him in the stomach. "Urk!" With a look of concentration, Harry grasped the collar of Lockhart's shirt and his right wrist. Summoning all of his strength, he lifted Lockhart a little and with the roar of a lion, he threw the man with all his might towards the teacher's large desk. The sound of crash was loud enough for everyone to hear and they cringed at the impact.

Inhaling a rather huge breath, Harry regained his composure. He clasped his hands together and bowed respectfully at Lockhart in a monk-like style. Sheila was the first one to shatter the ice as she stood up, clapping her hands excitedly and whooping for Harry. Soon, it was followed by whistles and thunderous claps from everyone. Or nearly everyone - Roger Davies was glaring daggers at him and Callista looked horrified. Noticing this, Harry turned to them and smiled as he half-bowed in appreciation. Before he knew it, he was encircled by the students and they showered him with compliments. Lockhart's fans completely abandoned their unconscious idol as their minds centered more on Harry.

"The fool thought it was the perfect opportunity to steal Potter's fame." Daphne was clearly chuckling. "He needs to reconsider his plan. It completely backfired on him, Potter was the one who ended up stealing his fans from him. Potter is even more famous among the male population now." She grinned a little in Harry's direction. "That was very sneaky of you, Potter. I applaud you for that."

"The thing that made me laugh so hard was the Professors awarding Harry points." Sheila laughed with tears of mirth in her eyes. "And get this, even Snape awarded Harry points...for his demonstration, as he put it. I thought for sure he was going to assign Harry detention!"

"I was bored and he was babbling about things that didn't concern me or my future at all. So, I decided to teach the class something related to defense, but for entertainment." He shrugged, smirking. "Lockhart in the infirmary for three days straight was just a bonus for me."

"Still, Harry..." Callista was stern. "You shouldn't do that to a Professor. Who knows, it might turn out not so good for you and you'll get in trouble for it."

Harry quirked an eyebrow, deadpanning, "Says the girl who has crush on the pathetic man?" Now, he was not amused.

Callista's face tinged with red. "W-w-well I-I…" She fidgeted in her seat, nibbling her bottom lip.

"Hey, there's nothing wrong with that. With all the things Professor Lockhart has done, it's no surprise at all." Regine shrunk when three pair of eyes hovered on her. She timidly pushed her pointed slender fingers together. "Well, that's what he wrote in his books anyway…"

"You fancy him too, don't you?" Harry accused, his face blank. Regine's cheeks pinked.

"Hey, leave Regine alone. I agree with her!" Callista flushed in embarrassment once their attention transferred to her. She licked her dried lips and was now beginning to regret her outburst. "I-I mean none of us could be brave enough to execute anything like he does."

Regine nodded her head shakily.

"What about the time we were swarmed by a large colony of Acromantulas?" Harry muttered flatly.

"Or the time the centaurs fired their arrows repeatedly from afar because they thought we brought an evil presence to their forest," Sheila carried on.

"There's also the time we were chased down by two werewolves," Daphne continued. "I'm still confused though, as to why they appeared in the Forbidden Forest. They came out of nowhere too..."

"Okay, okay! You three have a point!" Callista snapped, annoyed at how they'd beaten her in her own game.

"But that still doesn't explain the things he's done!" Regine burst.

"He's a fraud," Harry stated nonchalantly. "That's a good explanation."

"What?" Regine exclaimed.

"Prove it!" Callista demanded.

"All he cares about is his fame. Instead of teaching us properly, he weaves his heroic tales, boasting about his experiences. He never performed his responsibilities as a Professor correctly. And rather than preparing for his next class, he spends his spare time either looking in the mirror to make sure he's still 'dashing,' or answering his fan mail. " Harry was twirling his wand for no apparent reason.

"Plus, over the span of two weeks, he never once taught us any proper spells. All he did was delaying the lessons we need for our O.W.L.S." Sheila chewed the tip of her quill. "It's better for us studying by ourselves."

"Let's not forget his inability to act as a Professor or to live up to what his books claim. When fans asks him to demonstrate a spell from one of his books, he never fails to create an excuse." Daphne was examining her polished nails.

"W-w-w-well then, serves him right!" Callista fumed, as she slammed one of Lockhart's books onto the table. "I didn't say I fancy him, I just admired his work - I thought all of it was real!"

"You said it, sister!" Regine followed Callista's doings. "Why didn't you crush all of his bones when you had the chance, Harry?"

"Yeah!" Callista perked in agreement.

The eyes of the other three widened at the sudden change of heart. Subsequent to it, the three of them shrugged nonchalantly. After spending so much time together for four years, they deduced that it was the simple fact that all of them easily influenced one other. If one of them put forward a convincing case, the others were always willing to lean towards their side.

"Well, let's forget about Lockhart for the time being and return back to my predicament. We're getting off topic… again..."

"Sorry Harry, we keep forgetting about that." Sheila grinned sheepishly.

"I say just leave him be, Jonnet," Daphne smirked. "It is not our concern. It's his."

"B-but I thought we agreed!"

"We didn't say anything about that, Harry." Regine smiled teasingly at him.

"I didn't agree to anything either," Callista teased. "You did give us plenty of trouble throughout the last two weeks."

"Oh fine then! I'll just leave you all to yourself! Sorry for the inconvenience," Harry huffed, standing up.

Feeling guilty, Regine stood up and was about to apologize, but Sheila and Callista quickly retracted her back down. They each clamped a hand over her mouth and whispered in her ear. That calmed her down and she too didn't bother with Harry. He waited a little, but there was no response from the girls.

"Well then, Potter. What are you waiting for? If you don't mind, we'd like you to leave us in peace," Daphne smirked, her hands shooing him. "Go on then…"

"I will!" He walked away.

Exchanging amused looks, they all counted on their fingers to three. As soon as the third digit reached, Harry popped out of nowhere.

"C'mon girls! Help me out here!" Harry pleaded. They actually giggled at his behavior. No matter how annoyingly childish he could be, they couldn't deny how cute he was, and they were flattered that they were the only ones who got to see this side of him.

They looked at each other and Callista pretended to be pondering deeply, "Hmm, I don't know, girls… I was thinking of letting him suffer more. He will learn his lessons through hardship."

"I kind of agree…" Regine's lips threatened to break into a grin.

"If you two are going to be that way, then I guess I am too." Sheila shrugged, grinning.

"Well, what do you know, we're all in the same boat…" Daphne resisted the urge to grin. "Tough luck for you, Potter."

"Okay, okay! I promise I won't be lazy and I will try to pay more attention in class and be a good partner to you girls when the time comes, just help me with my fans! I won't give any of you any more trouble without a reason!"

"Is that so?" Daphne drawled, her eyes shining in hilarity.

"Yes, yes! I'm desperate here!"

"Very well... The only thing we can do is spread words that you don't like your privacy being invaded. This will tone down your fans. This method is surprisingly effective. The power of the rumor is simply incredible, and with the help of your increasing fame, it will work out just fine. They'll leave you alone." Callista conceded, still smiling in amusement. "I'll start with Ravenclaw."

"Me in Gryffindor!" Sheila chimed in.

"I'll spread the word through Cedric." Regine smiled, already continuing her abandoned work. "He'll say something to the rest of the 'Puffs."

"And I in Slytherin. Zabini is good for gossiping. Is that satisfactory, Potter?"

"Yes, thank you." Harry breathed in relief. "You girls promise, right?" They nodded their head. "And no take-backs, because that's what we all do. If we promise to someone, we have to keep our word."

"Yes, Potter," Daphne murmured, flipping her book over to read once more.

A long comfortable silence stretched. Harry pretended to read a book and eyed all of the girls. He permitted a smirk on his lips for a short while before he became serious again.

"So…" Harry cleared his throat. "There's this girl that keeps asking my autograph again and again! I mean, what's up with that? Doesn't she know I have a life to deal with? I swear, it was just an excuse for her to run her eyes all over my body. Do you know Blaise, Zabini's sister? Yeah, that's the one!" The girls bristled in their respective seats at this. "How am I supposed to avoid this? She's too sweet and innocent for me to yell at."

And that was it. "Harry Potter!" Their shouts echoed through library.

"Enough! Enough! All this shouting, yelling, and slamming books! Out, all of you! OUT!"

"Did you mean me, Madam Pince?" Harry faked a hurtful look.

"No, not you, Mr. Potter," she replied hastily, her voice softening. "It's these girls. Now, pack your things and I want you four out!"

With that, she vanished. Harry moved his attention from Madam Pince's back to the girls. He ducked his head behind the book he held, hiding from four withering glares. "I still keep my promises, you know, and I didn't say anything about me unloading my problems onto you girls, or causing you trouble when I have my reasons. And I did have my reasons. You all had been teasing me mercilessly, so I returned the favor - and by the way, it wasn't my fault. It was you girls who did all the shouting...not me." They gritted their teeth crossly, though packed their things and got ready to march out of the library.

"Oh, don't forget about that promise. Remember, you four never break any of your promises, so don't start now," Harry whispered, grinning victoriously as they furiously stomped the poor floor on their way out. However, his victory was short-lived. Before Harry knew it, the seats at his table were instantly occupied by his fans. Smiling nervously at the new girls, he stood up and dashed away from the library, intent on pursuing his best friends.

When it clicked to him that they were angry at him and wouldn't hesitate to turn him to dust, he groaned. Why did he have to do that to them? Why couldn't life be easy? Now he had no shelter from his fans! Glancing behind him, he groaned for a second time, quickening his pace. Even though the girls weren't with him at the moment, they were still making him pay for what he had done. Mental note to self, never again mess with the girls or risk facing the dreadful consequences.

19 September 1992.

"Are you positive they're okay with this?" Harry inquired, glancing at his friend out of the corner of his eye. "I'd hate to patch things up if it doesn't work out like the last time. You do remember how we all stopped talking to each other for nearly two weeks, right?"

Callista closed her eyes briefly to serene her emotions. "Yes, this time it will be fine, Harry. I already discussed it with the girls and they approved though I can't say Daphne agreed too willingly."

"If you say so." Harry shrugged uncaringly but his head snapped to her as he added, "Wait, why I wasn't part of this discussion?"

Callista reached out for Harry's free hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "You don't need to worry, Harry. You know we won't leave you behind. You were quite busy during the summer and for that reason, we didn't wish to bother you."

Harry scowled a little, facing away from her gorgeous eyes. "A-Alright… But next time, don't leave me out of something that concerns you girls, and don't make any pathetic excuses for you to exclude me."

Callista smiled largely at her friend's compassion. She interlocked her fingers with his and her heart warmed at his touch. "Very well, next time, we'll include you in everything."

"Are you sure this is what you want? Daphne does have a point," Harry splattered the silence after a few minutes, not minding her hand holding his. "I just realized this summer that Quidditch is a brutal sport. It's not fun if you're the victim to a bludger or if you fall off a broom-" Harry winced noticeably, recollecting his past experiences. "I was naive in my first year. I just went along with everyone else when I entered the Ravenclaw team and took my position as one of the Chasers."

"I will be fine. Ever since Mr. Greengrass installed a floo system in my house, I've been going back and forth to Sheila's mansion to train," she affirmed confidently.

"That confident, huh?" She hummed melodically in response, and her smile never faltered.

"Harry?" Callista called out for her friend as if the idea had just struck her mind. "How come you still get to participate in Hogwarts' Quidditch tournament? And above all that, Professor Flitwick appointed you as captain. I presumed professional players aren't allowed to compete against fellow students. Wouldn't it simply be out of the question?"

"Oh, that?" Harry smirked slightly. "Now that you mention it, I was thinking along the same lines when Flitwick summoned me to his office."

17 September 1992.

"Ah, Harry!" Flitwick squeaked, squirming enthusiastically in the seat he sat on. "Come in! Come in!"

"It's good to see you again, Professor." Harry smiled slightly at his little head of house.

"You too, my dear boy! You too!" the Professor replied eagerly. "Come, come, have a seat. There's something I want to discuss with you."

Harry nodded his head politely, sitting down in one of the two chairs in front of Flitwick. "Is there something you want from me, Professor?"

"You were very busy last summer, weren't you, Harry?"

"Why yes, Professor. I was very busy." Harry stated with a hint of amused in his tone. He intentionally stressed the word 'very'. After the whole Quidditch tournament, he had resumed his own private training with the old man.

Flitwick rapidly jiggled his head up and down with excitement. "Imagine my surprise when the news of your initiation to Puddlemere United reached my ears! It was beyond anyone's wildest dreams!"

Harry felt an embarrassment surge through him. "Yeah, well, I learned many things during my time in Puddlemere. One, is that the standard of the professionals and standards here are completely different. Even I have to work very hard to earn the position I am in now."

"True, true but it is still remarkable and I wish to say congratulations! It's not often that a Ravenclaw excels in sports. We are seen as only succeeding in matters that concern our intellectual self. You demonstrated to everyone that even the smart ones can accomplish something different."

"That's true..." And it was. Among the four houses, Ravenclaw was deemed to be weak when it came to any sort of physical activity, not only by the people in Hogwarts, but by the rest of the British Wizarding world. Harry had proven that achievement is not based on the house you're in, it's who you are as a person that matters, and no amount of judgment based on blood status or background could change that. Though he doubted anyone cared about such truths.

Knocked back from his daydream, Harry addressed his Professor. "Ah...Professor, why did you call me here?"

Flitwick pulled out a badge from one of the drawers in his desk and placed it on the wooden surface.

"Is this what I think it is, Professor?"

"Yes, Harry! It is!"

"But Professor, professionals aren't allowed to play. It wouldn't be fair to the students."

"I don't ever recall rules saying that they cannot. Actually, this subject was never touched upon at all in the rulebook, so the answer you're looking for is no, Harry."

"But are you sure, Professor? I mean, it's not fair to the other houses," Harry said tentatively. "I've been trained this summer by none other than Phillbert Deverill, one of the best Quidditch coaches in all of Britain."

"I have to say, Harry, I am lucky you're in my house. From what I've observed these past few years, you've acquired all the Hogwarts house traits. You have what it means to be a Slytherin, in terms of earning points and escaping punishments assigned to you. I've watched you act so much like a Gryffindor when you play Quidditch, just charging straight ahead with outstanding bravery. You can be a true Hufflepuff, particularly in how you treat your fellow classmates with fairness and present such loyalties to your friends. Yet here you are now, one of the Ravenclaws, and for that I'm truly thankful." Flitwick permitted a grateful smile to coil his lips. "In truth, at one of the staff meetings, I brought up this matter. As usual, Professor Snape disapproved of you being a member of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, and especially disliked the idea of you being captain, but his objection means nothing considering the rest of the staff voiced their opinions and wished for you to play."

"And Professor McGonagall and Sprout? They're okay with this? I don't want them to have any reason to hate me, Professor."

Flitwick waved his hand dismissively, unconcerned. "They look forward to your first match, and to some healthy competition in terms of the Quidditch Cup. In fact, all of us are!" Harry had promised the coach that he would train his body in preparation for next year's tournament, and seemed to be a perfect solution...so what the heck!

With an indifference shrug, Harry snatched the badge. "If that is all, then I require some sleep, Professor."

"Yes, you should do that, but before you leave, there is one more thing."

Harry rose up, straightening himself. "Oh, what's that, Professor?"

"May I have your autograph, Harry?"

"He did?" Callista asked, shocked.

"Yeah, he did," Harry mumbled with a sour expression. Perceiving the sound of giggles next to him, Harry twirled his head to the source of the noise and exclaimed, "Don't laugh, damn it! It's infuriating enough that everyone insists on asking for my autograph. What's so great about it anyway? It's just a damn parchment with my damn signature on it! It's nothing special! Even Lockhart is jealous of me now - his fanbase is virtually nonexistent, all because I accidentally 'stole' everyone away from him! He may not show it, but he's furious with the sudden swell in the number of my fans. Gah, it's so frustrating!"

This only served Callista to laugh out more, though she never slackened her grip on the broom or Harry's free hand. Harry scowled at her reaction. He expected some wise advice, not for her to be laughing at his demise. He shifted his sight to the front and a devilish smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. He came to a halt, and Callista did the same. Still laughing a little, she spun her head to him with mild confusion in her eyes. Harry faintly motioned his head, indicating for her to look up.

The laugh died in her throat as she frowned deeply. The source of her distaste was none other than Percy Weasley, who had what appeared to be a charming smile playing on his lips. Well, it was Percy's idea of charming. Callista's body went rigid as the Weasley drew near. Whistling a familiar tune, Harry made to walk up ahead, but Callista held him tightly, not wanting him to leave her. He swallowed a little at her menacing glare. Sighing, he remained by her side.

"Hello Callista, fine weather, isn't it?" Percy smiled to her, ignoring Harry's existence.

"U-um y-yeah…" Callista awkwardly returned his smile, restraining an immense urge to grimace.

Harry had to turn away from them, chocking back sniggers.

"I see you're up…for Quidditch tryouts…" Percy frowned a little.

At this, her eyes shone brilliantly. "Ah yes! And by now, we're both probably late. It's not good to keep the others waiting, particularly for their own captain, right Harry?"

"Hmm…" Harry pretended to be clueless. "Oh, don't mind me, Callista. We still have plenty of time, so no worries at all. Even if we are late, I'm sure they won't mind. They're used to my less-than-perfect punctuality. So just take your time with Weasel." Harry coughed. "Oh, I mean Weasley. Honestly, I don't know why I keep saying that."

Callista squinted her eyes. "But people already gathered at the field...it looks like everyone's there except for the two of us. It's best we get over there, yes?" Callista spoke through her clenched teeth. In addition, she crushed his hand tightly to make her message quite clear.

"Ouch! Damn it, woman! You'll break my bones!" But Callista didn't let go.

"Why are you two holding hands?" Percy blurted. His tone was more accusing than questioning and his eyes burned with jealousy.

Seizing the chance, Harry hung their hands up in the air and shoved them in Percy's face. "What? Never seen a guy holding a girl's hand before? How innocent of you, Percy. Want me to explain what happens if two opposite genders are attracted to each other?"

"It's not that Potter," he spat, his face deluged with red. He was more than furious. "Why are you two so bloody intimate?"

"It's none of your concern, Percy," Harry sniffed haughtily, mimicking Percy's pose back on the train. He smirked as the guy seemed close to exploding. Skillfully, he adopted a look of innocence. "Goodness me, is it that late already? Well, if you don't mind, we'd best be going now. C'mon, Callista."

Hauling her along with him, they strode in the direction of the field, abandoning a furious looking Weasel- err...Weasley.

"He doesn't know when to give up, does he?"

Callista exhaled a frustrated breath. "Regrettably, no… He continued approaching me at every chance he can get in these last two weeks. The only place I'm completely safe from him is with you, Daphne, or in the common room. If I have to be honest, I prefer Daphne's method of dealing him."

"So do I." Harry didn't resist grinning freely at that. "It's sad he didn't get to stay longer in the infirmary. It would have done us a huge favor. What a bothersome, that guy. Why is he so persistent with you anyway?"

Callista sighed exhaustedly. "Sheila has some information on that and she acquired it from her Gryffindor friends. She claimed Weasley fancy dating me, given that I'm the only one who's worthy to be his girlfriend. She said it's because I'm intelligent, one of the top three of our year, very pretty, not Slytherin or a daughter from arrogant pureblood family and yes, most importantly I'm a prefect. To his eyes, all those characteristics were qualified enough. Unfortunately for him and luckily for me, I dislike him a lot. Oh, Sheila also mentioned that sending me letters during the summer was for him to build a steady friendship with me. In accordance to it, that friendship could blossom into romance..." She paused for a few seconds before adding the afterthought, "That's what he hopes for anyway."

"No wonder, he kept chasing after you." Harry snickered. "Why can't you just be blunt on him?"

"If it weren't for my parents nurturing me to be polite, I would have say no to him."

"With a dozen of hexes on his way?"

"Oh," Callista smiled impishly. "And that too..."

Silence reigned over the two of them.

As they walked, Harry surreptitiously cast his eyes on their joined hands, his smile wavering. Now that he pondered what Percy said, the good-for-nothing guy did have a point. Why was he so intimate with Callista? It wasn't like they had anything going on between them, right? Sure, he shared much affection among his best friends, but he had never before questioned why he did so. All he knew was that it just felt so natural to him. In fact, throughout all the years he had known the girls, he now recalled how they all took every opportunity to hold his hand, hug him, and all other manner of non-friendly physical contact, including Daphne. Whenever he and she were both alone, she always put her head on his shoulder.

He looked behind him, not stopping his walk, and noticed Callista was in deep thought. Staring at her face, Harry felt blood creeping up his neck and swiftly moved his eyes back to what lay before him. It wasn't that Callista was an unattractive person - hell, she was the most beautiful girl in Ravenclaw. Guys constantly chased her, but she always rejected them. Reflecting on it a second time, all of his best friends were very pretty, Daphne in particular. He supposed he had known that from the very beginning, but it appeared his teenage side now began to truly take note of how stunning they really were.

Tilting his head, his eyes wandered back to Callista, and he noticed how the Quidditch uniform molded to her body. He knew they all had beautiful, voluptuous bodies. He even went so far as to imagine all four them without clothes. Blushing more hotly, he shook his head rapidly. Mentally, he slapped himself. What was he thinking? They were his best friends! He shouldn't think of them like that, he didn't want to ruin their friendship. Furthermore, since when did girls make him blush this madly? He blamed his hormones. Quickly removing his hand from Callista's grasp, he stuffed it in his right pocket and refused to look at her anymore.

"What's the matter, Harry?" Her voice was full of inquisitiveness. She leaned in from his right, slowly closing the distance between them.

"N-nothing!" Harry scurried away, his legs moving faster, leaving a perplexed Callista behind.

Harry's right eyebrow twitched at the large group in front of him. Half or maybe more, of the Ravenclaw house seemed to have turned up, all anxious for the trial. Looking on the road to the stands, he bit his lip to stifle a groan. The crowd was, more or less, identical to the mass of people that showed up for official Quidditch games at Hogwarts. He had a hard time locating his three best friends with all the people filling the seats. Harry did not mask his emotions as he blew his breath, frustrated, watching most of the people on the pitch looking at him in awe and admiration. His fame was once again starting to tick him off. Tryouts would take all day.

"Alright, listen up, you lot!" Harry barked and all the participants straightened at his voice. The whispers and giggles died down. Well, there was the other thing he learned from his coach, the necessary ferocity and intimidation. Harry allowed a tiny, cocky smirk to sweep his lips for a moment.

"As you all know, it's quite a surprise the Professors permitted me to enter the team and become a captain. Not to mention with the protests from the other houses, but all that is no longer significant. What's important right now is this tryout and let me remind you all, I don't take favorites. I'll do the trial fair and square. Bear this in mind! If you happen to be completely useless, with no talent on a broom whatsoever, I'll kick you off of the field without a second thought. I don't care if you are my enemy, ones I'm close with, or ones I owe a debt to... I'll treat you all equally. Don't get any ideas that I'll just hand a few of you special privileges, including to the ones who were members of the team in the last few years. Do you understand?" He pointedly gazed at Callista and the girl nodded her head in understanding.

A seventh year snorted with laughter. Harry spotted the person effortlessly. Summoning his wand to his right hand, he flicked it in the boy's direction, hurling a bludgeon spell. It hit the guy's face with powerful force, and he collapsed to the ground with a bloody nose. "I will not tolerate anyone who doesn't have any discipline. Let me assure you, rudeness will be punished severely and I will handle it personally. A warning to you all, I do easily get annoyed…" There were gulping sounds from among the group. Some had disbelief written on their features, their Quidditch idol was completely different from what they thought he would be.

"There are Beaters, Chasers, Seekers and Keepers. Choose which type of position you wish to try for, then split up accordingly into these four groups. Hurry up, I don't have all day!" They all scrambled at Harry's command. Some were clumsy enough to bump to each other and fell to the ground.

"Alright, first thing first - we'll go through basic training, which centers on testing your endurance. All of you will participate and then I'll judge your flying skill individually. If you are dreadful on a broom, this is my encouragement for you, so hear me out." A few squirmed in anticipation as Harry took deep breath. "You don't stand a chance here so it's best you don't waste my time and get your sorry arse, out of my sight." The crowds sweat-dropped at Harry's so-called word of encouragement. "After that, we'll continue on with the trial, starting with the Chasers and finishing off with the Beaters."

"Aiden!" A brunette sixth year girl hoisted her neck up at the sound of her last name. "I want to have a word with you." She nodded her head shakily, a tint of red on both of her cheeks. "Why don't you lot fly around the field to ease your nervousness and try to work on any of your special moves. Trust me, it will help you a little bit in terms of persuading me to put you on the team. Ten minutes is all you have. Oh and one more thing." They all stopped mounting their brooms. "I don't do well with tantrums and people who complain about my decisions. So watch carefully, this is how I deal with those people." Without looking, he pointed his wand at the ground next to him. A flash of light struck the grass, creating a small explosion and a small dent in the field. He swished his wand and the ground reverted back to normal. "Did you all get that?"

They nodded their heads shakily, bodies quivering violently. Those in upper years who had previously looked intimidating lost their composure entirely, and some of the lower years were about to faint. Callista was the only one unperturbed by the demonstration.

"Well then, go and fly up!" Harry snarled with a hint of annoyance in his tone. Callista stayed back for a while, glowering him and Shannon. Harry dispatched a look of annoyance in her direction and pointed his thumb up at the sky. Glaring one last time, she clambered onto her broom and joined her housemates. He shook his head, marveling at how little he understood about girls.

He smiled dashingly at Shannon, which the girl took with a pretty blush on her face. "I heard you got nine O.W.L.s, and three were Outstanding. Congratulations!"

"Um…thanks…" she mumbled, and her blush didn't reduce one bit.

"Anyway…" Harry began, eyes attached on Callista's form. He noted her flying skill had improved. "I have something to offer you, Aiden and I sincerely hope you take it."

Curiosity rushed through her body. "What's that?"

He returned to gaze at her, his smile wavering a bit. "Well, here's the thing. Since you're not a prefect and I suspect you won't be that busy this semester, I was wondering if you'd like to become my assistant."

"W-what do you mean?" The girl blushed even more.

"Nothing like that," Harry reassured her quickly. "It's just that this semester I will be very busy with my prefect duties, O.W.L.s, and other things. It will take far too much of my time for me to even consider Quidditch. That would be unfair to the rest of the team. I'm not saying I'll hand my captaincy over to you completely, but you'd be the team's second in command. Help me out with the team, organize their training, think of what kind of drills we should conduct and all of that stuff. You know how lazy I am when it comes to more work since I enjoy most of my free time relaxing. I know there is usually no such position at Hogwarts, but I will be the first to create it, and I know I can convince Flitwick into letting me."

Shannon nodded her head thoughtfully. "Now that you told me, you are facing O. next year and you're right, your time will be limited. But why me?"

Smirking suggestively, Harry stepped closer to her and instinctively she took few steps back, flushing. "Why Aiden, just think of all the time both of us will get to spend together. There won't be anyone bothering us…if we discussed our business in secluded places," he whispered seductively.

She sucked her breath, her heart hammering furiously at his words. Her face was as red as a tomato. She very much wanted to say something, but her words turned to stutters. Harry grinned at this. Wishing to push more, he opened his mouth, but stiffened when a wand dug painfully into his back. He swallowed audibly and unsteadily spun his body, coming face to face with Daphne. She wore a stoic expression and her eyes were cold as ice as she pointed her wand towards him.

"Um…hey, Daphne, w-what are you doing here? Where are Regine and Sheila?"

"I just arrived - they're not yet here," she stated flatly, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "What are you doing, Potter?"

"H-Hey! Don't get any ideas, I was offering Aiden an important position on the team! Honest, Daph! You know how busy I am this term, so I asked Aiden to be my assistant. That way, she can take care of the team in my absence!" All the while, his eyes were glued to her wand. "Would you please put that bloody thing away?"

"Is this true?" With her icy blue eyes and her furious porcelain features, Shannon found Daphne to be downright terrifying. Even Harry was scared of her and he was a pretty fearless person. Shannon nodded her rapidly, frightened of angering the fifth year girl more. Daphne doubted the validity of the answer, but obediently put her wand away. "If I find you flirting, we four will deal with you later, Potter. I'll keep an eye on you...two eyes, more like it."

Flipping her glorious straight hair, she walked gracefully to the stands, acknowledging the arrival of her two best friends. They glared Harry from afar.

Her departure elicited breaths of relief from the two of them. "Is she always that scary?" Shannon asked quietly. To her surprise, Harry chuckled a little.

"Not often, just when she's displeased with something. She is scary, isn't she? It makes you think twice about crossing her lines. With all the things she has done to the boys, it's not a surprise."

Shannon nodded her in agreement and cringed when she thought about how guys who wanted to date Daphne ended up in the infirmary. Still, everyday there would be at least one or two people who dared to ask her out. That alone spoke volume of how incredibly beautiful and gorgeous Daphne is. It's not that difficult for the others to be envy of her. Many girls were quite self-conscious of themselves whenever Daphne's nearby, counting her best friends too. The three girls never say it in front of their best friend, but even they had to concede and were self-aware in how beautiful Daphne is.

"Anyway, you up for the job?"

"I'm happy to help you out, Harry," she smiled.

"Great!" Harry smiled back sincerely and unconsciously, it had the girl blushing all over again. "I'll tell Professor Flitwick about this, and then you can access the special bathrooms and everything."

"Wait, what?" She wasn't expecting that.

"What, you think I'm just gonna let you help me without giving you something in return? You've earned equal status to prefects or a captain of a Quidditch team."

"B-but-"

"I think it's fair enough," Harry interrupted with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders and a slight smile. "I'll be counting on you, Aiden. Now, go get yourself ready. I'll be calling everyone in the next two minutes."

Shannon started to walk away from him, but turned back to look at Harry. "Um…thanks, Harry." He nodded his head, slanting his head to the side as Aiden soared to the sky with a whoosh.

20 September 1992.

The next morning, Harry dressed in casual clothes.

Since there was no class today, students were free of having to wear the school uniform, and there was a Hogsmeade trip for all students except for the first and second years. Looking into the mirror, he blew out a breath of exasperation. He was wearing one of the outfits the Greengrass' had bought for him last winter. They were considerate enough on purchasing him a variety of Muggle fashion as they knew he was fond of the style. Harry was still in the process of getting comfortable with the idea of gifts, nonetheless he accepted them graciously. He decided then, that he looked very nice in expensive clothes, and the mirror seemed to agree with him as it remarked, "Very dashing."

Harry tilted his head slightly to the side, absently wondering why any of his mirrors back at home weren't like this one. It never failed to amuse him.

Smiling a little, he half-bowed to the mirror for the compliment, and with mischief gleaming in his eyes, he walked down to the common room. For the first time, he didn't bring his hat with him. Harry observed many of his housemates crowded around the notice board as he descended the stairs. He had instructed Shannon to post the Quidditch notice in the early morning as both of them had finalized who was to be on the team last night. Seeing that she was his second in command now, it was only fair for him to converse with her. He began to hear loud groans from the crowd - no doubt from those who didn't get picked to be on the team.

"Harry!" Before he knew it, he was engulfed in a huge hug, so huge, he nearly thought Sheila had snuck into the Ravenclaw common room. "I'm on the team!"

He rolled his eyes at the girl, letting a genuine smile grace his lips.

"Of course you are. I supervised the trial myself." He pushed her gently from him. "You earned it. It's a payment for all of your effort. But that doesn't mean I'll go easy on you. I'll treat you like everybody else in training, you got that?"

Callista just grinned at her friend.

"This calls for a celebration then. The girls will be happy to hear the news of your acceptance."

"I can't wait to tell them. Sheila will be so proud of me!" Callista squealed silently to herself.

"What are we waiting for? Let's go." Harry cocked an eyebrow as a stunned looking Xi-Li drifted away from the crowd. "Li?"

The said girl broke from her trance and her cheeks tinged pink. "P-Potter!"

"Li."

"Potter!"

"Li."

"Potter!"

"Li-"

"Stop that!" she snarled, grinding her teeth.

"Stop what?" Harry smirked.

"That!" Xi barked, infuriated.

"Where?" Harry looked to his sides.

"Not that! That!"

"What's what?"

"Yes, what!" Flushing in embarrassment, she howled, "N-n-not what! I mean that!"

"What are we talking again?" Harry did his best to look confused. He scratched his head to emphasize his point.

She opened her mouth but wisely shut it, realizing Harry was playing her. Burning in anger, every fiber of her body trembled in obvious rage, and seeing his smirk of amusement, she let out aggravated shout and prepared to lunge at him. Callista stepped in between the two, obstructing Li from tearing Harry into pieces.

Harry shook his head, smiling a little. "Congratulations on making the team, Li."

She glared him with eyes filled of suspicion, though the blush on her face didn't recede a bit.

"Yeah, that's right. I see your name on it too." Callista smiled brightly. "You're on the team as well, aren't you Xi?"

Xi beamed back at her friend. "Yeah, I'm the Seeker. I'm sharp and good at catching things. There's also another Seeker named Cho Chang, just two years below us."

"Congratulations then!"

Xi nodded her head, grinning. "Thanks! You too, Callista. Didn't know you had in you, playing as a Chaser too."

"Oh, she expresses her gratitude to other people...but not me?" Harry blinked his eyes innocently, appearing right behind Callista.

"S-shut up, Potter!"

"I'm hurt, Li." Harry brought his hands above his heart. "Don't you know that I put you on the team because I can't stay away from you?"

"W-what?" Her face was a nice shade of crimson.

Callista, irritated with Harry, elbowed his ribs strongly. She overlooked his moan of pain and smiled at her roommate. "Ignore Harry. He's just being his flirty self. You were selected to be on the team and means you're a great flyer, Xi."

"You don't have to be so rough..." Harry muttered with a sour look. "But she's right, Li. I'm just messing with you. I picked you because you're good."

She glanced away at his sincere look and mumbled coyly, "T-thanks..."

Walking to her, he grabbed one of her hands and placed a simple piece of parchment in it. On the parchment was his signature. Harry amusedly observed her reaction and wasn't disappointed. Her eyes sparkled in admiration as she recognized what he had given her.

"That's not for you, Li. It's for your sister. I've noticed she's been trying to get my autograph these past few weeks, but didn't have much of a success. Be sure to pass it on to her. I was thinking of giving it to her myself, but now you're here, so just do me a favor will ya?" Harry smirked one last time. "Well, we won't bother you anymore. We're just on our way down to breakfast. Come on Callista. I'm sure the girls will love to hear you're on the team."

Harry gladly allowed Callista to lead them both away. Looking back at Li, he could tell she was upset. She had too much pride in her to request for Harry's autograph for herself. Harry's eyes morphed into a color of gold, and the parchment in Li's hand duplicated, splitting into another one that she could keep. It was an easy charm for him to copy one thing permanently. Surprised, she looked up, her eyes finding Harry as he winked at her. He chuckled a little as her face turned red once again.

"Harry?"

"Hmm?" His head shifted to the front, not halting their walk.

"Why are you looking at Xi?" Her tone was filled with wariness.

Harry glanced back at Li and shrugged. "No reason, actually."

"Oh?"

"Now that I think of Li, she is kind of attractive..." Harry murmured.

And he was right. Sure, she wasn't as attractive as Callista or any of his best friends, but Harry wasn't blind enough to not notice her good-looks. Her eyes were dark as midnight, her short, cropped navy hair was messy when she ruffled it in annoyance, and she had quite an athletic body. He wondered why she never attended any tryouts in her previous years at Hogwarts and yet this year she went for it. A figure of blushing Li emerged in his mind.

"W-what do you mean?" she questioned, demanding an answer.

"Nothing. Come on, let's not keep the girls waiting," Harry promptly muttered, still thinking of Li.

"O-okay..." Callista replied hesitantly.

"I still think it's a bad idea," Sheila grunted uncharacteristically.

"I agree," Regine grumbled, drinking her Butterbeer.

It was now afternoon and they had all gathered in the Three Broomsticks as they had always done in Hogsmeade. As usual, from the moment they stepped through the door, all attention was on Harry instantaneously. It didn't take long before he was surrounded by the occupants of the tavern. Thankfully, it all settled down with the help of Madam Rosmerta. Now, all of his fans left him and the girls alone, though Harry couldn't say the same for their eyes.

"I don't want to hear this again."

"Why not?" Daphne scowled.

Harry pursed his lips. "Maybe it's because yesterday I told you the reason over and over again?"

"I still say it's a bad idea," Sheila growled.

"Can't you help me out?" Harry addressed Callista. The girl just averted her eyes from him and sipped her Butterbeer politely. Harry heaved an exhausted sigh. "Look, with Aiden as my second, I'll have more free time. I can't execute my duties as both captain and prefect at the same time. There's also O. coming soon. If I hadn't appointed her then I'd be forced to deal with stress every each day, developing plans, dealing with all my responsibilities, and catching up with my studies. My head would explode if I had to endure all that. With Aiden helping me, I can spend the rest of my free time with you girls or relaxing."

That last statement perked four pair of ears, and their mood changed in an instant.

"Since you put it that way, then I guess we're okay with it, Harry," Callista said with a hint of smile. The other three girls nodded their head in satisfaction. Little by little Harry lifted an eyebrow, but grumbled incoherently, not understanding girls. He seriously needed a guy friend. He childishly chugged all of his Butterbeer, and he didn't budge when Regine sighed and tenderly wiped his mouth with her handkerchief.

Daphne stood up, brushing the soot off her skirt. She now held the attention of all the guys in the pub, and Harry glared them angrily. He really didn't like how the males eyed his best friends like some piece of property. It was true they were very pretty girls - and he readily admitted that to himself - but lusting after them, befriending them just to try and get into their pants was not something he approved of.

Last time, some arrogant berk from seventh year struck up a conversation with him, trying to use Harry to coax one of his best friends into dating the guy. It ended in him punching the guy's face and casting a spell to break the guy's left arm, all out of rage. Harry didn't care that he got detentions for two whole weeks. Not a single male could ever talk about his girls like something they could buy or sell and get away without nasty retribution from him. No one risked approaching him after that.

"I'll just be on my way to the bathroom," said Daphne.

"I'll accompany you, Daphne," Callista smiled, rising up from her seat.

Daphne returned her smile and both walked to the bathroom, chatting all the while.

Noting how Roger's eyes scrutinized Callista up and down, Harry growled possessively. Discreetly, Harry gazed at the large, ornate lamp situated above the guy. His eyes flashed to gold and the string that was attached to the lamp vanished, leaving it to plummet down onto Roger's head. There were shrieks and yelps, but Harry just smirked as few people attempted to assist the poor boy, helping him out from under the lamp and towing him out of the pub, a spot of blood smeared on his head. Oh yes, this Mystic Eyes was certainly useful. Harry had been using it a lot to hurt the males who looked at his girls in a disgusting manner. The few accidents that occurred in Hogwarts, coincidentally happened only to the males, were all Harry's doing.

"I wonder what happened back there. It's strange how these accidents tend to happen to the guys," Regine mulled, concerned. Not so much concern for Roger, but more for Harry's well-being. "I hope you're always careful, Harry. I don't want any of those to happen to you."

"Don't worry, Regine. I'll take extra care, for your sake." Harry smirked out of amusement. However, Regine smiled at his words.

"I'm not worried. Harry can take care of himself," Sheila snorted in her Butterbeer. "Besides, it's always funny when it happens."

"I think Daphne has influenced you a lot, Sheila."

She gasped dramatically. "Oh Merlin, you're right, Harry. I think the snake infected me with her disease!"

Regine rolled her eyes, grinning. "If Daphne heard you, she'll hex you for sure."

"I have my protection right here!" she announced, hooking her right arm into Harry's left.

"Hey, don't drag me into this," Harry joked. "I'll make sure I'm miles away from here before I get the chance to face her wrath."

They all chortled at that. It was legend how scary Daphne could be, even Snape was known to have back down from her.

"What's taking those two so long?" Sheila marveled. "I think I'm going to check up on them. Be right back, you guys!"

With a wide grin, she ran in the direction of the bathroom and clumsily collided into one of the tables.

"Where does she get all that energy from? Even I'm not that enthusiastic," Harry smiled.

"It's just how Sheila is. It's a good thing, though. We need someone who can cheer us up."

"True, true. I like the way she is, the way you girls are. You four haven't changed a bit in all these years. I want it remain that way."

"But you, on the other hand, Harry, are a complete different person."

Harry fluttered his eyes, his gaze landing on her face.

"Really?" Regine nodded her head, smiling widely. "Is that... a bad thing?"

She shook her head. "Nope... I say it's neither bad nor good."

"Huh?"

"I mean it's good that you smile more often and enjoy life as much as you can, but we kind of miss the old you."

"The old me?"

Regine chuckled at his bewildered look. It was so cute. "Uh huh, the old you... You know, the Harry who was a very cold and grumpy person, roughly pushing people away, glaring at everyone he met, never thinking life could be enjoyable, a kid who rarely smiled and never missed the chance to have a scowl on his face...an aloof person. Kind of like Daphne, but even she is more carefree and open than the old you."

That's true, however, for the most part of his changes was derived from the Mirror of Erised. Subsequent to witnessing what his heart desire most, he did change a lot after that. "So um..." Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably, hesitant. "How I am right now...? Is it a good thing?"

"Like I said, it's neither good nor bad. It's more...in the middle...but it's a relief to see you smile more often, Harry. It really is..." Regine stared dazedly at his face, lost in his emerald eyes.

"What?" Harry asked softly. "Is there something on my face?"

Regine tore her gaze from him, mutely shaking her head. She avoided looking into his eyes and put great effort into concealing the heavy blush that currently bloomed on both of her cheeks, matching the color of her scarlet hair. She cursed his good looks. Harry himself knew he was a pretty attractive guy, but he always underestimated how truly handsome he was. Not to mention his emerald eyes...they were so alluring that if you stared into them, you were completely and utterly lost.

"Sheila?" Regine snapped out of her reverie at Harry's voice, looking up just to see her friend rush outside.

Harry wasted no time pursuing Sheila. Rising up, Regine followed behind him.

Running a bit, Harry caught Sheila's arm and spun her around gently. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"U-um, it's n-nothing." Sheila smiled weakly. "Listen, um, I have to go… I'll see you guys later…There's something that uh- came up… yeah…"

She removed Harry's hand from her arm and dashed in the direction of the carriages, intent on heading back to the castle.

"Sheila!" Regine shouted worriedly, having arrived on the scene just in time to see Sheila take off.

Harry whirled around as Daphne and Callista jogged up to them. "What did you two do?" His tone was accusing.

Suddenly, both looked guilty, caught off guard by his tone.

"She was eavesdropping on our conversation and we didn't notice she was nearby. When we heard the sound of rustling, it was far too late by then," Callista replied quietly.

"And you didn't bother to put a Silencing Charm around you?" Harry felt anger welling up inside him.

"What were you two talking about, anyway?" Regine rescued them both from Harry's wrath and sent him a look to back off.

"As to why I'm not a prefect…" Daphne muttered, slight guilt lingering in her eyes.

"Oh? I thought you say Snape didn't pick you?" Regine pressed her.

"I…" Daphne shook her head. "...rejected the position actually. I figured the rest of us would have been chosen as one - we're undoubtedly excellent in our academics - but Jonnet wouldn't have been picked. I thought she'd feel left out if all four of us were prefects and she wasn't."

"It will be hard to talk with her. She'll be avoiding us now because of you two. You know how sensitive she is when it comes to matters about her intellectual. This is troublesome," Harry growled. His right hand clenched into a tight fist.

"We know that... It's the precise reason we never mentioned it when she was around," Callista murmured. "But-"

"But you just had to do it in a public bathroom. Why couldn't it be in safer place, huh? A more private location? But no, it had to be in a freaking bathroom. I thought you were a very smart person, Callista. Guess you just forgot to use your brain!" Harry harshly interrupted. "I can't believe how stupid you were."

"Harry!" Regine exclaimed.

"Potter, it was unintentional." Daphne came to her friend's defense.

However, Daphne's words were too late as Harry's had already deeply hurt her. No one had ever told her she was an idiot before. This was the first time, and it was from Harry's own mouth...it felt like a knife slicing through her heart. Callista shut her eyes tightly and faced away, tears forming in both of her eyes. Harry sighed, running his hand through his hair. He needed to learn when to shut his mouth. Moving to her friend, he snaked his left arm around her shoulders and hugged her. "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to say that..." She just nodded her head, burying her face deeper into his chest. Harry extended his right hand and grasped Daphne's left. He knew his words had affected her too.

"I'm sorry..." Daphne nodded her head, slight teary.

"What about Sheila?" Regine spoke after a moment had passed by, still concerned with her other friend.

"Just leave her to me," said Harry tiredly. "I'll talk to her... somehow…"