Chapter one - taking something back
Upon a dark mountain, the threat of an approaching storm rumbled overhead. In the fifth tower of Ilvermorny three figures were stood around a fire blazing in the great stone hearth of the headmistresses office. One, a witch in long blue robes that fell in fluttering waves withdrew her wand, a particularly long one made from ash, as the wizard to her right gave his own wand a slight flick. Seemingly from air a piece of parchment appeared and floated in slow suspension between the three of them. The firelight lit their faces in an otherwise darkened room. "Madam Rossary" the wizard to her left turned so that his profile was better lit. His grey cloak, trimmed with gold, ruffled in the faint breeze from the chimney. "If you will"
Inclining her head the witch reached forward and lightly tapped the parchment with the tip of her wand. At once burning letters, searing from the gloom, appeared there. They lopped out an elegant signature, and once the last of their light had faded the wizard from which the parchment had originally come flicked his wand once more and the parchment vanished.
The headmistress turned to smile and shake his hand and then turned again to shake the hand of the President of the Magical Congress of the United States of America. "Headmistress" he smiled, bringing her hand to his mouth. Placing a kiss there and exchanging a few words more he motioned to the wizard who had accompanied him, who wished Madam Rossary the greatest success in hosting the tournament, and a moment later they had both apparated.
Madam Rossary stared at the space in which they had stood for a few moments, her hands clasped tightly before her. Then she let out a slow breath and her whole form seemed to curl forward and shrink in size. She muttered a brief spell that brought her armchair to slide swiftly forwards as she collapsed into it. For a while she sat staring at the fire, the flickering shadows that illuminated the walls decorated with commendations, pictures of past students, late headmasters. After some time she rang the bell that would call the house elves to come and begin to ready her office for the morning and rose reluctantly from her seat. It was important she got as much sleep as she could; tomorrow she would tell the school that they would be hosting the International Wizarding Schools Quidditch Tournament.
There was much work to be done, in little time. As she reached the door leading to her private rooms she paused before the MACUSA flag that hug next to her desk, as it had always done. She had never paused here before, never felt this responsibility before, to lead Ilvermorny through the eyes of the international wizarding world, shining. The flag had never before held as much importance, hanging from its pole in her office, the moonlight reaching from the tall latticed windows behind her desk to catch its folds.
She shook herself mentally, reminded herself that this was not professional. The president always made her feel a little threadbare and as it was it was late. Duties always felt heavier in the darker hours. With this thought, she opened her door and silently slipped inside.
...
Ginny scraped the bottom of her bowl of cornflakes with her spoon, staring heavily at her older brother who was busily shoveling fried egg into his mouth. There was an excited murmur running through the great hall and the usual clamour of breakfast seemed unusually tense. "What seems to be bothering you this morning, Ginny?" Nearly-headless Nick asked kindly as he came to float beside her "You're usually in high spirits around breakfast time."
"Thanks, Nick" Ginny said distractedly, looking for the hundredth time towards the platform that had been raised before the head table.
"Wondering about the announcement, are we?" Nick said remotely, following her gaze
"Announcement?" Ginny replied, dropping her spoon and turning to face the ghost. He gave her a look that might have best be described as curt before sharply turning (to the best of his ability) and floating away again across the hall.
"There's no point trying to get anything out of him, Gin" Katie Bell leant across to her "The ghosts know something but nobody's let anything on all morning"
The gryffindor quidditch team was crowded around one end of the Gryffindor table with Sheamus, Dean, Ron and Parvati squashed in between them. Angelina Johnston was in the middle of giving a pre-training session talk, but nobody had been paying much attention and it looked as though she was giving up.
"Eat your breakfast" she said grumpily as she took her seat next to Ginny again. "You all need your strength for this afternoon." No sooner had the words passed her lips however when the plates were suddenly cleared of food. A great hush fell at once over the hall as the teachers got to their feet. Albus Dumbledore, clearing his throat, put away his napkin and smiling at them all over his half moon spectacles made his way to the front of the platform followed by McGonagall. A man in a plum purple suit, long cloak and scarf joined them there, and a ripple passed through the great hall. Nobody had seen him come in, nor was he one of the teachers.
Dumbledore raised a hand for silence.
"Good morning, everyone. I hope you're all well rested and that I might have your attention for just a few moments. Firstly I would like to introduce a dear friend and our esteemed guest, Mr Howard Drawn, Head of Department of Magical Entertainment." At this the wizard in the matching cloak and suit stepped forward. He was greeted with a brief round of applause, to which he smiled and raised his hand. "Secondly" Dumbledore continued "I must inform you that due to unforeseen circumstances, the House Quidditch Tournament will not be taking place this year." A cry of uproar immediately rose from the four tables. Ginny stared numbly towards the Headmaster before glancing towards Angelina, who appeared perfectly calm but was carefully driving her knife into the table top. She reached out to take hold of her hand beneath the table.
Fred and George Weasley were shouting their outrage and those of her friends that remained silent looked livid. She could see over their shoulders that the students on the neighbouring tables had similar reactions.
"Settle down! Settle down please!" McGonagall called sternly to seemingly little affect, but a moment later the hall simmered down into a disquieted murmuring.
"I understand that many of you may be disappointed at this news" Dumbledore smiled at them, a gleam coming to his eyes "I assure the respective house captains that the quidditch teams will still be allowed to practise throughout the course of the year. However, as many of our best players will not be able to be participate, you may wish to invite other members of your house to temporarily fill the gaps, so to speak" he enjoyed their confused silence for a few moments "I am delighted to announce that Hogwarts has been invited to participate in the International Wizarding Schools Quidditch Tournament this year."
For the space of a second, you could have heard a pin drop. Ginny flinched as the hall burst into thunderous applause around her. Her brothers were jumping up in their seats and the noise of the four tables excitement combined was near uncontainable. "What is it?" Ginny shouted into Angelina's ear "I don't understand" but the Gryffindor captain couldn't hear her. Harry shrugged at her from across the table.
After some time the stamping and shouting had quietened down sufficiently for Dumbledore to conclude "I now hand the proceedings over to Mr Drawn, who will, I am sure, explain the details."
Mr Drawn was now accepted to the stand will overwhelming enthusiasm. "For those of you that do not know, the International Tournament is a long held tradition" he began "that was established in the 17th century to replace the highly dangerous Triwizard Tournament. Quidditch teams from four different wizarding schools come together to compete. It is a show of unity and of companionship between wizards and nations alike. The tournament takes place every four years and Hogwarts has been selected this year to take part. To the winning team comes promises of eternal glory, and of course, the wizarding school's quidditch cup.
The Tournament this year is to be held in Ilvermorny school in Massachusetts, USA. In a month from now, the Hogwarts Quidditch team will travel to Ilvermorny, where they will begin their training. Any student may sign up for a position on the team, and tryout will be overseen by myself, Madam Hooch and the Headmaster. Only the very best will be chosen to go to America. Good luck to you all."
...
Hermione perched on the end of a large and perhaps overstuffed beige and blue striped armchair with a cup of tea resting on her lap. In front of her an open fire roared in a friendly grate, and at her knees height was a house elf carrying a large silver tray. "More tea, Mistress?" it squeaked
"I've told you, please call me Hermione" Hermione replied exasperatedly "and no, I would not"
"Oh no Mistress" the house elf smiled "Mindy couldn't possibly"
Hermione set her cup of tea down and made a sixth attempt "Mindy, are you absolutely sure I can't give you even a little tip"
"No, Mistress" Mindy replied sternly
"Hermione"
"Mistress"
"Hermione"
"Mistress"
They were at were at that point interrupted by a knock on the door, and Mindy at once retreated to the corner of the room. Hermione stood as Professor McGonagall entered followed by Howard Drawn. The professor smiled at her kindly but Drawn looked her up and down with a critical eye. "Professor" Hermione said politely "Mr Drawn."
"Good Morning, Miss Granger" replied McGonagall, indicating that Hermione should sit down "Thank you coming, I hope that Mindy has provided you with breakfast?"
"Yes" Hermione clipped.
"Good. Mr Drawn, this is the young witch whom I was telling you about." Mr Drawn extended his hand which Hermione shook, and across his face passed the briefest flicker of a smile before he took his seat. Hermione, resisting the urge to crumple her school skirt in her fists turned to her head of house.
"Excuse me, professor, but may I ask what this is all about?"
"Miss Granger we would like you to accompany the Hogwarts Quidditch team to America, as student Ambassador" Mr Drawn interrupted. Hermione spun around to face him, made herself meet his eyes steadily. Several moments seemed to pass where she found herself wondering if her heart was beating loud enough for the two of them to hear. "Of course.." his steel grey eyes flickered brightly "You're very young for this highly important role. It would seem however that your deputy headmistress has great faith in you."
"I do." McGonagall cut across firmly "There will be a student ambassador, Miss Granger, representing each school. Your duties would include representing the school's student body at formal events and at each game during the tournament. You would also befriend and learn from your fellow student ambassadors, who would likewise seek to befriend and learn from you. In short you would uphold the standards of this school. I am sure.." and here McGonagall's eyes softened slightly "You will do wonderfully, if you should choose to accept."
"...I see" Hermione replied, and then stammered "If...if I may, why I have been asked, and not an older student?"
"The student ambassador may be of any age, but it is common practise to select a student in the middle of their academic journey, such as you Miss Granger, who is the closest in age to both the youngest and oldest students in the school and will therefore be the most able to represent the student body's interests" Mr Drawn supplied
"Did you not say Sir, that I was a little young for this role?"
Mr Drawn seemed to stiffen in his chair and Hermione quickly stammered out "No..no offence meant, Sir."
"It's a great honor" he continued after a punctuated silence.
Hermione stared at her lap, her brow furrowed. After a long pause she sat up and faced Mr Drawn "Sir I'd be happy to accept. I think it'd be a great opportunity that I'd rather not let pass by."
"Excellent" smiled McGonagall, putting away her tea "I will write home to your parents for their permission, Miss Granger, and from there all the necessary arrangements will be made. Your lessons will of course continue during your stay in America so you needn't worry about this affecting your studies."
"Thank you Professor" Hermione said politely.
The party got to their feet and Mr Drawn then produced some papers for Hermione to sign. When having done so she thanked the Mr Drawn and Professor McGonagall again, who her sent her back to her usual classes. As she quitted the office, Hermione realised that her hands were shaking. She made her way calmly along the corridor towards the dungeons with considerable effort. If it had been in anyway acceptable, she would have run the whole way shouting victory loud enough to be heard from the forbidden forest.
...
"Excuse me, coming through" Ginny elbowed her way through the buzzing crowds that had gathered around the Gryffindor common room notice board. It took her sometime to reach the front, but as she expected, the sign up sheets for the Hogwarts Quidditch team had appeared. There was space to write your name, your age and what position you were signing up for. Ginny noticed dismally that there were at least forty chasers signed up already.
"Thinking about signing up?" said a voice next to her. Ginny turned to see Angelina hovering at her right shoulder, her eyes scanning over the several sheets of parchment in front of them.
"Are you?" Ginny asked
Angelina pointed to a place on the page where, sure enough, 'Angelina Johnston' was written in neat letters along with the position 'chaser.'
"You should" Angelina smiled at her. Ginny hesitated, but eyes lingered over quill that hovered in front of the board, ready for the next person. "The Hogwarts team's got a real shot at winning with you"
Ginny turned to look bluntly at Angelina before turning and elbowing her back towards the fire. "What does that mean? Hey, Ginny, wait" Angelina followed after her and caught hold of her arm as she began heading towards the dormitories. "What's the matter?"
"I can't sign up" ginny said flatly, refusing to meet Angelina's eyes. "I'm too young"
"Anyone can sign up, in any year group"
"I'm tired, Angelina. I'm… not experienced enough for this. This is serious. It's important and I-"
"Am definitely good enough" Angelina finished for her. She loosen her grip on Ginny's arm but didn't quite take her hand away
"Why would you think you're not?"
Ginny glanced up quickly, seemed puzzled, then her eyes focused and she seemed distracted by something, looking away from Angelina as her face grew a little red. When no response seemed to be forthcoming Angelina gently tugged her towards the dormitories "Come on" she said softly. Puzzled, Ginny let Angelina tug her up the stone steps away from the crowds and noise, fumbling a little over the last few steps. The Dorms were mostly deserted but for a few girls at the other end who were talking amongst themselves. Angelina pulled Ginny back into a shadowed area near a linen closet.
"Angelina, what's…" Ginny started but trailed off as she realised Angelina had moved closer, just close enough. She felt her breath against the side of her cheek and all at once she felt as though her heart was beating at twice its usual speed, but that it had also shrunk in size so that it was only fluttering. She didn't know quite what it was she needed until she felt Angelina's hands firmly grip her waist. Angelinas eyes, suddenly so much closer flickered a dark brown through the gloom and there was no time to react before she kissed her, pressing her back into the shadows. Ginny felt the impact of the wall, of Angelinas lips against hers and something seemed to slip. She was spiralling, the dizzying warmth leaving her breathless and a little out of her depth. Angelina was soft and gentle and insistent, leaning further into the kiss as Ginny tried to find common ground, settling at last on letting her hands rest beneath Angelina's head.
As quickly as it had happened they broke apart, slightly breathless. Ginny looked quickly towards the other end of the dorm but it appeared that the other girls has remained oblivious to what was happening behind them. Realising she was still clinging to Angelina's shoulders Ginny let go as if she'd been touched by an electric current.
She stumbled back into the wall and with Angelina hovering over with that smile that was entirely different, she felt as though she would melt.
Instead she gathered herself together enough to whisper "Angelina I…" she found she didn't have the words. She found herself silenced in anycase as Angelina kissed her again and her eyes were closed.
There was a strange gravity, a fondness on Angelina's part that had always been there, and looks in between classes, at meals, but this…
Angelina's arms encircled her completely and she found herself feeling as though she were sinking into a warm light. All at once, her senses seemed to catch up with her heart beat and she faltered, pushed back. Suddenly guilt was there and was crushing her, though she couldn't understand why. Angelina searched her face and Ginny realised in the faint shadows that, even when concerned, Angelina was untypically but necessarily beautiful. She also realised that she had known that for some time.
"Shh shh shh.." Angelina hushed gently when she saw the Ginny was on the verge of panicking "It's okay Ginny.. Just breathe slowly. I didn't think you didn't know, I mean… you must've done."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked, bewildered "I don't understand.."
"Neither do I, honestly" Angelina's mouth twitched upwards into an almost smile. "Don't over think it okay? Just go with what you feel." At this, she leant a hand against the wall, effectively pinning Ginny into the corner.
"If you think this'll get me to sign up for the quidditch team" Ginny hissed, an inch from Angelina's face "You've got another think coming."
She stared into Angelina's face angrily for another moment before kissing her off her guard, causing her to take a step backwards. For a few moments Angelina murmured softly as Ginny bluntly brushed over Angelina's lips, tangled her fingers in her hair. She pulled back, taking her hands away from Angelina's chest. Giving her the most furious glare she could muster she swept around the corner and left her smirking in the dormitories, running back to the common room, her face burning. She didn't dare look back.
Just who did Angelina think she was? But… she couldn't deny she didn't have some right… it just seemed so natural, so like them, she never knew she'd missed it until now. Did she miss it? No, surely.
They were just friends. Of course they were just friends.
She couldn't seem to stop, however. She couldn't stop her head spinning pleasantly or that feeling in her stomach of want. She stormed into the common room and a couple of first years quickly got out of her way. How dare Angelina.
There was no need to elbow her way through the crowds this time; they all swiftly moved out of her path. She wouldn't say that it was anything more than it was, a friendship. She wanted it to happen again, what had happened in the dorms, but it was only a strange secret, a strange promise that had been made and she would not let Angelina Johnston take control of it. These were the only facts she knew. She'd show her. She seized the quill and wrote out in her scrawled, untidy hand 'Ginevra Weasley, 16, chaser.'
From now on, if she wanted something, then she'd take it.