Harry stood towards the back of the Room of Requirement with a proud expression on his face as he observed his group of students practicing the spells he had taught them, or in Neville and Ron's case, blasting themselves back by accident. Over the last two weeks, his little army had vastly improved their defensive spell casting under his tutelage, his friends in particular had taken the training like moths to the flames. They had done so well that Harry had allowed them to aid the other students who were struggling with their casting or understanding of the spell they were attempting.
As far as maintaining the secrecy of their little organization, everything was still kept under wraps despite Umbridge's constant attempts to discover them. She had gone as far as to form a new group of students called the Inquisitorial Squad to investigate their movements and act as her little attack dogs and she was constantly holding students for questioning, where it was clear she was using the blood quill. Harry had enough and was about to intervene, consequences be damned, but then Pansy had come to him and told him that she had joined the Inquisitorial Squad as part of her grand plan to take down Umbridge and potentially the Ministry. Harry still wasn't happy, but he trusted her to do what she did best and plan the breakdown of this corrupt administration, but if things worsened, he would intervene no matter what, to which she agreed.
"Galleon for your thoughts, Harry?", said a familiar voice that caused Harry to turn and see Tracey smiling at him.
Harry smiled at seeing his Slytherin friend, these last few weeks since Halloween, he had grown even closer to Tracey, Daphne, and Pansy. He now understood how Tracey wanted to become a healer to fulfill her desire to help people like her father, how Daphne wanted to be a Potions Master and create new brews that would benefit everyone, and how Pansy wanted to run her own clothing business. They, in turn, had come to know more about him, his fears, his goals, the whole truth about his past adventures, and he even told them a little about his childhood. The only things he didn't tell them about was his lordships and his marriage to the girls, though a part of him wanted too. It took him a while to admit, but his feelings for the three of them slowly turned from friendship to love.
He felt guilty, not only did he convince himself that he was betraying his wives, but he also felt that his feelings would place them in danger. Just associating with him was what caused Tom to send the wannabe Death Eaters after them in the first place, openly acknowledging his for them could possibly spell their deaths. At the same time, though, his feelings continued to grow and even if he didn't acknowledge it, the Magic of Hogwarts will and make one of them, possibly all of them, as the next Lady Slytherin. He just shook these thoughts away and addressed Tracey.
"I'm fine, Trace. How are you doing? I see you've been training hard.", he said.
She nodded, "Ever since Halloween, I realized how much time I've spent coasting through my classes over the years, especially DADA. Granted, our professors were either nutters or as uneducated as us outside of Lupin. I don't want to be just a joke anymore."
Harry frowned at that, "You're not a joke, you are strong, funny, and compassionate."
Tracey blushed slightly, "Thanks, but things are different now because I have something to protect. Something I love."
Harry raised an eyebrow, "Really, what?"
Tracey looked hesitant before she looked him straight in the eye and said, "You."
Harry's eyes widened and his jaw dropped, "W-w-what?"
Tracey smiled shyly, "Harry I…I love you. Please, don't say anything now. I know that with everything going on, you wouldn't have time for me and if we are going to war, we shouldn't make promises to each other. I just wanted you to know."
Tracey giggled at his stupefied expression and kissed his cheek, "Just remember me, ok Harry?"
The Slytherin girl skipped back over to her spot to continue practicing Expelliarmus, leaving a gob smacked Harry who couldn't process what just happened, so much so that he didn't notice his Slytherin ring flash green slightly.
"Ugh, I can't believe I'm sucking at this spell!", said an incredibly annoyed Susan Bones.
Harry chuckled, "Who would think a fiery redhead couldn't do a fire spell?"
Harry and Susan were currently in the Room of Requirement by themselves as Harry felt that she, being his best student, was ready to learn elemental magic. Unfortunately, it was proving much more difficult than she was expecting, even though she was more suited for fire magic, it was still the most difficult to learn and control. On a personal note, Harry always enjoyed Susan's company, she was one of the kindest souls he had ever met and one of the strongest, they understood the pain of not having parents and having to grow up quick and alone even though her aunt was nothing like the Dursley's no matter how much she had to leave Susan alone. They shared a lot of their goals and ambitions and no one else he knew wanted to cleanse the country of Death Eaters like the two of them did, she even considered becoming a Auror. He had grown to seriously care for her, almost as much as the Slytherin trio and almost as much as his wives, she was like a calming storm that kept him down to Earth and was definitely his biggest supporter and helper. If Hogwarts was going to select someone to be Lady Hufflepuff for him, he would want it to be Susan. The question is, does she care that much about him?
Susan scoffed playfully, "Hardy har har, any tips for me oh great one?"
Harry adopted a thinking pose, "Remember to clear your mind of all thoughts, especially any self-doubts you have. Remember to control your anger and frustration, though, since we don't want the fire to get out of control."
Susan nodded and taking a deep breath and raised her wand, "Incendio!"
While the fire that came out of her wand was bigger, it still wasn't having the desired effect like it should. Susan just groaned, "Damn it!"
Harry sighed softly, "Let's take a break, ok?"
Susan nodded and they moved over to the mirror that had Harry's picture of the original Order of the Pheonix, where the pair was looking at two couples in the photo. Harry was of course looking at his parents with a small smile, while Susan was looking at her Uncle Edgar and his wife with a small frown. Harry understood this, she had told him that it was Edgar's involvement with the Order that caused Voldemort ordering the execution of the entire Bones family, including Susan's parents and she would have joined them had a House Elf not hidden her for her aunt to find. While she greatly respected her uncle for what he did, Harry knew that she slightly resented him for joining Dumbledore instead of staying neutral like Amelia did or focused on working within the law like she did.
Harry glanced at her, "Regretting joining me?"
Susan shook her head, "No, I trust you Harry and there is no point in being afraid anymore since it's just me and my aunt now and she's already a target. I just think about…what could have been, you know?"
Harry nodded, "I know, I feel the same way every day. But I like to think that if they did nothing like so many people today do, we would have been even worse off."
Susan hummed sadly, "What a pair we make, huh Harry?"
Harry chuckled, "Hey, we're going to win, ok? I know it seems hopeless now, like it did for them back then, but so long as we maintain faith and grow stronger, we can do anything. Magic is only limited by our imagination and heart."
Susan giggled, "When did you get so good at speeches, Harry?"
Harry smiled, "I usually get a little more confident in the presence of beautiful women."
Susan blushed, "Flatterer, don't tease me, Harry. I know you have much better options out there."
Harry shook his head, "I may have a few very special women in my life, but that doesn't mean I care about you any less than them. You've stood by me a long time, even before last year and I'm really grateful to have you in my life, Susan."
Susan felt her whole face turn red and, deciding to be bold for a change, pecked Harry on the lips quickly and backed away with a smile. Harry was slightly surprised at the act and was about to talk when Susan shut him up and she spoke.
"That was just a thank you, don't read into it. Figured it might clear my head.", she said.
Harry wasn't convinced but decided to look past it for now as Susan decided to try the spell one more time, this time with stronger desire to succeed.
"Incendio!", she shouted as a large ring of fire exploded around her.
The two looked at each other and smiled, eyes full of emotions, as Harry's Hufflepuff ring flashed yellow.
Pansy was walking back to her common room wearing an emotionless mask to hide her disgust and loathing she felt for Umbridge as she worked as an undercover agent in her little hit squad that rounded up students left and right for questioning. Day after day, Pansy had to bring multiple students into her office and subjugate them to the pink troll's blood quill and even her stoic façade was visibly broken in shock when she saw Umbridge actually use veritaserum on a few of them. Needless to say, a lesser woman would have broken watching all of this; never once did she ever think all of her father's training would come in handy, but here she was.
Of course, the worse it got for the school, the better it went for her plan to take down Umbridge and hopefully, the Ministry as well. With the evidence she's gathered, she should have enough to get the toad woman sacked, if not thrown into Azkaban; however, the problem will be ensuring Fudge nor anyone else in the Ministry interferes.
Tracey stopped walking when she saw Harry leaning on the wall near her, "Harry what are you doing here?"
"You've been spending a lot of time with Umbridge and her cronies, lately. I wanted to check on you.", he said.
Pansy huffed offended, "Don't think I can handle myself, eh Potter?"
Harry shook his head, "No, I know better. I'm just concerned every time you go in there that something is going to go wrong and I'm going to have to storm in to save you."
Pansy rolled her eyes playfully, "Please, I'm pretty sure a first year can handle Umbridge, she's that bad at Defense. And I thought I told you not to just think I like a Gryffindor anymore."
Harry raised his hands in surrender, "I know, I know, just worried is all. How's your secret plan going by the way?"
Pansy smiled as they started walking, "Good, that horrid woman really has no sense of the potential consequences she's facing, she's that convinced she can't be stopped. The problem is, we won't have the support to push it through the Ministry, we could public, but the Prophet is solely in Fudge's hands, so it'll sound like we are joshing."
Harry had a contemplative look on his face, "What if…we knew someone who had a lot of voting power in the Ministry, due to multiple lordships?"
Pansy seemed surprised at that, "There's no one in the Ministry who fits that criteria, though it would certainly help and probably get some of the neutral parties off their arses. Why?"
Harry shrugged and looked away, "No reason."
Pansy narrowed her eyes slightly, "Harry, what are you not telling me?"
Harry sighed, "Look, Pansy, there's something I haven't told you, but I promise it's not because I don't want too. It's just that revealing it might do more harm than good."
"And if you don't, it might cause damage anyway. Aren't you the one who's always telling us that risks are necessary? This might be the edge we need, not only against Umbridge, but against the whole Ministry, and by extension, Voldemort.", she countered.
Harry was silent for a minute then sighed, "Alright, let me sleep on it for a few days and we can talk about it and see if it could help us, ok?"
Pansy smiled, "What would you do without me, Potter?"
Harry smiled back, "I wouldn't trade you for anything, Pans. You've become special to me, even if I did partially ruin your life…with your dad."
Pansy shook her head, "You could never ruin my life, my father did that. You freed me from him and from Draco, even if I slightly wish they both would have chosen different paths since they both were important to me. Now, though, I have our friends and I have you, I'll never need anything else. That is, if you'll stay with me?"
Harry wrapped an arm around her as they walked and smiled, "Always."
She smiled as the two walked in silence for the rest of trip through the castle, just content to be with the person they loved, even if neither could admit it with words yet. Although, she must be more exhausted than she thought since she could have sworn she saw one of Harry 's fingers flashed green for a second.
Su Li sighed to herself for what felt like the hundredth time since reading her father's latest letter, the short version being that he has found an ideal match and will be discussing it over the holidays. Su was not an angry person by any means, she was shy, kindhearted, and more brains than brawn; however, she was fuming and there was only one way to cool off. Now, sitting by herself in the Room of Requirement, she asked the room for a few training dummies.
She raised her wand and shouted, "Bombarda Maxima!"
The more advanced spell, taught to her by her secret love Harry, was more powerful than she thought as the three practice dummies were completely obliterated on impact and sides of the room and the back wall now had large dents and cracks on them. Su just winced slightly as the damage, thanking Morgana that she hadn't used it during one of the meetings, because that would not have ended well.
"Well, I can see you've picked that spell up quickly. I'd hate to corner you in a dark alley.", Su whipped her around to see Harry having just entered the room smiling at her.
Harry was worried for Su over the last few days, ever since he saw her get that mysterious letter from her father caused her to become even more quiet than usual. He felt protective of Su, her cute shyness wanted to make him place her in bubble wrap and hide her away from the evils of the world, but he knew she was also a fighter when push came to shove. He wasn't afraid to admit that he attracted to her, physically and emotionally, but he was ashamed of himself for it.
He didn't know why he feelings for his female friends were growing stronger as the days went on, but he knew for a fact that they were real. He couldn't really explain it, but it felt like he had released long buried feelings he had for each of them but ignored for one reason or another. He talked to the founders about it and Rowena seemed to have an idea what was happening but needed to think on it more, ever the intellect she was. For now, he shook his head about one of the many issues on his plate and smiled at Su.
"So, you going to tell me why the wall looks like it got hit by a truck or do I have to guess?", he asked.
Su just fidgeted under his stare, "I don't want to bother you with my problems, Harry."
Harry just tilted her head up to look in her eyes, "There is nothing you can do or say that wouldn't make me want to help you. Now, what's wrong?"
Su just blushed at the action and sighed, "It's my father, it seems he's found an ideal husband for me to marry, and we'll probably be signing away my freedom over the holidays, but other than that, I'm peachy."
Harry blinked a few times and then frowned as he felt foreign feeling in his chest, "I've never understood why parents feel the need to sign away their children's future's just for more wealth and prestige. Is there anything you can do to convince him otherwise? Anything I can do?"
Su shook her head sadly, "It's just the way our world works, and there's nothing to be done now. Not unless…the man I love would have a better offer?"
Harry tensed slightly and raised an eyebrow, "You…have feelings for someone."
Su's eyes watered as she smiled, "Yes, but he would never love me back, I'm just a bookworm who used to be scared of her own shadow. Not when he's surrounded by so many women who are prettier and stronger than me."
Harry looked at her sternly, "Stop doing that."
"Stop doing what?", she asked confused.
"Stop putting yourself down and comparing yourself to the others, their them and you're you. You are smart, funny, cutely shy, and just beautiful as they are and if your dad can't see that, then that's on him, but that's what I see. Any bloke would consider themselves lucky to marry you.", he said firmly and with conviction.
Su just looked at him shocked, with tears flowing and her mouth agape, until she caught him in a bear hug that would even break Hagrid in half and cried 'thank you's' into his chest. He nodded and hugged her tightly, promising to himself he would always love and protect her, even from herself. Harry was slightly confused when his Ravenclaw ring flashed blue for a second, but he just filed it away for later, since all that mattered to him was the girl in his arms.
Daphne Greengrass was, despite her usual cold demeanor, the perfect student; always on time, never complains nor talks back, and always works harder than anyone else. Which is why she is currently pulling her hair out in utter frustration during one of Harry's defense sessions in front of everyone while they were trying to practice the Patronus charm, and she is failing badly to cast said spell. Granted, it sometimes takes wizards and witches years to perfectly master the Patronus charm, if ever, but Harry had done it in a few months at the age of thirteen; although Harry was hardly normal, despite what he might say. However, looking around the room, and seeing some others, including her academic rival Granger, seemingly beginning to grasp the spell, she couldn't help but feel enraged at the fact that she was floundering.
Harry noticed her depressed aura and walked over after finishing with someone else, "So, I take it the great Ice Queen has met her match? Don't feel too bad, it happens to us all."
Daphne snorted, "Doesn't happen to you, you soak up new spells like a fresh set of clothes."
Harry hummed deeply, "If you had seen me pass out all those times practicing this very spell, you wouldn't be saying that. What's wrong, Daph?"
Daphne sighed, "I know you said we need a powerful memory to make the spell work, but I don't think I have that. I spent my whole life trying to avoid overly emotional moments, as was expected of the Greengrass heiress, now I'm holding myself back."
Harry shook his head with a smile, "Now, I know that's not true, and if you want…I can help."
Daphne looked confused as he continued, "You know I've dabbled into the Mind Arts; I can perform Legilimency on you to search your memories. It's your choice."
Daphne was a little unsure about allowing the man she's potentially fallen for enter her head, but she's hit a wall, and she never backs down from a challenge, so she nodded in approval. Harry led her away from the others, asking the room for privacy. He told her this would feel uncomfortable despite not trying to hurt her, but he promised he'll stop if she starts panicking.
Harry sat in front of her and looked straight in her eyes as he whispered, "Legilimens."
Daphne gasped as she witnessed memories of her past, both recent and distant, rush through her head as she could actually feel Harry search through them to find a powerful one. Eventually, he stopped, and she saw a younger version of herself crying in a hospital room with her parents hugging a small person, who she now recognized as a younger Astoria. She finally recognized the memory, it was the day that they had barely managed to save her little sister from a blood curse that had plagued their family for centuries, she wailed for hours when they administered the cure that finally saved her life. The centuries of research and the amount of their fortune they spent would likely affect/burden her family for another century or two after she herself was dead, but it was worth it.
She still remembers what she whispered in her sister's ear that day, "I promise Stori, I'll protect you forever, and I will love you always."
She jolted slightly and saw Harry smiling at her, telling her it was time to go, to which she nodded. The two were now back in the outside world, both slightly in tears and Harry (always trying to be her hero) embraced her in a tight hug and rubbed her back as she cried. After a few minutes, they pulled back as he gave her a reassuring smile, while the room produced some tissues for her.
"That was a very beautiful memory, Daphne, thank you.", he said.
She nodded, "I've always tried not to think about that time, I was so distraught over the thought of losing Astoria that I often forget that day and how happy I was when we saved her."
Harry nodded sagely, "I can relate, it's always easier to remember the dark parts of our pasts, than the good parts that came between. But I suppose that's what makes it all worthwhile and gives us a reason to keep fighting, to have more good moments like that to show us light can overcome darkness, that's what the Patronus is all about after all. Ready to try again?"
Daphne composed herself and nodded with fierce determination as they exited the private area and ignored the questioning glances from the other members in the room as she took a deep breath and pointed her wand in the air.
"Expecto Patronum!", she shouted.
Instantly, a large light erupted form her wand and out came her Patronus, which took on the shape of a tiger that roared and bowed submissively at her, before disappearing. She came out of her shock when everyone started clapping and cheering for her, including Harry, whose smile made her heart flutter. She mouthed a 'thank you' to him and he nodded as she thought to herself, "I'm hope my next great memory comes from you, Harry." Neither noticed Harry's Slytherin ring flash green again.
Hannah and Harry were walking down one of the castle's many corridors, having what many would think was a serious argument when looking at them from a distance. However, if one would listen closely, they would realize that despite everything the two had gone through recently, they were still very much ridiculous teenagers.
"There is no way I'm naming our Defense club The Rockin' Potterhead's, makes us sound like a punk band from the 70's.", Harry affirmed.
Hannah snorted, "What, would you prefer The Judgement Day? That makes us sound like a pro wrestling group."
Harry actually pouted, "It sounded cool when I thought it."
Hannah giggled at how defensive and childish Harry can be, in a good way, and she was once again grateful to have made friends with Harry; after all, he and Susan were the reason she still wasn't wallowing in her grief. It's not even like he did anything big or grandiose, he just walked with her, talked with her when she needed it, and let her cry without judging her, just like her mum used to.
Harry noticed her good mood and smiled to himself, he often made as much time with her as possible when he wasn't training, teaching, or spending time with the others to make sure she was slowly, but surely moving on with her life. He knew what it was like to blame yourself for the horrors committed by others, and he didn't want that for Hannah or anyone else.
Harry nudged her weakly, "You're looking better, feeling, ok?"
Hannah smiled, "Yeah, it gets easier slightly as the days go by and what we're doing is definitely giving me a purpose, thought I still wish things were different."
Harry nodded solemnly, "I know what you mean, but life goes on. Well, I'm this way, so I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"
Hannah nodded, "Goodnight, Harry."
Harry said his goodbyes and walked up the staircase as Hannah walked towards the kitchens to head back to her common room, but before she got there, she was blocked by a smirking Ernie that clearly had been waiting for her.
Ernie smirked at her fear-stricken face, "Tsk, tsk Hannah, slumming it with Potter. As your future husband, I'm afraid those little walks of yours with will have to stop."
Hannah scowled at the reminder, "We're not married, yet so bugger off with your demands and get out of my way."
Ernie glared at her, "For now, though in a week's time, that's really not going to matter."
Hannah's blood froze, "W-what are you talking about? I have till the end of the year before we become betrothed and another two before we marry."
Ernie grinned cruelly, "Yeah, about that, due to Draco being imprisoned temporarily and the others either losing their memories or dying, the Dark Lord has decided to push my father into securing this contract by New Year's and we'll be married in the summer. You don't need to continue your education after passing your OWL's since you'll be a housewife."
Hannah's mind went blank with fear and hopelessness as he continued, "Do make sure you and your father cooperate, love. We don't want to have to a repeat with your dear old mother, do we?"
Ernie just laughed as he turned on his heel and entered the common room, leaving a distraught and sobbing Hannah on her knees. "Please, anyone but him. Please, I'll do anything, just don't make me be with him.", she said to no one.
However, unknown to Hannah, something did hear her pleas, the very castle felt her distress and decided to act to save the young woman with magic and in that moment, a very confused Harry wondered why his Hufflepuff ring flashed yellow momentarily.
Although Harry had been banned from being on the House team, there was no way in Hell that he would allow Umbridge to stop him from flying all together; therefore, he and the Chasers had snuck out of the castle once a week with their brooms. Sometimes they just flew around for an hour or two, laughing and having fun as they raced and practiced Quidditch, other times though, he thought it was a good idea to have the girls practice stunners on a fast-moving target, which he naturally volunteered for. He quickly realized that it was, in fact, not a good idea.
"Okay girls, I think that's enough for now! Please stop trying to kill me!", he shouted while dodging for his life.
"Oh, hold still you big baby!", said Angelina as she kept casting stunners.
"Yeah, what happened to all that tough talk about how we couldn't hit the broad side of the barn!", said a playful, but vengeful Alicia.
Katie stopped and sighed, "Ok, that's enough, let's not kill our teacher."
Alicia grinned at her, "Don't want to ruin that perfect face of his?"
Katie blushed, but then smirked, "Hmm, so it's Harry you've been muttering about in your sleep? Is he the reason you had to change your sheets that one morning when you woke up?"
Alicia sputtered and Angie sighed, "Alright, that's enough. Don't want Harry to start getting the wrong idea, do we?"
Harry landed near the three girls and was wondering why Katie and Alicia were blushing and avoiding eye contact while silently arguing with each other but shrugged it off, "You know, one might think that you were trying to finish me off with those spells?"
Angelina snorted, "Hey, it was your idea, Potter, don't blame us if you can't handle it. Although, watching you out there reminded me of the day I first met you. Just a skinny little prat who could barely talk to us."
Harry smirked, "Well, you were all not only intimidating, but beautiful."
Angie tried and failed to hide her blush, "You don't have to say something like that, I know you hang out with other girls, better choices than me."
Harry was surprised at her words, never hearing her so vulnerable, "I swear, I don't understand why people need to compare themselves to others, I care about you Angelina because of who you are. I would probably still be that timid little prat had you not helped build my confidence and looked out for me."
Her eyes widened and she felt her heartbeat quicken as she squashed down sudden feelings and just smiled, "Well, clearly my teachings worked if you could get so many witches looking to 'polish your wand.'"
Harry sighed, "And you ruined it."
Angie shrugged unapologetically, "Not ashamed, we should separate the two lionesses before they claw at each other."
Harry nodded and the two managed to break the two friends apart, as Angelina and Katie went to grab the brooms and other supplies, allowing him to wait with Alicia. He had noticed that she had seemed deep in thought over something these last few days, and he tried not to pry, but he had to make sure she wasn't in trouble over something involving him or the club.
"Are you alright, Alicia? I noticed you being more quiet than usual lately.", he said.
She glanced at him and sighed exasperated, "It's my father."
Harry's face darkened at the mention of Alicia's prick father, "What happened?"
Alicia looked down to hide her face, "He's dead. Hung himself in his cell at Azkaban."
Harry's eyes widened and while he wanted to throw her a party, he knew that's not what she needed, "And how does that make you feel?"
Alicia scoffed, "I feel pleased he's gone, angry that I didn't kill him myself…and sad. Not because he's dead, but because every day I wonder what could have been if he was a different person. Maybe then I'd be able to get my shit together, hell maybe even find a stable relationship without the fear that he'll hurt me."
Harry embraced her and whispered, "I know, I spent years hoping and wondering if aunt, uncle, and cousin could or would change and what I would be like if they were different. Hell, the only real reason I went with Hagrid that day was to escape from them, but it doesn't matter now. I've accepted that the only remaining family I have, besides Sirius, are scum and now I've made a new family for myself. One I love and appreciate every day, including you."
Her eyes widened as tears slowly formed and she gave a kiss on the cheek to him and whispered 'thank you' s' in his ear. They stayed like that for a few minutes, until they heard Angie and Katie come back and they broke apart as Alicia wiped her tears.
Angie raised an eyebrow, "Are we interrupting something?"
Harry shook his head and the group of four began making their way toward the castle with Angie and Alicia laughing and teasing each other about something, while he and Katie are hanging back a few feet. They were both content with silence until he felt Katie tug on his sleeve, forcing him to glance at her and see an expression of nervousness and trepidation.
"What is it Katie, don't tell me you're having some kind of crisis, too? There's far too many of those happening lately.", he said.
Katie shook her head, "Harry…there's something I want to tell you. I wasn't going to tell you, but now that we're probably preparing for war, I don't want any regrets, even if you don't feel the same way."
Harry froze at the implication, "Feel the same way about what?"
Katie blushed and fidgeted until she finally summoned her Gryffindor courage and said, "I'm in love with you, Harry. I've felt this way for a long way time, but I don't think how much you meant to me until we were apart from each other all last year."
Harry didn't know what to say and Katie just giggled at his expression and continued, "Please don't say anything, I just had to say something in case…one of us doesn't survive. No matter what though, you'll always be that cute little seeker who grabbed my heart. Cheesy, I know, but it's how I feel; your strength, humor, kindness, and heart is what turned me from a coward to a proud lion, so thank you."
Katie kissed his cheek and walked away from his frozen form, and he just spent minutes wondering how a loser boy from the cupboard kept getting himself in this situation or what he was going to do. He was only broken out of his panicked thoughts when his Gryffindor ring flashed red three times, only furthering his worries.
After Harry finally got himself to an uneasy sleep that night, the castle of Hogwarts surged with magic as the ladies of Hogwarts had finally been chosen after almost 1,000 years. The four Hogwarts rings came to life and nine streaks of light burst out from them: three red, three green, two yellow, and one blue. The streaks whizzed around the room until they fled to their targets.
The three red streaks traveled the shortest to one of the girls' dormitories in Gryffindor Tower, which housed the Chaser Trio and landed on their ring fingers as Angelina, Alicia, and Katie each became a Lady Gryffindor.
The three green streaks traveled the farthest towards the dungeons and into the fifth year Slytherin girl's dorm and landed on the ring fingers of Daphne, Tracey, and Pansy, making them the new Ladies' Slytherin.
The two yellow streaks flew by the kitchens and into the Hufflepuff girls' dorm and on the ring fingers of Susan Bones and Hannah Abbott, also having a very party drunk Megan Jones thinking she had hallucinated things again.
Finally, the single blue streak made its way all the way up to Ravenclaw Tower and latched itself on a sleeping Su Li, who passed out reading in the common room again, and made her the second Lady Ravenclaw.
Harry and the girls would wake up tomorrow, not knowing they had just changed their lives and the wizarding world forever.