Harry Potter and the Heir of Gryffindor(01) - Sahits

"Jealous?" Draco laughed piously, his footsteps close behind theirs. "Jealous of aWeasley? As though I wish I lived in that dumpster of a house, not a penny in the till,and that embarrassment of a father--"Harry's fists clenched and he spun around, his eyes narrowed. "SHUT UP MAL--""I'd no sooner be jealous of a Weasley than I would you, Potter. Your stupid little scarand your stupid little fan club. At least my family means something in this world,Weasley. At least I have a family, Potter!"Harry was reaching for his wand when Professor Gray appeared. Sirius was staring atHarry, his arms crossed. Harry slowly put his wand away, still glaring at Draco."That's more like it Mr. Potter." Sirius turned to Draco, "And I'm sure that you're going tobe late for Arithmancy if you don't hurry along."Draco sneered at Harry triumphantly and pranced away, Crabbe and Goyle breaking outinto laughter as they went.Harry scowled at Sirius. "Why did you let him go? You heard what he said--"Sirius tightened his grip on Harry's shoulder. "You think I'm going to let Draco egg youon into another detention? You know as well as I do that with your record you cannotafford another occurrence. You and Mr Weasley both." He lowered his voice so that onlyHarry could hear. "And I cannot afford your being booted out of Hogwarts."He was right of course."Do not let him get to you like that," he said earnestly.Harry was still fuming, but he and Ron shrugged it off on the way to class.The two were heading towards lunch later that day when they ran into traffic en route tothe great hall.They saw Hermione's head amongst the crowd and tapped her on the shoulder."What's all the commotion?""The Pennant," she said eagerly, pushing her way towards the front of the crowd, Ronand Harry close at her heels."The what?""Didn't you hear the announcement at the beginning of class?""No. We were busy with Draco," said Ron bitterly."Oh. Well-- go on, have a look!"She pointed at a large sign that had been posted on the wall:The Student PennantOpen to 5th, 6th and 7th year students only. Students will compete in a three-daycompetition-- a battle of the minds. Subjects to study include history, arts andentertainment, literature and law. Students interested must enter their names, housesand complete the standardized questionnaire attached. Four representatives will beselected from each house and all will be expected to attend weekly study sessions withtheir assigned group leaders. Applications are to be taken to Professor Warwick directly--deadline is this Thursday, Halloween.Ron and Harry both smiled at Hermione."Oh, you're a shoe-in, Hermione! We've as good as won!""Stop it--""It's true," he insisted. "You're the smartest girl in the school!""W-well, w-what about you two? You're entering, right?""Right," Ron snorted. "They'd laugh at my application.""You never give yourself due credit, Ron," Hermione scolded."She's right. Why not enter, Ron? You'd be great on the team!""What about you?""Me? Sorry-- Quidditch practice, remember?"Ron seemed to be considering it. "Well . . .I'm not gonna get picked, so why evenbother--""Enter," they both barked.So on Halloween, after the last class of the day, they went with Ron to ProfessorWarwick's class to hand in his application. Ron tried his best to appear indifferent to thewhole thing, though Harry could see right through it. He was playing his sympathy card:Hermione had taken to rubbing his shoulders supportively, walking very close to him,telling him in soft, dulcet tones how much of an asset he would be to the team. Harry44