"Miss Weasley everyone deserves a second chance" Dumbledore spoke in a wise voice
"Even at the cost of others" Harry looked at Dumbledore and wondered how anyone would willingly follow this idiot, along with what idiot put him in charge "frankly sir i think you're wrong. Corner had no excuse, you can't argue it was a simple mistake, second chances should only be given to those willing to earn them."
"Now Harry" Dumbledore sighed
"No" Harry interrupted "if me and the Professor weren't there then Ginny would have to probably hurt him, and what if he suddenly decides to pick another girl? One who can't fight back, what if he decides to do more than just force a kiss on her? What if he decides to rip her clothes off or something like that? And he'll do it because the first time all he lost was some points and got a warning"
"I have to agree with Mr Potter" Flitwick sighed "as much as I wish I didn't have to punish a member of my own house, actions do have consequences and Corner won't learn if we let him off with a simple warning"
"Needless to say I am also in agreement" Snape added "I saw the boy forcing himself on Miss Weasley, we should ensure that he is no hurry to repeat that action, if not for the girls safety then for his own. In combat a woman is just as deadly as a man, especially in magical combat."
"Very well" Dumbledore sighed in resignation "what do you suggest?"
"I believe those affected by his actions should decide" Snape looked at Harry and Ginny
"I agree" Flitwick did the same
"You should chose" Harry looked at Ginny "he did it to you and none of the punishments I can think of are legal"
"Fine" Ginny sat up straighter "I think he should at least get suspended or have detention for the rest of the year and in either case he should be threatened with expulsion if he repeats his crime"
"Is that really necessary Miss Weasley?" Dumbledore asked
"I think so" Ginny replied, she had maintained a calm voice because she and Harry knew they wouldn't be taken seriously if they started yelling. "he needs to be shown that his actions have consequences, people break rules because they aren't afraid of consequences. If either of those two punishments occur along with the threat of getting expelled then he may never do it again, that combined with the fact that half the school probably knows by now should be sufficient. It'll force the message into his head and warn the other girls." After the other three agreed, Dumbledore had no choice but to agree.
The two left, knowing Dumbledore was probably starting to have doubts about their relationship. Soon it was time for the quidditch match against Ravenclaw, Harry had gotten changed with the twins and Oliver but for some reason the chasers weren't ready yet and Oliver decided to throw a fit. Harry and Ginny decided to go check on them while the twins held Oliver down, first he had Ginny go in to check if he could come in. When he was permitted to enter he found Angelina and Alicia comforting a crying Katie.
"What's going on?" Harry asked
"It's nothing" Katie sniffed
"Katie you can tell me" Harry knelt down and looked into her eyes "I won't judge and I promise I won't tell anyone"
"It's stupid" She sighed "my family owed another family a debt, something happened to them and they decided they needed us to pay the debt immediately."
"How big is the debt?" Ginny asked
"About a few thousand galleons" Angelina answered, still rubbing Katie on the back "if they don't pay then they might have to sell their house"
"Dobby, Stink" Harry called and the two elves popped in "get that emergency fund I've hidden in my suitcase" The two popped away before returning a moment later with two big bags. After receiving their masters praise they popped away
"Alright" Harry turned to Katie "in here is about, five thousand galleons, use it to pay off your debt" The girls all looked at him in shock, except for Ginny, this was typical of Harry.
"Harry I can't accept that much money!" Katie cried "you're parents left you that money"
"Yes you can" Harry told her firmly "I have plenty more where this came from and frankly I like to believe that my parents would be happy I'm helping my friends. Don't worry about me, it would take me two life times to spend my family fortune and even if I did I still have my godfather's fortune"
"But it's too much Harry"
"No it's not" Harry was not budging "any you don't spend you can give back to me, spend it with Angelina and Alicia or keep it if you want. I don't care either way, and it's not charity either. You can consider this a thank you to all of you for being my friends and being family." The girls all looked touched, Katie was now crying out of happiness. She didn't know why but she still felt like she should object
"But Harry…"
"Katie" Harry interrupted "I'm no expert but I believe that having someone throw a bag of money at your face could result in pain, that's exactly what I'm going to do if you keep refusing. Now you and me are going to go out there with this miserable lot and we're going to play so good that even Oliver and Slytherin's couldn't criticise us. Alright?"
"Alright" Katie smiled in her defeat
"Good I just need to ask one thing from you lot, try to get as many points as fast as you can. I think the other teams seeker fancy's me and she doesn't seem to be taking the hint that I'm not interested, so I'm hoping to avoid her if it's okay with you"
"You what?" Alicia asked "aren't you still the same 'mess with me or Ginny and I'll blast you' Harry potter?" Harry, ignoring Ginny's giggles, replied
"The very same but I thought I'd give her a chance because I don't want to judge her based on rumours like everyone does to me, unfortunately this is one case where the rumours are accurate. If she doesn't take the hint after today then then the old me may just have to come and explain".
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