33

Chapter XXXIII: Hogwarts Quidditch Cup

(Harry P.O.V)

"Uh, Harry," Astoria called out from behind him, "You alright?"

Harry had heard his friend's concern, but he had a much bigger challenge on his mind. His eyes locked with Michael's in an intense staredown as the two looked like feral beasts ready to pounce each other. "You're going down, Potter," Michael mouthed from the Ravenclaw table as Harry snarled.

"Bring it, Corner," Harry returned without volume.

"Just leave it alone," Neville said with a laugh, "They are both super competitive, this is going to be one hell of a quidditch match, that's for sure."

"How are you not upset?" Astoria queried Neville, "I mean, with Cedric getting sick before the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor game, you're chance to win the Cup vanished."

Neville shrugged, "I mean, it sucks, but Hufflepuff's won for three years in a row, it'll be interesting to watch a good game, especially the one where I get to not be biased."

Harry had reflected back on that game, he was pretty upset when he found out that Cedric wasn't playing. Gryffindor had easily crushed Hufflepuff without their star-seeker, but seeing as he and Cedric were tied 1 to 1 in their pick-up games, he was hoping for a chance to crush Cedric in an actual match. Despite both Harry and Angelina's desire to postpone the game until Cedric was healthy enough to play, Hooch decline and Gryffindor entered the Cup-Final against Ravenclaw.

However, Harry supposed it wasn't all bad. He had heard that the Ravenclaw house team was a bit of a joke, but Michael's tactical mind and skill had led the Joke team of the Eagles to the finals, and Harry wanted nothing more to stop Michael's run there. It wasn't that he wanted to crush his friend's dreams, but the two were far too competitive to go easy on each other just because they were friends. In fact, their friendship had only made their rivalry stronger, and part of Harry trembled with excitement at the notion of Neville joining the Hufflepuff team and the matches becoming a game of survival among their three houses.

Harry's mock scowl turned into a grin however when he saw Hermione gently smack Michael upside the head. Harry chuckled as Michael turned to her and all he heard was, "Eat, or you're breakfast is going to get cold. Also, all your growling makes me feel like I'm eating next to a barbarian."

Harry's defiant stare had all but vanished as he chuckled seeing Michael try to keep his 'game face' on while shoveling scrambled egg into his mouth. It was far less intimidating than he was sure Michael hoped. However, while Quidditch did approach quickly, it wasn't the only event looming on the horizon. With the months seeming the fly quicker than Harry could conceive, end of the year exams were now just around the corner, and while part of Harry was thrilled school was going to be out, he was certainly going to miss his close proximity to the princess over the summer holiday.

He was pulled out of his thoughts however when a hand was placed on his shoulder, he looked up to see the stoic face of Oliver Wood staring down at him, and just as Harry had come to expect of his team captain, a notable man of few words, Wood spoke, "Potter, let's go."

Harry nodded, and with one last grin towards Astoria who had promised to cheer for him. Wood had left him in the dust, quickly hustling out of the Great Hall towards the Gryffindor Locker Room, but Harry wasn't in such a rush, and he was pretty pleased with that factor given it allowed for a certain blonde and her two friends to catch up with him.

"Flyboy," Daphne called for him.

Harry smiled as he turned around to face the girl he had held close to his heart for the past few months, "Yes, Princess?"

"You better win," She said with a tone of mock sternness, "It's bad enough I have to wear this red and gold jacket, you better not shame me by losing."

"Me, lose," Harry said in the same playful tone to match Daphne's, "Never. But if wearing the jacket's such a burden I could always take it back, despite the fact you're the one who stole it from me during the Hufflepuff game."

"It was cold," Daphne said a small blush rising to her cheeks, "And you can't have it back, it's mine now." Daphne then grinned, "Don't you know when your girlfriend takes an article of your clothing it is permanently theirs?"

"I'm not sure that's how that works," Harry said with a grin.

Only to hear the echoed responses of both Tracey and Blaise, "Yes… it is."

Harry chuckled as he shrugged, "Oh well, it looks better on you anyway."

Daphne smiled back, "Doesn't everything?"

Harry nodded before he turned his sight back to Tracey and Blaise. It had been a while since he had seen Tracey look as full of life as she did now and Blaise, though looking much better was under Tracey's constant vigilance. Still, the image of Blaise pre-rehab lying on the cot looking so close to death was something that frequented his mind as he watched the boy stepped closer to his girlfriend.

Harry smiled as Daphne rose on her toes delivering a chaste kiss to his lips before whispering a word of good luck as the three snakes began their walk towards the pitch. However, despite his best intentions, as he watched the way Blaise slugged his way through the halls, his muscles still regrowing, he couldn't help but think back on all that he and Tracey had been through.

* Flashback *

Harry couldn't believe the lightness he felt in his heart as he and his princess had walked hand in hand around the Great Castle. Unlike many of the other girls that Harry had spent time with back in the muggle world, Daphne wasn't as open to her affection in public, and yet, Harry didn't seem to mind.

She would kiss his cheek occasionally, hold his hand when they were in public, but when they were alone Daphne didn't necessarily resist any of Harry's comforting holds or peppered kisses. He hated when he would hear rumors of the Golden Boy and the Loveless Snake. Daphne was far from loveless or cruel, she was simply reserved and Harry loved her witty banter and Ice-Queen persona.

The fact Daphne was capable of taking care of herself and not waiting on Harry hand and foot didn't make Harry feel like Daphne believed she was 'too good for him' as Lavender had put it. To Harry, the fact that when Daphne said she could handle something, Harry knew she meant it was a blessing. Yes, the princess was a bit headstrong and thought she could take on the world by herself, but considering Harry fell victim to the same mentality occasionally, he couldn't really complain much.

Harry smiled to himself as he met Daphne in their designated meeting spot before breakfast, and while he had been expecting a hug from Daphne, a streak of Auburn Hair had beaten her too it as Harry felt himself crushed in the bone-breaking embrace of Tracey Davis. He had indulged the red-head for a couple of seconds, as she whispered through tearful eyes, "Thank you, thank you so much."

"Tracey," Harry said with strained lungs, "Can't breathe, please let go."

"Sorry, sorry," Tracey said as she unwrapped her arms from around him, "I just, I never said thank you. I- I don't really know what else to say, I just said thanks and I feel like that didn't even come close to expressing my gratitude. I was with Blaise all day yesterday, and while the medi-wizards say it's going to take about a month even with magic to rehab him, he should make a full recovery. I- Thank You."

Harry looked at his Girlfriend's best friend struggling to come up with the words, and part of Harry felt a bit embarrassed to hear someone thank him so desperately. To him, it simply felt out of place as it was his failure to produce the Patronus Charm that had left Blaise in that state, to begin with. Still, seeing the desire for a response in the girl's eyes, Harry gave a weak smile as he spoke, "Uh, you're welcome, I guess. Honestly, it was Daphne that did all the work, I was just a small part of the plan."

"Don't sell yourself short Flyboy," Daphne called from the distance, "As much as I would have loved to take credit for a medical miracle, I wouldn't have been able to do it without these," She spoke revealing her rune adorned wrist, "Without you."

Harry gave another weak smile before Tracey who had rubbed the tears of relief from her eyes spoke, "I saw those light up when you did whatever it was you did to save Blaise. What are those scribbles anyway?"

"First of all, they're runes, not scribbles," Daphne said and Harry couldn't help but grin as judging by Tracey's playful eye-roll it had been a frequent debate between the two girls, "And to answer your question, they are magical exchange runes."

"Wait, I've heard of those before," Tracey said, her eyes widening in shock, "Aren't those supposed to be the soul-mate runes?"

"Well technically-," Daphne started.

But Harry couldn't help himself instead smiling as he laughed and revealed his own set, "Yep, me and the Princess, we're soulmates."

Tracey laughed alongside him only for the two to be silenced by Daphne's embarrassed stare, causing Harry to smile, "Aw, come on Princess, it's just a joke, I know we only just started dating, I-"

"You guys what!" Tracey called out in an excited outburst. Harry watched as Tracey turned to face her friend before turning back to him in quick glances. Harry shifted towards Daphne, wrapping his arm around her waist as he gently kissed her forehead causing his princess' blush to grow even larger as Tracey uttered, "These are things that I need to know."

"I was going to tell you," Daphne said looking at the ground, "But you were with Blaise, and I told you something happened when you got back."

"I don't know what's more amazing, that the Ice Queen has finally melted," Tracey started, "Or the fact that Daphne Greengrass can actually look flustered about something."

"Oh give it a rest will you?" Daphne muttered, "I've never been in a relationship before, part of it's well… strange."

"First relationship and it's with the guy you've been pretending to hate for more than half a year," Tracey said with a chuckle, "You sure know how to pick em'."

Harry smiled as he moved his arm from around Daphne's waist to gently around her neck pulling her closer to his chest as the two of them watched Tracey's eyes light up with glee, "Do you know what this means? I'll finally be able to plan a double date! I've been waiting for this day for months!"

Both Harry and Daphne placed a hand to their face shaking it in exhaustion from Tracey's quick-shifting personalities before Harry whispered, "Is she normally like this?"

Daphne nodded, "Ever since I first met her."

"Oh well," Harry said with a smile, "I've never been on a double date before, guess it'll be a first time for both of us."

"I guess that's one way to look at it," Daphne said as Harry smiled planting another kiss to her temple.

"Don't look so terrified, it's only Tracey, how crazy could it be?" Harry said with a chuckle.

"Famous last words Potter," Daphne said shaking her head as the three of them headed for the Great Hall, "Famous last words."

* End of Flashback *

Harry shook that memory out of his head, on the whole, it was a good one. But the tears of relief that filled Tracey's face only served as a reminder of how much stress it had placed on her, and by extension how much stress it had placed on Daphne. While his reunion with Blaise was a bit smoother, coming after Daphne, despite his insistence that he didn't think he'd make much of a teacher, convinced him to help Blaise catch up on the spells they learned throughout the year.

Overall, Blaise was a likable enough bloke. His weird fascination with potions, primarily poisons was a bit strange coming from somebody who was as lighthearted as he was, was strange, to say the least. But for the most part, except for the occasional awkward fanboy moments he had regarding Harry's 'legend' Harry could tell why Daphne and Tracey were friends with him.

Blaise was patient and methodical, helping reign in Tracey extravagant personality, and yet he was cunning with jokes that would make you think and had an ability to get things done, something he knew from experience now put him on Daphne's good side. And yet, Harry couldn't help but notice the way that his smile never seemed to reach his eyes, how distant he could be, and how when stressed out, instead of lashing out, he clammed up. It was a curiosity, though Harry knew better than to pry.

Still, if Neville, Michael and himself made up the Troublemaker Trio, then Daphne, Tracey, and Blaise were the formidable serpent circle. He considered himself on good terms with Blaise by the time their training was over, but the real benefit of having Blaise around was not simply having a potioneer interested in some mischief, but a direct line into Malfoy's common room, and that in itself was an indispensable resource.

However, Harry had a Cup to win, and shoving aside those thoughts, he began steadying his mind as he walked towards the Gryffindor Locker Room. Though it seemed as if his interruptions hadn't finished quite yet, as soon he felt the presence of a hand on his shoulder. He turned and standing there, looking much healthier than before and with an annoyingly charming smile was Cedric Diggory, "You alright there Potter? You look a little tense."

"Yeah, I'm fine, a bit anxious, but overall I'm okay," Harry replied earnestly.

"You'll be fine, you're the best Seeker that Hogwarts has seen in a while, I'm certain of that," Cedric said with a chuckle.

"You beat me once," Harry said a grin of his own, "Don't count yourself out. Who knows how that last game would have gone if you hadn't been sick. Sorry about that by the way, we really did try to postpone the match but-"

"Don't worry about it," Cedric said waving it off, "It'll be nice going into the next season as the underdog for once. If I'm being honest, trying to go for this four-peat was a lot more pressure than I wanted. And as for our tie-breaker game, don't fret over it, we'll have a chance to decide who's the better seeker next year… After you win today."

Harry watched as Cedric lifted his fist towards him, and with a smile on his face Harry returned the bump and nodded, "It's a promise."

(Michael P.O.V)

As Michael departed from the Ravenclaw Tower, his Comet 260 in hand as his heart pounded in his chest. In truth, Michael didn't really care that much about flying, he loved it and he had really grown to love his position as a chaser, but he didn't share the same fanaticism about the sport that Harry had. However, despite his normally lazy stature, when it came to games, Michael found he could be quite competitive, especially when it involved trying to beat Harry.

However, the excitement in his chest had taken a bit of a beating lately as he received a letter from his mother saying that his father and her weren't going to be able to make it to the game because of business they had to take care of, and the image of seeing Terry plant a kiss on Susan as he left the area only served as a nail in the coffin. He had preached so badly about how he was over her, and while he was thankful for the support of his friends, and Harry's conversation with her in trying to change Susan's mind, his once-close friend continued living with the fantasy view of Terry in her mind, the denial still heavily etched in her heart.

Yet, Michael knew that Gryffindor was going to be one of the toughest opponents he'd face, and so despite the pain in his chest he pushed through. They had a plan, a devious one if he said so himself. He'd played enough pick up with the lions to know their strengths and weaknesses, and he planned to put it to full use.

* Flashback *

"Alright," Roger Davies had called out to begin their strategy meeting, "It's been years since Ravenclaw has been given a chance to participate in the finals for the Quidditch House Cup, and now that we've worked so hard to get here, let's make sure we finish strong."

Every member of the Ravenclaw team nodded with vigor as Davies continued, "We all know that Gryffindor is going to be our hardest challenge yet. Potter is a dangerous seeker and Wood is a lock-down defender. That doesn't even include their devastating Chasers or the twins. We need to make sure we play our best, and play it we will." Michael felt Davies' eyes rest on him, "Corner, you said you had a plan right. Well, let's hear it."

Michael nodded as he stood, "Okay, well first, this isn't so much a plan as a list of observations I've made from playing and eating with the Gryffindors. First, both Spinnet and Bell are right-handed and I noticed that at dinner Angelina cuts holds her knife with her left hand. I think that if we force them to their less dominant hand when they try to throw or carry the Quaffle it will not only affect their balance of their brooms forcing them to use their dominant hand to balance rather than their off-hand and making their throwing strength weaker and less accurate as they approach."

"Secondly," Michael started, "I don't think we'll be able to win with a man to man defense. If we're being honest, Bell is a faster flier than I am and when it comes to Seekers, Harry's the best this school's ever seen, it would be pointless for Chang to guard him."

"Hey!" Cho called a bit outraged that her skill had been called out.

"Oh relax will you?" Michael said waving off her complaint, "I'm just saying you shouldn't focus on Harry, instead, I think that you should roam between Chasers, double-teaming the one that has the Quaffle. With them already being forced into an uncomfortable hand position a good double team would render their scoring almost completely ineffective."

"So if I'm not on Potter, who is?" Cho asked.

"Our beaters, both of them," Michael said, "The goal isn't to stop Harry from getting the snitch, we couldn't even if we tried, the guy is simply gifted on a broom. However, if we are able to nullify their offense, then all we have to do is stall Harry long enough for us to score 16 on Wood."

"That's not going to be easy," Roger said biting his lower lip in thought.

"No, it's not," Michael nodded in agreement, "However, with us having four chasers, one for each ring plus a wildcard, a quick switch pass would hopefully be enough to break past. I admit that the plan has a lot of moving parts and it's not fool-proof, but doing what both Hufflepuff and Slytherin did against Gryffindor seems like a guaranteed loss. At least if we go with this strategy we get the early game advantage."

The team all stared at Michael with varying looks of concern however, the silence was lifted as Davies nodded, "Seems like a viable plan to me. We'll practice some more elaborate passes to get past Wood as well as put our Beaters through some obstacles to help them keep up with Potter long enough to stall him. Let's do our best and bring back a Cup for Ravenclaw House!"

* End of Flashback *

As Michael entered the locker room, a nervous lump formed in the pit of his stomach as he watched his teammates mutter over all the fine-tuning of their plan. Just as he finished sliding on the rest of his protective gear, he felt Roger tap him on the shoulder, "Corner, just want you to know, whatever happens out there, we couldn't have made it this far without you, your mind for strategy is really something else."

Michael smiled as Roger's grip around his shoulder tightened a bit, "Now, let's go out there and win a game." Michael nodded and with one last look at his teammates, they left the locker room into the loud cheers of the Hogwarts Students and gathered spectators ready to witness the last game of the 1993-94 school year.

The blue equipment of the Ravenclaw team gleamed in the sunlight as Michael found himself face to face with Harry donned in red in center field. Harry smiled as he raised his hand, "Nervous?"

"Terribly," Michael said with a slight grin.

"Yeah, me too," Harry responded honestly. Slowly, Michael paced his hand into Harry's palm and with a nod, he watched his friend smile, "Good Luck Corner, may the best team win."

"Good luck," Michael returned as the two parted ways. Michael's eyes remained locked with Harry's as they all got into starting positions. The balls were brought out to centerfield, and as the locks on the equipment snapped open, and with the loud blow of Hooch's whistle, the game began.

(Sirius P.O.V)

Sirius had found himself smothered in the motherly hug of the Head of Gryffindor House the moment he had arrived on the grounds for his Godson's big game. He couldn't help but feel like a bit of a child in McGonagall's arm before she broke away with an ever rare smile, "I had always hoped it was nothing more than speculation. To think that the ministry had led me to believe that you could have betrayed James and Lily. I know this is far too late, but I hope you can forgive an old woman's foolishness."

"You, foolish?" Sirius said with a smirk, "I dare say that's impossible Granny."

Minerva shook her head despite herself, "And here I hope that you had followed Remus' lead and grown out of such nicknames and childish behavior."

Remus laughed at the notion, "Sirius growing up, that's a good one."

"Shuddup, you mutt," Sirius said bashfully.

"Says the dog," Remus teased back.

Sirius watched as Minerva sighed, a small grin on her face, "Time may pass, but some things never change." Sirius chuckled and Remus shook his head in embarrassment before the elderly woman continued, "Come along you two, I've reserved some seats at the top section of the stands for you."

"Actually, we're waiting on one last person," Sirius said with a slightly bashful smile as just outside the grounds the loud pop of an apparating person echoed through the air, and within seconds, Sirius smiled as he saw Emmeline Vance running to catch up with them.

"Sorry, meeting went a bit long, Malfoy wouldn't stop flapping his gums about the falling standards at Hogwarts," Emmeline said with a deep breath, "Sorry to keep you waiting," She then turned to face Professor McGonagall, "It's good to see you again Professor, I hope Professor Flitwick is doing well too, I haven't spoken to the man in years."

"He's spoken about you Ms. Vance," Minerva said with a polite nod, "You were one of his favorite students. Which leads me to wonder how you ended up with my two wayward cubs."

Sirius shook his head with gentle embarrassment as Remus grinned mocking his flustered state before Emmeline responded, "Well, Sirius and I were partners during the time of the First Order, we both agreed it would be nice to catch up, especially now that he's no longer a convict. Though… a girl does love a-"

"Alright," Sirius spoke loudly, "I think we've sat around long enough. If you'd be so kind, can you please show us where we're going to be sitting Granny."

Sirius groaned internally as he watched McGonagall and Remus share a grin-filled exchange before the Head of Gryffindor house nodded and escorted them to the pitch. The last time Sirius had been at the pitch, he was confined to his dog form, and now that he had returned in a more natural state, he couldn't help but smile at how nostalgic it felt to be in the Gryffindor Stands once more.

He remembered coming with Remus and Pettigrew to every game Gryffindor played, ready to cheer James on until their voices were gone. Now he had returned, one marauder down and with a different purpose, to cheer on his godson to his first Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. However, Sirius was interested in one other factor, Michael Corner, the boy Harry had written to him about, asking if he could stay over the summer. Despite the fact that Corner was without a doubt Harry's best friend, he knew surprisingly little about the Ravenclaw boy, and unlike Neville whom he knew the family of, the Ravenclaw boy was a complete mystery. The only thing he really knew was that with the addition of Michael to the Ravenclaw team, the Eagles had finally clawed their way to a finals spot and Sirius had a feeling it was going to be a good game.

The enthusiasm that shone in the Gryffindor's Head of House was an indicator that Sirius was right, and with a small grin he spoke, "You look excited, is the new Ravenclaw Chaser truly that good."

"He might not be as fast as James for instance," McGonagall spoke, "But that boy is as clever as they come, sometimes a bit too clever for his own good."

The whistle of Madam Hooch focused the crowd, and with the sudden roar of applause, Katie Bell took the Quaffle as Harry sped off in search of the flickering gold ball. Instantly, Sirius noticed something strange, not one, but two brooms instantly took off after Harry, and Sirius couldn't help but wonder, They're far too large to be seekers… wait, are those bat? They're sending their beaters after Harry?" However, the mysteries hadn't stopped, as soon, Sirius had looked up to see that the Gryffindor seeker not only looked a bit unsteady on her broom, but she was being double-teamed.

"How devious!" The announcer, an African boy with dreadlocks boomed into the mic, "Not only has Ravenclaw chaser Michael Corner forced chaser Bell onto her less dominant hand, but Chang has also matched him on the other side, what kind of strategy is this?"

"Bell! Pass!" A girl shouted as her red cloak flapped behind allowing Sirius to barely read the word Spinnet across it.

Sirius watched as the girl desperately tried to pass, but as soon as the Quaffle left her hand, instantly, Corner saw his opportunity and swiped it from her, "Unbelievable! Michael Corner has stolen the Quaffle, and instantly all four chasers it seems are making a rush for Wood!"

Despite being on the opposition, Sirius couldn't help but be slightly impressed in the team's high-risk, high-reward strategy. As Michael raced the rings, Oliver Wood prepared himself to block the incoming shot. Michael lifted his hand and pulled. Wood dove for the ring in question, but Sirius had to marvel at the fluidity of his fake, and if the fake hadn't been skillful enough, he watched as Michael tossed the Quaffle up in the air just high enough for a boy named Davies to smack in the first goal with the back of his Broom.

"He did that all without moving his head," Sirius spoke in stunned amazement, "That boy's field of vision is beyond impressive." Sirius turned to look at Professor McGonagall who at this point seemed to be bubbling at the Ravenclaw's Strategy.

"That boy is far too clever," Mcgonagall repeated worriedly. The game had certainly begun.

(Michael P.O.V)

Michael rubbed the sweat out of his eyes, trying to keep his panting low. Their strategy was working, they had nullified the Gryffindor Offense apart from Harry, and they were up 140-20. They're force and double-man defense had done its job, even when Fred and George had tried to get involved, all the players being in close proximity had forced the twins to keep doing their jobs, protecting the team from any bludgers and by extension, the twins were protecting his team as well. However, what Michael hadn't considered in great detail was the amount of burnout they were facing, and while their beaters had done a good job screwing Harry out of some close snitch catches, they two were falling behind his nimble best friend.

Worst yet, both Wood and Johnson were getting pissed, and despite their exhaustion, they were becoming faster and faster. Of the teams last six shots, only one had gotten past an ultra-focused Wood. They needed four more goals and they needed them fast.

With haste, he took off, his body aching from the heavy defense they had been playing as he bolted towards the hood, desperate to end the dry run. Swiftly, he ducked beneath Alicia's first initial swipe, but the Gryffindor Chasers had incredible synergy, and before he could even notice, the Quaffle had been popped out of his grip with a punch from Angelina. Shit, Michael swore to himself, turning in desperate pursuit of the stolen red ball, but it looked as if Johnson was a robot, never tiring as she only began picking up more and more speed.

As Michael pushed himself forward, he watched in horror as their double-teaming began to fall apart, Johnson had blown past Davies, and Chang was even further behind than he was. The pain only continued as he watched Angelina throw the quaffle into the air, and with a shout of fury, she punched the ball past Page scoring yet another ten points. If that wasn't bad enough, Jordan had announced some more bad news, "Harry Potter has broken past, and it seems like he's seen the snitch, Gryffindor may just be able to turn this around."

Michael turned facing Inglebee and Samuels, their face beet red in exhaustion as they tried to muster the energy to take off after Harry. "Inglebee! Samuels!" Michael shouted, "Pull off! Help us score!"

The two beaters nodded, and knowing now that Harry had broken past, there was no point in continuing the run interference. With six members strong, the Ravenclaw team raced towards the goals, knowing time was of the essence, and with quick and rampant passes, they had found themselves in the face of Wood who looked exhausted and overwhelmed. Just as Davies had positioned himself to throw, from the side, Chang rushed in and knocked it into the far left hoop.

"It looks like this game is still far from over!" Jordan spoke nervously, "The only question now is will Potter find the snitch before the Ravenclaws score four times!"

Instantly, they broke once more, and Michael felt his mind go into auto-piolet as he ducked and dodged bludgers and swings, racing and chasing the quaffle down to the best of his ability. His perception of time had dulled, he didn't know if ten minutes had passed, or if it had been an hour. His lungs hurt, his head was throbbing, and his heart pounded in heavily in his chest. However, one phrase had brought him back to reality, "Merlin's Beard!" Jordan spoke as the crowd gasped, "Harry Potter's jumped off his broom!"

Instantly, Michael turned towards his friend and watched as Harry leapt forward, wrapping his hand around the snitch as he began to plummet hundreds of feet. You reckless idiot, Michael thought to himself as he bolted towards his falling friend who he noticed was struggling to pull out his wand from his own exhaustion. Out of the corner of his eye, Michael saw a group of teachers and bystanders with their wands at the ready, expecting the worst casinario. But thankfully, a sigh of relief filled the stands as Michael caught Harry's open hand as they slowly descended to the ground.

"What a terrific save from Corner, that's what we call good sportsmanship Ladies and Gentlemen!" Jordan spoke before Harry slowly lifted his hand, "What's this! Harry Potter has caught the Snitch! I can't believe it! Gryffindor Wins!"

As Michal rolled off his broom, both he and Harry panted at the bottom of the grassy pitch, exhaustion making it difficult to speak. It had taken Michael a few seconds before turning to Harry and shaking his head, "You are absolutely insane when you play this game. Why would you even think about jumping off your broom that high up?"

"I wanted to win," Harry said with a weak grin, "Plus, I knew you wouldn't let me faceplant into the ground."

"You're a maniac," Michael said with a chuckle before the two both laughed in tired-struck delirium, "Your girlfriend's going to be so pissed."

"Probably," Harry said clutching his abdomen from the laughter, "But to be fair it isn't the dumbest thing I've done all year." It was quiet for a moment before Harry continued, "It was a good game, you thought up quite the irritating strategy."

"How do you know it was me?"

"Only you would be insane enough to make a strategy that revolved around me getting the snitch and ending the game," Harry said with a smile as he pushed himself off the ground to his feet before offering Michael a hand, "Good Game, Corner."

Michael was a bit upset by the lost, it was probably the hardest he'd ever worked at anything, but seeing his friend smiling down on him, Michael couldn't help but shake the negative thoughts out of his head as he took his friend's hand, pulling him up to his feet, "Good Game, Potter. Next time, we'll win."

"Bring it on," Harry replied as the two bumped their knuckles putting their rivalry behind them… for now.

(Dumbledore P.O.V)

Harry Potter, the boy was certainly a mystery. He seemed to have a good heart and a desire to help, but something darker always lurked just beneath the surface. Every time he had entered the boy's mind, a feat that was becoming more and more difficult as his occlumency grew, in fact, passive legilimency had become an impossibility, yet Dumbledore couldn't help but feel a sliver of anger within the boy's heart.

However, Dumbledore had hope. Harry was not like Tom, his friendships seemed genuine, his ability to love was astronomical, and while forgiveness was a difficulty for the boy, completely losing his trust was nearly impossible, even for a man like himself. Harry possessed a different power, not one of magical superiority or political movement, though both of those were important factors, the boy possessed a power unlike his mother and father, he could make allies of the most unlikely groups.

Albus had acknowledged certain flaws within the housing of students at Hogwarts, many remained close to their housemates and never really branched out. Yet, the boy had made a best friend in a Ravenclaw as well as in Hufflepuff. His romantic relationship with a Slytherin was another surprising feat, and it wasn't as if the boy only had one friend in each house, many people seemed to flock to Harry, a power that Dumbledore hoped would prove useful in the wars to come.

However, at the moment, Dumbledore had to contain himself. He wasn't acting as the head of the Order at the moment, currently, he was simply the Headmaster, and he had a role to play. While he looked at the shining Quidditch House Cup trophy, he smiled sadly. He wished he had more time to join in the festivities, but with Sirius and Remus awaiting him in his office to discuss summer arrangements, time was of the essence.

Slowly Dumbledore lifted the cup as the Great Hall grew silent and with a booming and yet calm voice he spoke, "To everyone who participated in the inter-house Quidditch Cup competition, I would like to applaud your efforts. It is not easy to manage social commitments, educational expectations, and intense training schedules, but every single one of you, in every position ranging from Keeper to Seeker have done an exceptional job."

"Yet, there can only be one winner," Dumbledore spoke with a smile, "And it is with great joy that I am able to gift this year's cup for the 1993-94 school year to the Gryffindor Quidditch Team!" The Lion's table boomed with applause and Dumbledore couldn't help but relish in the fact that not only did the lions clap, but Cedric Diggory, Michael Corner, Cho Chang, Neville Longbottom, Hermione Granger, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, and Blaise Zabini all joined in.

However, the team had yet to send a representative to bring their trophy to the table, and it was only through Dumbledore's enhanced hearing did he realize the dilemma, "It should be you Wood," Harry spoke honestly, "You're the captain."

"Perhaps," Wood returned, "But I think the team universally agrees that you were our most-valuable player this year. You should be the one that carries the trophy."

"I just joined, I mean, shouldn't someone more senior-," But Harry was stopped as the two twins slapped him on the back.

"Oh stop being a stupid git and go grab the trophy, we'll pass it around when you get here, but we all agree it should be you. Now go!"

Thunderous applause boomed once more as Harry looking more nervous than he had ever recalled seeing the boy approached the platform, stepping carefully as the boy found a spot next to him. With a grandfatherly smile, Dumbledore placed the trophy in Harry's hand and with one last call out he spoke, "Congratulations Gryffindor on an excellent showing of physical achievement!" And with a wave of his wand 100 points were added to the Gryffindor total house points placing them well ahead of everyone else.

The applause continued as Harry carried the trophy back to his table, and with everyone situated and dinner beginning, Dumbledore excused himself to attend to the other business at hand. As he left the jovial great hall towards his chambers, he couldn't recall the last time he had felt so out of control. He was the king, the leader of the light, his word should have been enough to generate momentum, but now, the security of the wizarding world relied on if he had built up enough trust with a thirteen-year-old boy and his family.

Once or twice, more heavy-handed ideas of manipulation had crossed his mind, but this Harry hadn't been broken by the Dursleys and so desperate for love that he'd do anything Dumbledore said without question. No, this Harry had been raised spoiled and had greater social skills and understanding of his environment than Dumbledore would have preferred. No, his slow and cautious method was his best chance, and now was the time to see if his goals had paid off. If he could enter the Order then he could manipulate it with his status, even if Harry was the new figurehead.

"Sherbet Lemon," He spoke to his gargoyle gatekeeper and as the stone beast moved aside he entered.

As he walked up the steps, the clicking of his heels and the roaring fire being the only sounds that echoed through the tower he found the two men he had been looking for sitting in chairs awaiting his arrival, "My apologies to keep you both waiting, there was school business to attend to. I imagine you know why I asked you both to stay after the match."

"You want in on the new Order of the Phoenix," Sirius spoke sternly.

"It appears my intentions are all to discernable," Dumbledore spoke with an elderly laugh.

"If only that were the case," Remus spoke softly, "Albus, you would be a great asset to the Order, of that there is no doubt. You have wisdom, and strength, things that will be crucial against Voldemort in the upcoming war, but Sirius and I have some concerns."

"Before we reveal to you the location of where we plan to hold the Order meetings, we need you to agree to certain terms," Sirius spoke, "You are an advisor, you are not a general, or anyone with direct power over the operations of the Order. When we played it your way in the last war, so many of our comrades died by your attempt at a peaceful resolution. We went along with it because we were kids fresh out of Hogwarts with no idea of how cruel the war would be, and what we had to lose. We know that now, and we will be using lethal force if necessary. You need to accept that as the new rules of engagement."

"Surely you don't mean to authorize the use of unforgivables," Dumbledore spoke aghast, "It's not just the illegality of the spell, the effect those spells can have on one's soul, on one's conscious, it's astronomical."

"There are other spells to kill enemies besides Avada Kedavra," Sirius spoke, "I don't want to do it, I'd rather bring these people in to face justice. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep the corruption out of the Wizengamot this time with Emmeline and Augusta, as well as Bones. But we won't be fighting with our hands tied behind our back again."

"Surely these people deserve a chance," Dumbledore spoke, "Their minds have been polluted with Voldemort's ideals, you don't-"

"I acknowledge what I'm saying. My own brother was a death eater, as is my cousin," Sirius spoke, "I don't have any desire to spill blood, but they aren't going to give us a chance and us allowing them a trial is more than they deserve. The people responsible for killing Lily and James, the ones who tortured Frank and Alice, the ones who killed Benjy, Dorcas, Edgar, Fabian, Gideon, and Marlene, they don't deserve forgiveness."

"We haven't forgotten any of the fallen, perhaps you have, but those memories, they'll stay with us forever," Remus spoke solemnly, "We won't be adding Harry, or anyone else if we can help it to that list."

"Which brings us to our final major condition," Sirius said, "If you want to fight the Darkness, we aren't going to turn away your help. But this isn't your war anymore Albus, this is Harry's. He needs your guidance, your strength, your advice, but when the time comes, he's the one that fights Voldemort, he makes the choices. Do you consent to these terms."

Dumbledore cursed internally to himself, yet his passive expression wouldn't allow it to show. He needed to be in charge, why couldn't anyone see that his way was best? Still, not all hope was lost. Perhaps, he could plant some subliminal hints into Harry's mind during their training over the summer to skew him towards his side. Dumbledore figured there would be time to formulate his plan later. And as he lifted his hand in agreement to the vow, he had learned the re-learned the location of the New Order, 12 Grimmauld Place.