Chapter 29 - A free day

That evening, the group had a small discussion about the subjects Harry should follow or drop for the coming year. They all agreed that charm, transfiguration, defense against the dark arts and potions were the most important disciplines among the core subjects.

If needed be, he could get qualifications for the others subjects at a later date. Harry and Camille realised that they had completly forgotten about astronomy. Added to history of magic, herbology, care of magical creatures and divination, that made 5 subjects Harry wouldn't have to worry about. That would mean more time for magus training, hextech studies. And runes.

Having Harry learn about runes was proposed by Scathach. Not only was it one of her specialities, but runes were also necessary in enchanting and warding in the magical world. The Potter family was also well versed in those disciplines, and it allowed them to make the wardstone and the hidden vault that he had inherited. Plus, it would most likely be very useful in hextech. If he could reach 5th year level in runes, adding it to his list of OWLs would be good for his qualifications.

Harry still refused to give up on quidditch. It was not only good for his overall fitness, it was also better for him to have a hobby in between all the studying and training he was going to do. The women didn't really insist, not willing to deprive him of one of the few p.l.e.a.s.u.r.es he had in life. He also realised he never took the time to fly since he got home, and he was going to make up for it.

The next day, after breakfast, Harry was up in the air, on his firebolt. He happily flew around his family domain, doing aerial acrobatics, racing above tree tops or weaving between them.

He wasn't the only one who wanted to fly. Each of the girls got a turn with him in the air, starting with Vi. After seeing everything he could do on the broom, she couldn't contain herself. She kept shouting praises and encouragments near his ear when he took her for a ride. He was only slightly distracted by her assets at the start. Afterward, he was enjoying himself too much, and Vi's enthusiasm was too contageous.

It was a bit different with the others. They had bigger c.h.e.s.ts, molded themselves on his back and held onto him tighter. Scathach and Semimaris sat on their sides, thus they weren't completly stuck to him, but they still affected him as strongly as the others. Scathach had the biggest c.h.e.s.t of the group, and he found Semimaris quite alluring. Camille was the only one that didn't affect him much. He flew slower as well, as they weren't that interested in experiencing the acrobatics themselves.

He decided to spend part of the afternoon in York with Camille, Caitlyn and Vi. He had appropriate disguise for Camille. They used Dobby to teleport them, since neither of them had learned apparition.

They were city ladies after all. He did learn that Caitlyn was quite alright at the estate, being surrounded by nature. But that wasn't the only thing he learned. There was some rivalry between Camille, and Caitlyn and Vi. Some comments were exchanged that he simply couldn't ignore. It wasn't visible before because he had never spent much time with just them around.

In fact, the only time when those 3 were near each others were during meal times and meetings. They had tried to remain civil to each other, but he realised having them spend some time together had fanned the embers of past feelings, reigniting them. Suddenly, he was reminded of arguments between Hermione and Ron, and thinking about them made him frown. At least it had the effect of calming the ladies down.

"What is troubling you?" asked Camille.

"Your little bickering reminded me of my friends" he replied. "I'm wondering if I'll see them of if I'll get a message from them tomorrow."

"It does not seem to please you."

"... I guess I'm angry at them for not trying to warn me about what was going on. It reminds me too much of how people turned their back to me last year."

"You should wait until you've heard their explanation" cautioned Caitlyn. "You don't want to jump to conclusion about them like people did for you."

"No. Definitly not."

They resumed their exploration of the city. The girls had a closer look at the technological marvels avialable in Harry's world. They went to vehicle stores, electronics stores, household appliances stores. From then, they started to look at household furnitures as well, and the subtle arguments and bickering restarted. Caitlyn and Vi may have been friends, but that didn't mean they didn't have conflicting personal tastes.

Watching them, Harry realised that all 6 women would want to have a say in the decoration of the manor once it reconstruction ended. It was one thing he didn't look forward to.

The evening was a little special. To thank Semimaris for her previous idea with the Quibbler, Harry had Dobby prepare a special meal for her. While he was thankful for Caitlyn's defense, the queen's idea had a wider and more long-lasting effect. And the slap to the face of his detractors was too satisfying. Thus, Dobby prepared best of Middle East dishes they could make with the ingredients available in Great Britain. With the appropriate drink.

The smile Semimaris gave him after tasting the dishes made his heart skip a bit and his cheek darken. Her regal and sensual demeanor, and her enchanting golden eyes, were having a devastating effect on him. There was something else that attracted him, but he couldn't tell what it was. Still, he was very pleased with himself for making her smile, and had a really good night.

The next day came soon enough, and by 9.30am, everyone, meaning Harry, Xuanzang, Vi and Scathach, was ready to leave for the rendez-vous. At 10am, they had arrived at the station. They had arrived nearby by apparition, and walked the rest of the way. They settled at a calm corner near the entrance and waited for the other party to come and make contact with them.