Unofficial Portkey Archive

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to JK Rowling, etc, etc. Anyone who thinks I do own Harry Potter is an idiot.

I can fly!

The thought was a joyous one.

Harry felt the wind blowing in his hair, rushing past his cheeks with a sharp, wonderful sting. He couldn't even see the ground he was up so high. It was wonderful. Easily the greatest feeling he had ever experienced.

It was late, past midnight, and he had snuck out of Hogwarts and stolen a broom. He just couldn't wait to experience this again.

They had had their first flying lesson today. He had been a little nervous about flying, but as soon as his hand touched the broomstick, he had known he was meant for it. When his feet left the ground, it was confirmed. He was born to fly. Madam Hooch didn't allow them nearly enough free reign, so he was limited to flying only so far off the ground and at the speed of an airborne turtle.

That was why he had snuck out tonight. He needed to fly again, but this time, really fly. Fly so high he struggled to breath properly.

Harry couldn't see his own face, but he could feel the smile on his face. No, smile wasn't the right word. Blissful grin, maybe, but even then didn't come to close. His cheeks hurt from smiling so wide.

The flying lesson had been eventful as well.

The Slytherins had again been paired with the Gryffindors, and Malfoy had taken to taunting a certain Gryffindor. Small and chubby, the boy was an easy target. The boy (Harry struggled to remember his name… Longbottom maybe?) had a disastrous first attempt at flying, and had fallen off his broom and broken his wrist. Madam Hooch was taking him to the hospital wing, leaving them alone.

Malfoy had found something that belonged to the boy and was being a jerk about it, when another Gryffindor (this one Harry new - he remembered him from the train - Ron Weasley) stood up to him.

Harry had to admire Weasley's bravery, if not his intellect.

'You want this Weasel?' Mafloy taunted, tossing the object (a circular ball) from hand to hand.

'Give it back Malfoy!' Weasley shouted.

'Okay, catch,' Malfoy said, and threw the ball over his head to Zabini. Weasley tried to catch it, but missed.

Zabini had the ball now and he was laughing at Weasley's failed, clumsy effort at catching. 'Whoops, so close,' he jeered. 'Potter.'

Zabini threw the ball at Harry, who caught it with his quick reflexes.

Weasley turned to glare at him. 'Give me the Remembrall Potter.'

Harry considered it, but then, he was trying to ingratiate himself into the Slytherins, and they all seemed to enjoy watching Ron's embarrassment. He really didn't have a choice.

'Sorry Weasley,' Harry said, letting a slightly mocking tone enter his voice, even though the words he was saying were sincere. He tossed the Remembrall back to Malfoy.

Weasley again tried to intercept, but Harry's throw was so good, he ended up falling on his face in his attempt. The Slytherins hooted laughter.

'Leave him alone!' Another Gryffindor cried. It was the smart girl who always knew all the answers. He couldn't remember her name.

'Leave him alone!' Zabini mimicked her, but screeching the words insultingly.

The Slytherins laughed louder and the girl turned red. 'You're all just a bunch of jerks!' The girl accused, and then threatened. 'I'll tell Madam Hooch about this.'

'Oooh, we're scared,' Malfoy said sarcastically.

Pansy Parkinson chuckled.

'I'll give you one last chance Malfoy,' Weasley snarled.

'Okay,' Malfoy replied, and held out the Remembrall. When Wealsey went to take it, he spun suddenly and hurled the object into the Forbidden Forest. Weasley gasped, hand still held out. Malfoy smirked at him. 'Oops.'

Harry thought Weasley would have attacked then, but Madam Hooch was back, and the lesson resumed.

Now Harry was flying above the Forbidden Forest, not far from where they had their lesson earlier in the day. An idea occurred to him. The Forest was forbidden, but who would know? He lowered himself closer to the treetops, trying to get his bearings. It was around here somewhere, he knew.

Finally, he lowered his broom to the ground just outside the Forest and then entered the trees. It was a long shot, but if he walked around this area, he might find the Remembrall. Malfoy hadn't thrown it far into the Forest. In fact it had only just reached the edge of the trees.

He didn't stop to think why he was doing this. He just felt compelled. After all, he knew what it was like to be bullied. It wasn't fun. Malfoy and Zabini were jerks, just as the girl had said. I guess that makes me a jerk as well, he thought. But what does it matter? I have evil inside me anyway.

That was the only difference between himself and Longbottom (?). He deserved to be bullied.

It took him over an hour to find the Remembrall, but then he had to decide what to do with it. He couldn't give it back. It had to be returned without anyone knowing who returned it. Or maybe he could give it to Hagrid…

Would the giant understand? Could he keep his mouth shut?

'Probably not,' Harry said out loud, as he picked up the stolen broom and again took to the air.

If only he knew where the Gryffindor common room was located. That was something he would have to rectify.

Still thinking, he flew back towards the Quidditch pitch and the locker rooms. He had a broom to return.

As the wind rushed past him again, he laughed out loud.

'I can fly!' He told the world happily.

A/N: Review please. I love to know what you guys think.