And another new chapter, with a couple of chapter seeds at the end. Let me know what you think about it, as well as which of the numerous chapter seeds I've posted I should develop next.
Hypothetical Encounters #1
It was another wonderful Hogsmead weekend, and Harry was nervous. It wasn't because of the Triwizard Tournament, though that was a part of it. It wasn't the plot Dumbledore suspected was surrounding him. After three years of the same, he more or less expected it. It was his new rival, that he was worried about.
He was glad he didn't have to deal with Malfoy any more, make no mistake about that, but Malfoy, though annoying, was at least familiar, and while he had plenty of time to get to know his new rival, interviews and staged meetings were nothing like the real world, and he had no idea just what he would have to deal with.
ÔÇ£Well, well, well, if it isn't Mr. Potter and his incompetent cronies.ÔÇØ A voice called out, causing the foursome to turn. Harry grimaced lightly as he saw Daphne Greengrass, his newly appointed rival, and her cadre of companions. The two groups stared at each other, and harry couldn't help but feel there should be a tumbleweed blowing between them.
Surprisingly, the first to move were Ron and Lavender, who came together in a passionate embrace. The remainders of their teams stared dumbfounded as the two teens grappled with each other in a way that caused a number of them to begin blushing. It wasn't all that surprising. An exceptionally attractive male meeting an exceptionally attractive woman was likely in end in such a way, but to have a front row seat for such an event was disconcerting and uncomfortable for the rest of them.
ÔÇ£Don't worry Harry! I'll overpower her!ÔÇØ Ron managed to gasp between kisses.
ÔÇ£I've got him right where I want him Daphne!ÔÇØ Lavender moaned before tackling Ron to the ground.
ÔÇ£My, Ronald's method seems surprisingly effective.ÔÇØ Luna commented absently, as she walked over to her counterpart. ÔÇ£I think I'll test it out for myself.ÔÇØ She began walking towards the somewhat dumbfounded Susan Bones, before the Hufflepuff realized just what the young Ravenclaw was intending. With a brief shout and wave of her wand, numerous ropes sprung into existence and wrapped up the blonde girl.
ÔÇ£Oh poo.ÔÇØ Luna said in mild disappointment. ÔÇ£I guess it only works for the Beauty.ÔÇØ
Harry pointed his wand at Susan threateningly, but was soon distracting as Ron's shirt found its way onto his head. With a brief shout, he tore it off, and took several steps away form the epicenter of the conflict. Susan likewise took several steps away from Luna, in fear that she would have somewhat less innocuous than a shirt thrown onto her.
All of them watched the two Beauties clash. At first, simply to avoid being assaulted with whatever happened to come off of them, but then, it slowly began to develop into a morbidly fascinating scene, and they shuffled closer together, enraptured by what was unfolding in front of their very eyes.
ÔÇ£Well, this isn't going anything like I expected it to go...ÔÇØ Harry struck up a conversation with Daphne as they watched their Beauties continue their... ÔÇ£battle.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I feel the same way, Mr. Potter.ÔÇØ Daphne replied, unable to tear her eyes away, much like the slowly gathering crowd. ÔÇ£Do you think we should go to the Three Broomsticks for a debriefing? I have a feeling these two aren't going to stop anytime soon, and it could prove problematic for our future encounters.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Sounds good to me.ÔÇØ Harry answered, signaling Hermione to grab Luna. ÔÇ£I'm buying.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Now Mr. Potter, as your rival, do you think I'd let you get one over on me so easily?ÔÇØ Daphne smirked as Padma and Susan fell into pace behind her. The two trios left the out of the way Hogsmead street, intent on quenching their thirst, their rivalry currently suspended.
ÔÇ£You should try tying her up next time Ronald! It worked wonderfully on me!ÔÇØ Luna called out as they left. Ron gave a halfhearted wave of thanks, before doing his best to ÔÇ£subdueÔÇØ his very attractive rival.
As they continued to struggle for dominance, a number of the less gentlemanly wizards in the crowd began to cheer for them, to which Ron and Lavender were blissfully oblivious to.
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The Three Broomsticks was surprisingly empty for a Hogsmead weekend, but given the show their missing friends were putting on, it made sense that most of the students would be watching that instead of having a nice drink. Harry managed to secure a sizable booth in the corner, and the girls soon joined him. The quickly gave their orders to Madame Rosmerta, before Daphne called their impromptu meeting to order.
ÔÇ£I think the first order of business we have is to discuss Mr. Weasley and Miss Brown.ÔÇØ Daphne began, to a round of frantically nodding heads. ÔÇ£I think we can all agree that their choice of combat is unorthodox at best, and somethings need to be devised to deal with it.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Well, I have an idea.ÔÇØ Hermione said.
Madame Rosmerta delivered their butterbeers, and Daphne and Harry gestured for her ton continue as they began to sip form their drinks.
ÔÇ£I think that we should speak with both Ron and Lavender about today. They never really had a chance to speak with each other due to the activity involved in setting up these groups. If we can just talk to them about it, I'm sure we can come to a resolution that everyone is happy with, and avoid this problem in the future.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Lovely idea. I'm sure they won't lose themselves in the heat of battle.ÔÇØ Padma commented with a look of disdain.
Hermione glared at her counterpart, before continuing, ÔÇ£While this does run the risk of a repeat of today, I think that both Ronald and Lavender are mature enough to restrain themselves after today. Also, if they do decide to pursue a relationship, it will allow them to vent their... emotions outside of conflicts, thus reducing the likelihood that they will lose control of themselves as they did today. We'll need to consult with both of them to see if this is a viable option, but I think it could resolve our problem nicely.ÔÇØ
Daphne and Harry nodded in consideration, while Luna and Susan drank their butterbeers. Padma snorted derisively at the proposal.
ÔÇ£Well, if you don't like it, why not share your own idea?ÔÇØ Hermione said, glaring at the Ravenclaw.
ÔÇ£I will.ÔÇØ Padma said, giving Hermione a dismissive look. She stood up, and waited until she had everyone's attention, before explaining her own solution.
ÔÇ£I propose we separate they two of them. The chemistry between them is far too strong for anything else currently available to deal with. If we keep them apart, then they will only see each otherÔÇØ
ÔÇ£The second apart of my plan is to have them develop romantic relationships with people outside of our rival groups. This will not only provide them with an outlet aside form each other, but it will also provide a tangible reason for them to avoid engaging in such a manner again. The entire process will take some time, but I think if both groups collaborate together, we can establish a solid baseline within a month, and have both of them in strong relationships by the winter holidays.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£And that's just a lovely idea.ÔÇØ Hermione said sarcasm dripping from every word. ÔÇ£It will be easy to ensure they never see each other for an entire month. It's not like they're members of a rival groups, or house mates. They only time we'll have to worry about them is the rare times they're in class together, when we're focused on learning and taking notes. I'm sure they won't take advantage of that.ÔÇØ
Padma glared at the brainy Gryffindor, before Harry tried to defuse the situation. He signaled for another round, and began trying to placate both parties.
ÔÇ£Alright, those are both some... interesting options, but I'm sure there are a number of other choices. We still need to talk to both Lavender and Ron about this before we can make any real progress, but thank you both for your thoughts on how best to deal with this.ÔÇØ
Their butterbeers arrived, and Harry hoped that the drinks would help cool their tempers a bit. He sighed in relief as the two intelligent girls stopped glaring at each other to pick up their mugs, but his relief was to be short lived.
ÔÇ£Bitch.ÔÇØ Hermione commented between sips of her butterbeer.
ÔÇ£Tart.ÔÇØ Padma replied easily.
ÔÇ£Trollop.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Troll.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Tramp.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Idiot.ÔÇØ Padma sneered, turning Hermione a furious red.
ÔÇ£YOU TAKE THAT BACK!ÔÇØ Hermione shrieked, standing up in righteous rage, ÔÇ£YOU'RE JUST JEALOUS I EDGED YOU OUT IN THE MIDTERMS!ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£THAT WAS LUCK AND YOU KNOW IT!!!ÔÇØ Padma yelled in return, mirroring her counterpart. Both Harry and Daphne sighed as they realized where this was going. The Ravenclaw leaped across the table, taking the furious Gryffindor to the floor. Hermione roared in outrage, before seizing Padma's long dark hair, and giving it a vicious pull.
Padma shrieked in pain and outrage, before slapping the bushy haired bookworm, and receiving one in return. Hermione rolled over on top of Padma, knocking over an empty table in the process, only for Padma to grab her hair and introduce her face to the floor. There was a sickening smack, and when Hermione's face came back up, her mouth was bleeding.
ÔÇ£YOU.. TART!!!ÔÇØ Hermione screamed, as she kicked herself free of the Ravenclaw. The two of them regained their footing, before rushing at each other for another clash.
ÔÇ£You'd better stop them Harry.ÔÇØ Daphne said.
ÔÇ£...What?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£You're the Boss, right? As the Boss, it's your duty to control your underlings. If you can't even manage this, maybe I shouldn't be your rival.ÔÇØ Daphne said, before sipping form her butterbeer once more.
Harry considered it for a moment, before deciding discretion was the better part of valor. ÔÇ£You stop them.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£What?ÔÇØDaphne asked is disbelief, setting down her mug.
ÔÇ£I'm never seen two girls go at it like this. You've got a younger sister, right? I'm sure you'd be much better at getting them to stop than me.ÔÇØ Harry said, locking eyes with the Slytherin.
Daphne stared him, then looked at the brawl on the bar's floor, watching as Hermione spit the blood from her broken lip in Padma's face, and earned a slap that sent her sprawling.
ÔÇ£...I'm sure they can resolve their differences on their own. They're both smart girls.ÔÇØ Daphne said, attempting to save face.
ÔÇ£Agreed. Let's leave them alone to settle their differences.ÔÇØ Harry concurred, before the remaining four quickly exited the building.
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Deciding to get far, far away from the Three Broomsticks, the Boss and Brawn of both groups set out for a walk around Hogsmead, taking special care to avoid the area where they had first met up.
ÔÇ£Oh look! The Shrieking Shack!ÔÇØ Susan exclaimed, trying to distract the rest of them from the last few events of the day. ÔÇ£You know it's the most haunted structure in all of Britain, right?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£You know, I always wondered how it became haunted.ÔÇØ Daphne said, ÔÇ£It's too bad Hermione and Padma are indisposed right now. I'm sure one of them knew the answer.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I've always wanted to explore the Shrieking Shack.ÔÇØ Luna commented as they passed the empty building. ÔÇ£Daddy would love to interview some of the spirits inside of it. It would be a great piece for the Quibbler.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I don't think there's anything interesting in there Luna.ÔÇØ Harry chuckled, recalling when he found out the truth about the Shrieking Shack.
ÔÇ£Nonsense!ÔÇØ Luna replied cheerily, ÔÇ£In light of our abject failure to engage in proper battle, I think a short expedition into the Shack is the perfect opportunity to raise morale.ÔÇØ
Harry laughed as they continued walking, ÔÇ£Thanks Luna, but I think you already managed to do that.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Luna?ÔÇØ Harry asked, before noticing she was not walking alongside them anymore. He rapidly turned to see where she had gone, but a sinking feeling in his stomach told him where she had probably gone. He looked towards the Shrieking Shack, and saw the young Ravenclaw was already next to the abandoned building, and happily dislodging a few decaying boards
ÔÇ£Luna! Stop!ÔÇØ Susan shouted, before rushing to catch the young blond before she entered the Shack. Unfortunately, Luna managed to make a hole just large enough for her to squeeze into, and Susan's hand closed on empty air as the young Ravenclaw disappeared
ÔÇ£Luna? LUNA?!ÔÇØ The Hufflepuff cried, before frantically widening the hole and plunging headfirst after her. The further loosening of the boards caused the whole wall to shudder, and other loose boards began to sink, slowly causing the recently crafted doorway to close.
Harry and Daphne stood dumbfounded, still trying to process how they had lost the last pair of their companions so easily. The quickly rushed over to the entrance they had created, which was already almost collapsed itself completely closed. The peered into what remained of the hole and called out, but neither Luna or Susan replied.
ÔÇ£Do you think we ought to get a teacher?ÔÇØ Daphne fretted, ÔÇ£I don't wan them to get detention, but we can't just leave then in there, can we?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£We don't need to get a teacher. Luna's probably exploring the Shack and is too fascinated to hear us, and Susan is probably just trying to get her before something happens. I'm sure they'll be just fine.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£But what if one of the spirits gets them?ÔÇØ Daphne asked, her fearful eyes locking with Harry's.
ÔÇ£Don't worry about it.ÔÇØ Harry assured Daphne. ÔÇ£I know for a fact that there aren't any evil spirits in there.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Is that so Mr. Potter? Then just what causes all of the screaming the town hears?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Werewolves.ÔÇØ Harry answered without thinking, not seeing how Daphne froze up at his offhand comment. He began to turn around, before noticing that Daphne was frantically trying to force her own way
ÔÇ£Daphne, wait!ÔÇØ he shouted, futilely trying to wrestle her away from the Shack.
ÔÇ£We can't let them go in there alone Harry! They don't have your years of experience to survive a werewolf!ÔÇØ
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Harry sighed as they finally reached their destination. The hill wasn't all that impressive, but it gave them a good view of Hogsmead, and they could even spot Hogwarts off in the distance.
He looked over at Daphne. It hadn't been easy convincing her that the Shack wasn't a werewolf stronghold, waiting to devour anyone who walked to close by. Even after explaining that it had been built for Professor Lupin years ago, and had been deserted ever since, he still found her glancing fearfully at it from time to time, and visibly restraining herself from rushing in after the Brawn of both their teams. Only after a half hour passed without any screams from inside or riots breaking out in the town did she finally allow herself to relax.
Harry watched as she gazed down on Hogsmead, trying to think of a decent way to break the ice. Their entire history was based around their respective groups and their clashes, and they had never had a single encounter where it was just the two of them. Harry struggled to think of how to converse with the pretty girl beside hi, before deciding to rely on the basis of their relationship, their rivalry.
ÔÇ£That went... well, I suppose.ÔÇØ Harry said, trying to pretend things had gone better than they had.
Daphne chuckled, ÔÇ£Don't flatter me Potter. It was a disaster for both of us, and you know it.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Well, yeah, but at least it was entertaining.ÔÇØ Harry replied, ÔÇ£And I'm sure Ron and Lavender are happy with how things turned out at least.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£That is true... I always suspected Lav had something for that Weasley of yours since his makeover, and I'm glad she finally got a chance to act on it. The Brains on the other hand...ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£As long as they don't burn down Hogsmead, I'll be happy.ÔÇØ Harry answered.
ÔÇ£I don't think we need to worry about that. They seemed more concerned with hair pulling and slapping than acting like witches.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I've never seen Hermione like that before. I guess she was a bit more stressed about Padma's attempt to replace her than she let on.ÔÇØ Harry considered, ÔÇ£I think I'll still be concerned about them burning down Hogsmead. They're both smart girls, and eventually one of them is going to remember her wand, if only so she can hex the other for pulling out her hair.ÔÇØ
Daphne sat silent for a moment, ÔÇ£Do you think we should stop them?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£There is no way I'm getting between two smart witches with a grudge against each other. I'd rather fight Voldemort before doing that.ÔÇØ
Daphne flinched at the Dark lord's name. ÔÇ£Sorry about that.ÔÇØ Harry apologized.
ÔÇ£No need for that. I'm just a little impressed that you can say his name so easily.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Well, I grew up like a muggle. I didn't even know about him until Hagrid told me. Harry said modestly.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Still, even the muggleborns start calling him You-Know-Who after a few months.ÔÇØ Daphne said, ÔÇ£it's quite impressive that you continue to say it after four years.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Professor Dumbledore once told me that fear of a name only increases the fear of the person, so I try to keep saying it despite how everyone reacts. I'm just glad he doesn't come up in everyday conversation.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£...I'm not a very good rival, am I?ÔÇØ Daphne asked, causing harry to look over at her in surprise.
ÔÇ£Why do you say that?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£It's our first real encounter, and look what happened. Our beauties are probably naked in the streets right now, our Brains are probably burning down the Three Broomsticks, and our Brawns are exploring a haunted house.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Allegedly haunted.ÔÇØ Harry corrected her, earning a halfhearted laugh.
ÔÇ£And here we are, just sitting like a couple of chums instead of fighting like we should.ÔÇØ
Harry sighed as he tried to think of how to answer her. Nothing immediately sprang to mind, so he decided to simple say whatever came to mind.
ÔÇ£Daphne, it's our first encounter. There was no way it was going to go well. Your groups is still learning how to work together, and mine is still adjusting to Luna. We're still not used to working with our allies, let alone our rivals. Things were bound to go wrong, and they did. It just means we need some time to get comfortable with each other.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£You really think so?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I do.ÔÇØ harry replied honestly. ÔÇ£No matter how things turned out, I still had a lot of fun today, and you certainly beat out Malfoy.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£You're comparing me to Malfoy already?ÔÇØ Daphne managed a smile.
Harry smiled back, ÔÇ£I'm sorry, I should have compared you to rocks. It's less insulting to you.ÔÇØ
Daphne laughed, before standing on her tiptoes, and pecking him on the check.
Harry froze for a moment, as Daphne looked at him, her cheeks slightly pinker than before, ÔÇ£That doesn't mean I like you Potter. I just... sympathize with your situation.ÔÇØ
Harry flushed as well, ÔÇ£Of- Of course. It was nice working with you.ÔÇØ he said, awkwardly offering his hand. Daphne stared at it for a long moment, before reaching out and shaking it.
ÔÇ£Excellent work today Mr. Potter. I look forward to our next encounter.ÔÇØ Daphne managed, before turning and stiffly marching off. Harry stood still for a few minutes longer, before leaving himself, making absolutely sure to go in any direct but the same one as Daphne had chosen.
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ÔÇ£So, did you manage to get all of that?ÔÇØ Fred asked his brother with a wide grin.
ÔÇ£Why yes, I did.ÔÇØ George answered with his own smirk. ÔÇ£I didn't expect them to split up like that, but I managed to record everything despite that minor hiccup.
ÔÇ£Excellent. I think we'll have quite the entertainment lined up for dinner this evening.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£Indeed we will brother. We just need to get these to the Creevey brothers to spice it up a bit more.ÔÇØ George's grin widened to the point where it looked as if his face would break.
ÔÇ£Best be going then, don't you think?ÔÇØ Fred asked, before the Twins dashed back to Hogwarts. The evening meal was only a few hours away, and they wanted to make sure everything was perfect for the returning rivals. After all, the Weasley Twins produced nothing but the finest. If they didn't make at least one of their unfortunate targets blush hard enough to explode, they clearly weren't doing their job right.
New Chapter Seeds:
ÔÇ£Don't worry harry, you'll love these guys.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£They're rocks.ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£ENCHANTED rocks. The enchantments are very important.ÔÇØ
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ÔÇ£Hagrid, you know this was meant to be mainly for students, right?ÔÇØ
ÔÇ£I now, I jus' wanted to try meself fer a bit o' fun.ÔÇØ
Fred sighed, ÔÇ£Alright Hagrid, show us what you've got.
ÔÇ£Well, I brougth Fluffy fer the Beauty position. Your brother Charlie said he'd let Norbert visit me, so I'll use him fer Brawn, and me old friend Aragog agree to be the Brains fer a bit.ÔÇØ
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"What're you working on Fred?"
"Personality Potions. Some of our potential Applicants aren't exactly eager to participate, so i thought I'd cook up something that might help them get over their inhibitions."
"You're talking about the teachers, right?"
"I never said that, but yes."