like a redheaded stepchild

Chapter 16: A Sirius Misunderstanding

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Chapter 16: A Sirius Misunderstanding

The Christmas Holidays went by in a blur, quite literally after Bill pronounced the Firebolt curse-free. Even Hermione when she came over for the New Year's celebration had to admit that flying the Firebolt was fun.

"It is exciting. Terrifying, but exciting."

"I am totally taking this for quidditch," Ron said when he landed. "This blows the Nimbus 2000 out of the water."

"You can borrow it," Harry promised. "But I want a turn too. Well, after the dementors are gone anyway."

The train ride back was tense for Harry, with forced laughter and jokes as he quietly fretted about dementors getting on the train. When the train rolled to a stop, Percy and Penelope both cast their patronuses, while Luna and Harry held hands. Thankfully, the dementors did not actually board the train, floating by a few feet away. Still, Harry could hear the dark whispers and see his parents getting murdered again, this time Molly and Arthur's voices floating through his mind.

Once the train got rolling again Ron and Ginny tried to distract Harry, and he allowed himself to get drawn into a discussion on quidditch. Apparently, a fresh young star had made the Bulgarian National team, and was expected to become an international sensation.

"I think Victor Krum will take Bulgaria all the way to the world cup," Ginny said confidently.

Ron shook his head. "No way. You need more than just a good seeker. Look at the Gryffindor team: I might be the seeker, but when I beat Malfoy to the snitch last year it was thanks to a bludger from Fred. Or possibly George, not sure. Anyway, we also won the cup last year thanks to points from the chasers. Bulgaria doesn't have anyone else writing home about."

Harry mostly let the conversation wash over him, making noises when appropriate. He just couldn't find it in himself to think about Quidditch at the moment. He glanced at Luna, who was sitting with her head on Hermione's shoulder, her eyes closed as she listened to Hermione chat about their classes. Harry sighed and shook his head. He needed to learn how to cast a corporeal patronus, and soon. The thought of the dementors taking Luna….Harry shuddered. It didn't bear dwelling on.

Back in the castle, there was a long line in front of the Gryffindor portrait hole.

"What's going on here?" Percy demanded, striding to the front of the line.

Oliver Wood grimaced and nodded to the portrait of Sir Cadogan, who was pacing back and forth in his frame while his fat pony dozed in the background. "That idiot has been asking these stupid questions to everyone before he lets them in. Says they're a true test of whether or not you're a Gryffindor based on your answers."

"What is your name?" Sir Cadogan demanded of Neville, the next person in line.

"Um, Neville Longbottom."

"Ah-ha! Correct. What is your quest?"

"To er, get into the common room?"

"Hmph. I suppose that is true. And finally, what is the proper way to defeat a grown mountain troll?"

"Sick Hermione on it," Neville answered.