money from it, so please Mrs. Rowling if you read this
don’t sue me. A comment or two would be welcome
though.
Please, if you read, take two minutes to review.
Hermione sat on her bed holding Ron’s diary, and thinking about what had happened with Harry.
What are we going to do about Ron? asked the voices.
Ron hasn’t expressed an interest. There’s nothing to do about him, Hermione replied.
What if he does?
You already know the answer if he does.
What if he doesn’t? the voices asked quietly.
“Ingenious,” Hermione commented aloud, “He modified the Recognition charm he taught us for our wands to work for the diary. It only recognizes him and spells from his wand.”
Polyjuice Potion? asked the first voice.
That’s one way, Hermione replied.
Other ideas? the second voice asked
Not yet but I’m working on it, the first answered.
Harry entered the dorm, put his things away and headed for the showers. Ron was already there.
“How did it go?” he asked.
“Well I didn’t let her answer, but I told her.”
“Scared?”
“Yes.”
“Well at least you’ve got the hard part done,” Ron said, shutting off the water. “You were gone when I got up, get any sleep?”
“No,” Harry replied, starting to towel off.
“Tryouts are going to be rough; Ginny said if she gets a break from Chaser tryouts, she’s going to fly in the Seeker tryouts just to give you a hard time,” Ron told him.
“Good, someone to make me work will be fun.”
“Glad to hear it mate, glad to hear it. Come on I’m starving.”
Ron and Harry were already eating by the time Ginny and Hermione joined them. Neville sat down a few minutes later followed by Luna. The talk of the whole school was the Gryffindor tryouts. After the turmoil of last year, Professor McGonagall had wiped the slate clean. All positions were open. And she would be selecting all the players to the team herself. Most people were expecting the returning players, except for the Beaters, to reclaim their spots. Harry was counting on being Seeker again, with Ginny claiming one and Katie Bell claiming the second of the three Chaser spots. In his mind, the only real question marks were the Beaters. If they could find good ones the team would be strong.
“Hey what’s that noise?” Ron asked. Everyone stopped to listen, not quite able to make it out. The door to the hall opened and Harry thought he heard the words of a song “ the lyrics sounded like they involved “Harry and Hermione.” Ron’s face turned scarlet.
“She didn’t, that little snot! First her friend rats us out to Umbridge, then she promises not to say anything, and now this.” Ron was seething.
“Calm down Ron, what are you talking about?” asked Ginny.
“I’m talking about Cho telling Harry’s secret after she said she wouldn’t last night.”
“What secret?” asked Neville. Harry looked at Hermione. She had turned white with rage. She knew what the secret was.
“She guessed last night when we were talking after the DA meeting. I wasn’t ready to tell you, but was afraid she would let it out. I wanted you to hear it from me first,” Harry said desperately to Hermione.
“I’m not mad at you, Harry.”
“Will someone please tell me what you’re talking about?” Neville asked again.
The doors to the Great Hall opened - it was Cho. She looked frantically around for Harry. Harry heard it more clearly this time.
“Did you hear? Harry Potter loves Hermione….”
It was Peeves, singing some crazy song announcing to the whole school what Harry had told Cho.
Cho raced over to Harry, but before she could get there, both Hermione and Ginny had hit her with curses. Cho fell to the floor her black hair now green. She looked up at Harry with pleading eyes, unable to open her mouth.
“And you can starve for all I care,” Hermione snarled venomously at her. Harry looked at Cho. She was crying and shaking her head at him, asking him with her eyes for a chance.
Voldemort is skilled at sewing discourse and dividing us. Dumbledore’s words rang in his head.
“Hermione,” Harry said quietly to her, “let her talk.”
“What!” Everyone yelled at him.
“Harry, she deserves it!” Ron continued to rant at him.
“I will do no such thing, Harry,” Hermione added vehemently. Harry turned to her.
“This is exactly one of the things that I love about you. Now please, let her talk.” Hermione melted, pointed her wand at Cho and released the hold on her.
“Harry, you have to believe me. I don’t know how they found out, but I didn’t tell anyone,” Cho pleaded with him.
“Who are they?” Harry asked.
“I am,” Malfoy’s voice snapped from behind Cho. He was flanked by his cronies Crabbe and Goyle; Millicent Bulstrode was behind him sneering also. Ron stood up, he had grown a lot over the summer - filled out some too - and after the incident in Diagon Alley, Crabbe and Goyle didn’t intimidate him any more.
“Ronald, no,” Hermione snapped at him. He stopped.
“That’s right Weasel, better listen to her. You could get hurt.”
“Kind of like when you got hurt this summer at Diagon Alley you mean?” asked Ron. Malfoy paled. Recovering quickly he turned to Harry.
“So, Saint Potter is in love with the Mudblood. How quaint,” he snarled. Ron lunged for him but was stopped by about six Gryffindors.
“Like the song? You ought to be careful where you talk Potter, the walls have ears you know.”
“Actually, it’s a pretty good song,” Harry replied. Malfoy’s mouth dropped open. “What do you think, Hermione?” Harry asked.
“It has a nice ring to it. Though Peeves could use some voice lessons,” Hermione said, a sickeningly sweet smile on her face directed at Malfoy. Without taking his eyes off Malfoy, Harry helped Cho to her feet.
“Ginny,” he said, lifting Cho’s braid. Ginny waved her wand, turning Cho’s hair back to its natural glossy black.
“So tell me, Malfoy, has Voldemort busted your dad out of jail yet?” People all around them shrank back at the name. Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle and Millicent looked around fearfully, their faces having drained of color.
“The next time you see your father tell him to say hi to Voldemort for me. I haven’t seen him since that time in the Ministry last spring.” Harry turned and sat back down, pulling Cho with him, he wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder.
The doors to the Great Hall burst open again. Peeves was still singing and he floated into the hall. Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape scanned the Great Hall looking for signs of trouble. The crowd that had gathered began to quickly disperse. Professor McGonagall stormed over to them, parting students in her way like a wave destroying a sand castle.
“I hear, Miss Granger, that you are again sealing peoples’ mouths shut. And that you are turning peoples’ hair green,” she said glaring at Ginny. They both returned her look without so much as a blink.
“I haven’t seen any green hair, Professor,” Neville offered. “Has anyone else?” he asked, looking around the table. Everyone shook their heads. Professor McGonagall pursed her lips together as she scanned the table
“And you Miss Chang? Or has the proverbial cat got your tongue?” Professor McGonagall asked icily. Cho turned to look at her.
“No professor, I’m fine,” she answered, her voice and face an unreadable mask.
“I see,” she replied. Snape however, was not ready to give up.
“Peeves, who taught you that ridiculous song?” he snapped at the poltergeist. Peeves blew a raspberry at him.
“Peeves, I know you like nothing better than to see students in trouble. It would cost five house points and detention each for the name or names of the students responsible,” he commented fixing his eyes on Cho. Peeves stopped singing and floated down in front of him.
“That would be those four, Master Snape sir,” the poltergeist said, indicating towards the four Slitherin housemates. Peeves laughed insanely and then flew away cackling about foolish professors. Harry had watched Professor McGonagall out of the corner of his eye, and he was sure she had suppressed a smile when Peeves had ratted out Malfoy and his gang.
“Well then, I think that I have the perfect detention for them. Tonight, in my office, all of you,” Professor McGonagall snarled at them. “Now get out of my sight.” Crabbe, Goyle and Millicent quickly moved to escape any more of Professor McGonagall’s wrath. Malfoy however, fixed her with any evil glare before slowly turning and walking away.
“Excuse me Professor McGonagall, but I believe that I assigned those students detention with me,” said Professor Snape.
“No, Professor you did not,” Professor McGonagall replied in her normal curt tone. “You said that the responsible students would be assigned a detention; you did not specify that it was with you. It is therefore my prerogative as the Deputy Headmistress to decide where and what they will be doing.” She turned and walked away. Snape stood there glaring at Harry, trembling with rage. Harry met his eyes defiantly.
“Severus, we were on our way to the Headmasters office, he will wonder why we are late.” Snape spun around following Professor McGonagall to the door.
“Excellent!” Ron exclaimed, as he sat back down. Neville turned to Cho.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“Yeah I’m fine. Harry, I really didn’t tell,” she said turning to him.
“I know you didn’t,” he replied giving her a squeeze before taking his arm off her shoulder.
“Cho, we’re sorry about cursing you,” Ginny and Hermione said together. Cho wiped a tear from her eye and smiled at them.
“I forgive you, but I better get going. I want to get a good seat for the tryouts. I need to scout you guys for this year. I’m captain for Ravenclaw you know.” Cho stood up and headed out the doors.
“Hey Cho, wait up, I’ll come with you,” Neville called after her. She stopped to wait for him.
“See ya later guys,” he said and hurried after her.
“Do ya think?” Ron asked turning back to the others. “Naw can’t be.”
“What?” they asked.
“Neville and Cho, you know, getting together.” He looked around at the others. They were all grinning.
“Bloody Hell! Look at the time, we’re going to be late for tryouts,” Ron said jumping up from the table.
“Relax, Ginny and I’ll go get the brooms and meet you at the field,” Harry said as he stood up. He and Ginny hurried up to the dormitory.
“I’m heading down to the field too, see you there,” Luna said dreamily then headed out the door.
“Does anything ever bother her?” Ron asked, looking at Hermione. She shrugged her shoulders.
“All I know is I can count on her.”
“Are you going to come and watch?” Ron asked. He sounded hopeful to her. Hermione hadn’t known what to expect out of Ron. He had not been nice to her about Viktor. The fact that Harry loved her and the whole school knew didn’t seem to bother him. Strangely, it bothered her.
“Yes, I am.”
I wouldn’t miss it, she thought, remembering Harry’s words about flying that morning.
Walking to the field, she reached into her bag and pulled out Ron’s diary.
“Figure it out yet?” he asked seeing it in her hand.
“Yes, but I don’t have a month to make polyjuice potion, and I thought you might like to add to it. They really are quite good spells, Ronald.” She handed it to him.
“Dumbledore said most people at this school would work on it for years to figure it out, much less a way in. Even the other Professors he guessed would take weeks.” Ron paused to glance over at her. She was watching him a confused look on her face.
“He also said you would figure out a way in a couple of hours, Hermione.” Hermione stopped walking.
“He said that about me?” Ron stopped and turned to her.
“I asked him for help to keep you out of it. He taught me this, said it is the best he ever came up with, used it on his own diary even. Then he told me if you wanted to get in you would. Said I would simply have to trust you. You really are brilliant, Hermione.” Ron turned and continued walking towards the stadium. Hermione hurried to catch up.
“Ron,” she said, touching his arm, “why did you need to keep me out?” Ron stopped, they had reached the stadium and he had to go join the others trying out for the team.
“You really don’t know, do you?” he asked. She looked at him puzzled, shaking her head slightly. Ron took out his wand and waved it over the diary, his name appeared on the cover.
“The important part is the last entry. You can read it all if you want too though. Actually, I hope that you will read it all, some of it is pretty good,” he said holding it out to her. She reached out her hand.
“You want me to read this?”
“It’s not a spell book or anything, but yes, I do.” Hermione took the diary from him. Ron stared at her, and then knowing there was nothing to lose anymore, he reached out his hand and pulled her by the back of her head to him. He touched his lips to her forehead and kissed her gently.
“I’ve got to go,” he whispered, and then walked around the corner to join the other players trying out. Hermione watched him go, the diary hanging limply in her hand. Her forehead felt as if it was on fire where his lips had touched her.
This can’t be happening, she thought to herself as she looked at the diary.
Well we can’t read it now, they’re both expecting us to be in there watching, the first voice said.
You better make sure no one else can read that thing if you lose it, said the second voice.
“You’re right let’s see,” Hermione answered, taking out her wand. When she put the diary into her bag, it would only recognize her and spells from her wand. Hermione walked into the stadium, still in a daze from Ron’s actions. Professor McGonagall saw her and headed her way.
“I’m glad you’re here Miss Granger, come with me.” Hermione followed her to where the students had gathered to watch.
“I see that a number of you have taken an interest in the proceedings today. I am quite glad to see it. In these times of strife, only by coming together can we hope to ultimately win over the evil we face.” The crowd was quiet at her words.
“That said, I am sure most of you are here to support your fellow classmates and perhaps give a few of them a good natured ribbing. I warn you now though, that if I should deem your comments out of line, you will find yourself unable to open your mouth for anything more than eating for as long as it takes to figure out how to reverse Miss. Granger’s hex. Isn’t that right Miss Granger?” Hermione was startled out of her thoughts of Ron’s kiss by the question.
Say yes, the second voice said to her.
What? Hermione replied.
Yes, Professor McGonagall. She is waiting for an answer, the second voice snapped at her.
“Yes, Professor McGonagall.” Hermione replied, still not sure what she was agreeing to. A number of students she noticed, most of them from Slitherin, were shifting in their seats and eyeing her warily.
Honestly, the second voice commented, you’d think he really planted one on her.
“I might add that the staff is no closer to solving this little puzzle now than we were at the time Miss Granger took pity on her last victim,” Professor McGonagall added, as she surveyed the students over her glasses after concluding her speech.
Hermione saw Malfoy and a number of other students get up and make their way out of the stadium. Professor McGonagall turned and walked back to the players. Hermione overheard her talking to herself as she left.
“I thought so.”
The tryouts would begin with the Chasers and the Keepers going first. Players would be rotated in to see how they worked together, and if they could score on the different Keepers. Professor McGonagall, Madam Hooch, the flying instructor, and her new assistant Viktor Krum would be observing. Ginny, Katie Bell and a second year boy David Roberts established themselves quickly as the best combination of Chasers.
It was Ron who wowed the crowd though. He didn’t let in one goal. No matter who had been flying against him. He had flashed from one hoop to the other blocking shot after shot. At one point Katie had pulled out three other Chasers and a second Quaffel. Six Chasers and two Quaffels against one Keeper, it couldn’t be fair. But Ron had held them off for five minutes to the cheers of the watching students before he had signaled that he needed to rest.
Hermione watched intently. She was thrilled to see that it looked like both Ron and Ginny were going to make the team again. Only one other position mattered to her now, Seeker. Madam Hooch blew her whistle signaling the players in.
“We will conduct Seeker tryouts next, all players interested should follow me.” She marched off, trailed by the hopefuls.
Ron walked to the side and collapsed to the ground closing his eyes against the sun, he was exhausted. It had taken every bit of his ability and the speed of his new Firebolt to take on the six Chasers. He was still breathing hard five minutes later, when he felt someone sit down next to him.
“Dat vas som of ze best flying I ave seen,” it was Viktor. Ron opened his eyes.
“Thanks.”
“I tink vith you ve may ave beaten England at ze last Vorld Cup.” Ron didn’t know what to say. He had never been nice to Viktor. He also knew that Hermione had told him about the problems he gave her. That Viktor seemed to be offering friendship to him after all that confused him. Seeing that Ron wasn’t going to answer, Viktor continued.
“She told me no. I am not ere to chase er. I needed a job, less dangerous dan Seeker, I vas alvays urt. I vas alvays appy ere dat year even before er and I ver friends. So ven Dumbledore offered me da Assistant Flying Coach Position, I took it.” Ron looked at him, meeting his eyes for maybe the second time in his life.
“I can’t say I’m sorry she told you no, but I am sorry that I was not nice to you,” he said. Viktor just nodded his head. Madam Hooch blew her whistle again.
“Vell it looks like I better go to vork. Maybe, I vill come get your autograph some time,” he said, as he walked away.
“Seeker tryouts will be conducted in phases,” Madam Hooch was saying. “Now, as there are six of you trying out.” She scanned her list, stopping and then looking up when she came to Ginny’s name.
“Miss Weasley, I should think you have secured a position as a Chaser.”
“Well, I wanted to try for a back up position,” Ginny answered. “Besides, I’ve been beating Harry all summer and wanted to make him work a little.” Harry stared at her. Ginny smiled innocently back at him.
“Is that a fact?” Professor McGonagall asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Why don’t you ask her what broom she was using while I rode that old school Comet,” Harry said to Professor McGonagall.
“Ginny?” Professor McGonagall looked at her over her glasses.
“I was using Harry’s Firebolt,” Ginny sighed. “Please Professor, what can it hurt?”
“Oh very well Ginny, stick it to him if you can,” Professor McGonagall said in exasperation.
Harry shot a dirty look at Ginny. She stuck her tongue out at him. Harry couldn’t help laughing at her.
“If I might continue?” Madam Hooch started in again. “As there are six of you I will be releasing twelve snitches. They are set to fly for five minutes then return to my hand. You will all attempt to catch as many as you can, at the end of five rounds we will count the totals. The Seeker with the highest total will win the position.” They all nodded at her to indicate they understood.
“In the event of a tie we will have a fly off involving one snitch; the Seeker to catch it will be the Gryffindor Seeker. Are there any questions?” There were none. “Good then mount your brooms, on my mark,” six players mounted their brooms. Madam Hooch released the bag of snitches.
“Now!”
Harry was gone. He dove for the ground following the snitch as it skimmed along an inch above the grass. It changed directions going straight up Harry followed it up, skidding past due to his larger mass, but still gaining on it. He closed on it, plucking it out of the air when it attempted a sudden stop. Harry stuffed the snitch into his pocket, turning to survey the field.
Don’t waste time, bring it at the end, the second voice told him.
There! His brain registered a glint of color next to Krum’s ear. Harry turned and dove.
Ginny circled above; one snitch in her pocket already. She knew in this setting not to challenge Harry directly. Figuring he could not possibly get all twelve, if she could snap up the leftovers, she might be able to force a fly off. Then, with just one snitch in the air, she might get lucky and beat him. Ginny reached out her hand and grabbed the snitch that had been driven straight to her by another player.
A little luck always helps, she said to herself diving for a third flash of gold. She heard a whistle blowing and looked down to see six golden flashes race towards Madam Hooch. She settled to the ground next to Professor McGonagall.
“Six of twelve were caught, I got two. That means the most Harry can have is four,” she said under her breath. Harry handed over his catch he had three. Kelly Markson, a third year, had one. Ginny handed over her two.
“Ok, ready again,” said Madam Hooch. “Kelly, don’t waste time bringing them to me in the middle of the cycle ok?”
Kelly nodded.
“Ready….go.” They were off again.
By the end of the third cycle Harry was leading with ten catches. Ginny had eight. Kelly was in third with five. Each of the other three contenders had one catch each. Madam Hooch called a short break. Ginny grabbed the other four players pulling them away from Harry.
“Look,” she said, “none of us can compete with Harry. Kelly, regardless of where I finish, you will be Harry’s backup because I am going to play Chaser. I just want to make Harry work for it. So….if you three harass him, maybe Kelly or I can catch enough to push him into the fly off. What do you think?” The others looked at each other, shrugged and nodded to her.
“Ok let’s do it,” they agreed
“Seekers ready,” Madam Hooch called out. The six Seekers mounted their brooms again. “And….go.”
Ginny and Kelly speed off in opposite directions. Harry was a blur going straight up followed closely by the other three. He was just reaching for his first snitch when he was bumped from behind by two others. He lost track of the snitch, and circled above the field. He could see Ginny and Kelly darting all over the place along with about ten golden flashes but the other three Seekers were just tailing him.
So that’s her game, he said to himself, the little devil. Harry searched the field speeding up and slowing down, darting up and down and to both sides making the others work to stay with him. He spotted a snitch ahead of him, low to the ground and coming straight towards him. Harry accelerated to top speed but headed up. He glanced back, the others were chasing him, he let them catch up slowly. Taking a chance to look down, he could see the snitch was still there. In an instant Harry snapped his broom over backwards and down to the ground. He was now behind the snitch, gaining on it and clear of the others, who had been unable to follow his change of direction. Harry closed his fingers around the snitch just before the whistle blew. He landed next to Madam Hooch and handed over the snitch. Ginny came in with three, Kelly had come up with five.
The scores stood
Harry Potter 11
Ginny Weasley 11
Kelly Markson 10
Brian McBride 1
Tim Gellers 1
Stephanie Donner 1
“You’re cheating,” Harry hissed at Ginny.
“Says who?”
“I do.”
“Come now, Big Brother,” Ginny goaded him. “You were the youngest house player in a century and you’re the best Seeker I have ever seen including,” Ginny said nodding at him, “Viktor. Now why don’t you prove it?” Harry glared at Ginny. Viktor however started laughing at him.
“She’s right you know. You flew much better against dat dragon. Hee Hee she is your sister? Vell better you den me.”
“Seekers ready!” Madam Hooch called. Harry was seething.
“Go!”
Harry was gone and back again. Viktor dove out of the way to avoid being hit by the three shadows that followed Harry. Harry took them straight up letting them gain on him and then he dove straight down. There was no snitch but he stretched out his hand pretending there was. The others were coming. At the last instant Harry pulled out of the dive. Screams came from the stands, he was sure it looked like he would plow into the ground. The others behind him tried to pull up; they had more time than Harry but lacked the skill. Harry heard three loud thuds behind him.
There! Gold flashed into view. Harry wretched his broom around. He needed to hurry. He was free now, but had lost time. His fist closed around the snitch. Harry zoomed up scanning the field.
There! Sitting between Madam Hooch’s legs Harry dove again skimming the ground. He could see Madam Hooch follow him, turning around to face him as he leveled off coming straight for her. He could see the look of surprise on her face, turn to awareness of what was happening when she looked down and then back up at his on rushing form. He was going to slam into her. At the last second she jumped straight up straddling her legs to the side. Harry flew under her, snagging the snitch out of the air. He pulled up again, looking around.
Where! Where! There Ginny and Kelly chasing! Harry flashed after them. The snitch reversed coming back to him.
Kelly and Ginny followed, Ginny was now in front heading directly for Harry, reaching out for the snitch.
We’re going to hit! the first voice screamed at him. Harry rolled his broom - he was now hanging underneath it stretching out with his hand. His fingers closed on the snitch.
Kelly had pulled up to avoid the collision she thought was coming. Ginny zoomed over him with less than an inch to spare. She had not altered an inch to avoid him. The whistle blew.
Harry landed next to Madam Hooch and handed over his catch he had three. Ginny had got three also, Kelly had four. It was tied
Harry 14
Ginny 14
Kelly 14
“You may take a short break, while we give instructions to the Beaters. We will start the fly off in fifteen minutes,” Professor McGonagall said as she walked away. Harry looked around at Ginny.
“You were lucky. I’m bigger than you, if we had hit I could have killed you,” he said angrily.
“If I had given way, I had no chance to get the snitch. I will never give ground to you, Harry. I’ll make you earn everything you get out here today,” she snapped at him.
“Ginny, why are you pushing so hard?” Harry asked in frustration.
“Because, that day in the chamber, when you saved me from Tom Riddle… I’ve seen you at your best, and I want to see it again. Live up to my expectations, Harry James.” She turned and stalked over towards Viktor.
It looked like she was asking him for advice, because he started to explain with exaggerated hand motions what he was talking about. Harry shook his head, turned around and ran smack into Kelly.
“That was a good catch Harry, I thought Ginny had you beat, I thought you would break off to avoid hitting her. I would never have thought to roll under her like that.” Harry smiled at her.
“That’s a Nimbus 2000 isn’t it?” He pointed at her broom. She nodded.
“I had one, the Whopping Willow got a hold of it my third year.”
“I remember. I saw Dumbledore catch you before you hit the ground. You have a Firebolt now.” She indicated with a nod. “Is it that much better?”
Harry reached out taking her broom in his hands. It felt good, comfortable, the Firebolt was better. He could feel raw power when he held it. But this felt more refined, smoother.
“Why don’t you tell me,” he said handing over his broom, “after the next round.” Kelly’s eyes grew wide.
“Harry, I can’t, I could beat you with this,” she protested.
“You could, but you won’t,” Harry said, walking away with her broom before she could protest anymore.
“I won’t hold back,” she called out to warn him. “I want to play, not be a backup.”
“I didn’t expect you would,” he yelled back.
Ron had joined Ginny and Viktor.
“Well, things have heated up a little. The first three rounds were pretty dull. I saw him pick it up in round four when those three ganged up on him.” Ron said, motioning towards Brian, Tim and Stephanie. They were being attended to by Madam Pomfrey, a little bruised but none the worse for wear.
“Then round five, wow!” Ron shook his head. “I saw you arguing with him, what did you say Ginny?”
“Hee Hee, She….” Viktor was laughing again, pointing at Ginny. “Hee Hee, She says to im basically dat he vos flying like a Ninny and dat she expected more from er Big Brother. Ha Ha.” Ron looked at Ginny.
“You didn’t?” he snapped, his eyes growing wide.
“What if I did?” Ginny replied, her eyes flaming at the challenge.
“But I am confused, I tought you ver er brother?” Viktor pointed at Ron.
“I am, but my family has pretty much adopted Harry now. He even calls our parents by their first names. Ginny calls him Big Brother when she is happy with him or when she wants to pick on him,” Ron explained. Viktor shook his head.
“He chooses to ave er as a sister? I am beginning to tink all dose times last year ven da paper vos saying he vos a Nutter….Maybe dey ver right,” he said with a smile at Ginny.
“I’ll agree with that,” Ron replied, laughing along with him.
“Careful Ron, green hair,” Ginny mumbled to him. Ron stopped laughing quickly, nervously looking to see if her wand was out.
“Seekers, gather round,” it was Madam Hooch again. “Now as you all know snitch balls come in levels one through ten. Ten being the most difficult to catch, it is the ball used at the World Cup level,” she said with a nod towards Viktor. Harry, Ginny and Kelly all turned to look at him.
“We have been using up to this point,” she went on, “level four and five snitches, needing to build a base line for your skills.” Their attention focused back on her. “In matches here at the school we generally will use a six or seven depending on the skill of the Seekers playing in the match.
“As this is a school first,” she said with a nod of her head to Professor McGonagall, “you would agree that we cannot have matches going on for weeks at a time. Mr. Krum and I have decided that you three will be chasing an eight for the final trial. I dare say it has been a long time, certainly since before I arrived, that we have pulled this ball out of storage. I am sure that you lot will find it more difficult to catch than anything you have chased before. You will begin, on my mark.”
Harry mounted Kelly’s Nimbus 2000. Ginny looked over at it then at him.
“Nice broom Harry, think you can handle it?”
“I beat Malfoy using one when he was on a 2001.”
“I know you did, but I’m better than he is. So is she,” Ginny nodded towards Kelly, “and this, is a Firebolt.” Harry scowled at her, not noticing the professors watching the exchange.
“I hope you like losing, Ginevra,” Harry replied. Ginny's face turned scarlet at the use of her full name.
“And….” Madam Hooch released the snitch giving it a large head start, “Now!”
Hermione lost the snitch in a blink and focused in on the Seekers instead. Harry moved first but was somehow still behind both Ginny and Kelly.
Things were much closer than she had expected them to be. She would have agreed with Ron about the first three rounds being dull, thinking Harry was feeling not having slept the night before. She hoped he would be ok.
It had taken her about two seconds of the fourth round to figure out why Ginny had huddled the others around. The fifth round she had watched in amazement.
What was it called? The Waronkie Flent or something, she asked herself. Harry had shaken all three of his shadows with one move. And then the last snitch, she had been sure he and Ginny would hit. Covered her eyes to miss it, then not hearing a crash she looked up to see that somehow Harry had caught the snitch. She replayed it on her omnioculars in slow motion, three times, hardly believing what she saw, as much in awe of Ginny as Harry.
How can she be so fearless? she wondered.
Ginny and Kelly were both good, but she had been sure that in the final round Harry would easily out class them. It looked to her that all three of her friends would make the team, and all would be right with her world.
Well for a few hours anyways, the voices interjected. There’s still Harry, and now Ron’s diary.
But now it looked like Harry was in trouble. He would react to any change in the snitch’s direction before the others. She could see him follow it with his eyes. He was always first, but he couldn’t seem to make his broom do what Ginny and Kelly could.
She saw it when he turned, a flash of gold on his broom handle. Hermione stopped the play in her omnioculars and hit the rewind. There, marked clearly on the handle of the broom, she could see the words Nimbus 2000. Hermione looked back at Ginny and Kelly, they were both riding Firebolts. She looked at Kelly again.
“That’s Harry’s broom,” she said out loud.
“What did you say?” Hermione turned, it was Cho.
“Kelly is using Harry’s broom. He’s on a Nimbus 2000. He must have switched brooms with her.” Cho looked at her incredulously.
“Let me see those,” she said grabbing the omnioculars from Hermione. “He can’t be, why would he do that, he’d have to be nuts,” she was mumbling to herself. “You’re right!” she exclaimed, dropping the omnioculars from her eyes so she could take in the whole scene.
“Look, he’s looped back again.” Hermione pointed. But Harry had lost his advantage already.
Harry looped back as the snitch reversed course.
She’s a lot better than Malfoy, the first voice said.
They both are. Kelly almost had it there until Ginny knocked her off, the second said.
The snitch shot off towards the hoops at the far end of the field jumping up and down trying to escape.
Hooch was right, he thought to himself. That thing is way faster than any other I’ve seen. It’s almost like it can think and sense when someone is close to it.
The snitch dove to the ground, Harry broke after it, but Ginny and Kelly were already making up ground on him. The snitch stopped and came straight up. Harry skidded to a stop, reversed and followed. He could see the others overshoot further than he had.
Speed isn’t everything, Little Sister, the second voice laughed as he pulled further away. He could almost reach it stretching out his hand, the wings of the snitch fluttering at his finger tips.
WHAM!
They were back slamming into him from both sides. The snitch broke away, barrel rolling in a giant corkscrew-like motion. Harry followed it, rolling to his left, pushing Ginny around the loop as he went, giving her the advantage, Kelly followed on his right. They appeared to be glued together to the people watching from the ground.
I can’t let them get ahead of me, Harry thought desperately.
Ron and Viktor stood together watching the battle above them.
“Look at that,” Ron exclaimed to Viktor.
Harry had hooked his legs onto the girls. One on each side, they tried to break away but were only carrying him with them. The snitch moved left heading towards where the students had gathered to watch, causing them to scatter as it whipped by, followed by the three Seekers.
Harry felt Ginny grab hold of him, digging her nails into his leg as hard as she could, trying to get him to release her. He ignored the pain in his leg, reached over to Kelly’s broom and shoved the handle away from him while letting go of the hold he had on her leg at the same time. The unexpected input from Harry shot her around in a circle to the right.
Ginny saw what happened, stopped pinching him and immediately tried to override Harry’s control of his broom.
Harry saw the snitch sitting on the right side of the giant pole to the goal hoop in front of them. With Ginny on his left, she would have a better shot at it as they went by.
Ginny saw it too, she stopped trying to get away from him, instead trying to force him to his right so she could snag it with her left hand and take away any hope of him being able to get it.
Hermione could see the snitch just sitting there, Harry was in the wrong position. He was trying to force Ginny back to the left, playing defense, but it wasn’t working.
Fearless and strong, the voices commented to her.
Harry was faking, letting Ginny get the upper hand, feel like she had him beat. He looked around for Kelly.
There! She was coming but wasn’t going to make it.
Now! Harry broke down and to his right. Ginny wasn’t prepared for him to go where she wanted him to. As he rolled down Harry pulled Ginny over with him so that they were both upside down. She was now out of position with Harry seconds away from grabbing the snitch.
Keep rolling! the voices screamed at her. Ginny tried to drag Harry the rest of the way through the roll, trying to come upright again with him on her right so she would be in position to make the grab.
Almost there! they screamed at her. With her right arm, Ginny had pulled Harry three quarters of the way through the roll now. She was reaching around with her left hand trying to grab the snitch behind her back. Like Harry, holding on to her broom using only her legs.
“Ha! Got you!” Harry yelled as he closed his fingers around the snitch. Harry heard Madam Hooch blowing her whistle. He released Ginny and headed for the ground. Kelly beat him there.
“Nice job, Harry.” She handed him back his broom. “I couldn’t have kept up on mine,” she added taking hers back.
“You really fly well Kelly, if I can’t fly in a match, you will do great,” Harry said. Kelly beamed at him.
“Thanks, Harry.”
“Beaters, over here,” Professor McGonagall was yelling.
“Gotta go Harry, I’m trying out for Beater too.” Harry turned as she walked away.
“Hi, Harry,” Ginny said, grinning at him. Harry tried to stay mad at her but found he couldn’t while she looked so pleased.
“Does that meet with your approval, Ginny?” Harry was grinning back. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck standing on her toes to give him a big hug.
“For today, Harry.” She released him, holding one hand to the side of his face, and looking into his eyes. “For today.” Ginny started walking towards Madam Hooch, Harry followed a little bewildered.
What’s gotten into her anyways? he wondered to himself.
“That was impressive Mr. Potter, even better to see that Gryffindor will have a capable Seeker or two after you have departed.”
“Thank you, Madam Hooch,” Harry replied.
“Now I suggest that two you get out of here before the bludgers start coming this way. Positions will be posted tomorrow in your common room for you.”
“I think I’ll go shower before watching the Beater tryouts. See you in a bit, Ginny?”
“Yeah, Harry sounds good.” Harry jogged off towards the changing rooms. Hermione and Ron came running up to Ginny.
“Hey, where’s he going?” Ron asked.
“He wanted to shower before watching the Beaters,” Ginny replied
“Oh….ok, I guess I can tell him later then, how amazing that was to watch.”
“He was pretty good, wasn’t he? And against better brooms,” Ginny said. Ron looked at her.
“What do you mean? He has the best broom there is.”
“He wasn’t using it,” Hermione answered.
“He switched brooms with Kelly,” Ginny finished. Ron looked at the two of them.
“I wondered why you two were able to always get ahead of him even though he would react to the snitch before you.”
“Ginny,” Hermione asked, “why did he switch brooms?”
“Because,” Ron said, remembering the conversation with Krum and Ginny earlier, “Ginny told him he was flying like a ninny and he needed to get his act together. He did it to prove a point,” Ron added with evident amazement.
“And what was that whole hug; hand on his face thing about over there, Ginny?” Ron asked suddenly.
“He asked me if he had performed up to the standard I wanted him to. I was telling him yes,” Ginny replied bluntly.
“It looked like there was more to it than that to me, Ginny,” Hermione said softly. “It looked to me like you were in love with him.”
Ron could hear the warning sirens going off in his head. It had looked pretty much to him the way Hermione said it had, but with Harry having confessed his love to Hermione, he couldn’t tell if Hermione was jealous or not. And Ginny had had a crush on Harry years ago. He started to slowly back up, trying to get out of the way of any spells that might deflect his direction if they brandished their wands. He saw a flash in Ginny’s eyes and she suddenly seemed to be radiating energy.
“In case either of you has forgotten, I might remind you of the prophecy, the one that Harry will either kill Tom Riddle or be killed by him. I demanded his best today and he gave it to me. He asked if it was good enough. I told him, for today Harry, for today.” She was crying now, trembling with rage; the air around her was resonating.
“But I know who he is fighting - I tried to fight him once too and Harry saved me. I know Harry will win, but I’m afraid it will kill him. And I know that I can’t help him. I love him, like I love Ron, Mum and Dad, and you, Hermione, he is my brother, you are my sister. All I want is for Tom to be dead and Harry to be happy.” Ginny seemed to be deflating.
“One other thing, Hermione, in case you forgot. Harry is in love with you.” She sank to her knees.
Ron blinked; the blood had drained from Hermione’s face. Cho, who had been walking towards them, had stopped about fifty feet away, scared at the change she could see in Ginny. She looked at Ron; he shook his head trying to tell her to leave. He had not forgotten the prophecy and despite his best efforts could not forget the day that Ginny had been taken into the Chamber of Secrets. What he was still coming to terms with was the depth to which Ginny had been affected. It dawned on him why she was so driven, why she liked to chide Harry, why she seemed unafraid of anything. Ginny was only scared of one thing, and the only way to fight it was to push Harry. And she was afraid that it would not be enough. Hermione sank down taking Ginny in her arms.
“I’m sorry, Ginny; I wasn’t trying to say you couldn’t love him.”
“I know Hermione; I am just tired of seeing him in pain. What if he dies? We’ll all lose him,” she said in a whisper.
Ron dropped down on his knees in front of her, putting his hands on her shoulders. She looked up into his eyes.
“You listen to me, Ginny. Don’t you ever doubt Harry; he has strength beyond what we have ever seen. I promise you Harry will find a way, because I’m going to help him. Ginny, I promise you Harry will not die in this fight. Now get up and come watch the Beater tryouts with me.” Ginny smiled weakly at him and he pulled her to her feet.
“Coming Hermione?” he asked.
“No Ron, I think I have had enough for today. I’m going to do some reading.” Hermione started towards the stadium entrance with Ron and Ginny trailing behind on their way to the stands. Thinking back on Ginny’s rage of a few minutes ago Hermione was glad only words had been directed at her.
Not that I wouldn’t have deserved it, she thought to herself.
Hermione, make sure you don’t read that diary. Green hair would be the least of your problems. Ginny’s words to her from the night before rang in her ears. Hermione knew she was smart, that she could come up with a spell for most anything in a book somewhere, but the thought of Ginny raining spells down on her was frightening.
There are times she’s exhibiting raw power. More even than Harry, the second voice spoke up. It’s a wise person who fears having Ginny mad at them. Hermione reached into her bag, pulling out the diary she turned around.
“Ron, you’re sure you want me to read this?” She held up the diary so he and Ginny could see it.
“Every word, Hermione,” he replied.
“Ok, see you later then.”
“Dinner?” he asked.
“Depends on how far I get,” she called back over her shoulder. Ron sat down in the stands holding Ginny around the shoulder. From time to time he could still feel her shaking.
“Hey guys, where’s Hermione?” Harry asked, flopping down a row in front of them.
“Reading,” Ginny said.
“You ok Ginny? You look pale.” Ginny straightened up a little, color coming back into her face.
“I’m good enough to take you on again. You just worry about yourself,” she fired at him.
The last thing we’re going to do is burden him with our worries, she told the voices. Harry shook his head at her.
“What’s she reading? I thought she had all her homework done.” Neither Ron nor Ginny answered. Harry looked at Ron.
“Your diary?” Ron nodded once. He looked to be uncomfortable, Ginny just looked sad again. Harry sighed.
“It’s ok guys, I want her happy. If it’s not with me, then you would be my choice for her Ron. Besides, I’ve lost before; I’ll get over it again if I have too,” he said turning to watch the Beaters.
Kelly’s a pretty good Beater, he said to the voices. Neither he nor they noticed Ginny’s tears falling on Ron’s shoulder.