Chapter 9 – The New Chaser

The following week Harry and Ginny received a letter from Fleur. She had studied the Veela magic and wrote to them what she had learned about love and bonding.

"Dearest Harry and Ginny

I apologise fornot writing sooner. I had help from my mother learning more about Veela magic. Bill has been kind enough to help me with this letter. A Veela has very strong feelings. Although I am but a quarter Veela I remember the fury I felt when Molly thought I would not marry Bill after his injuries. In a Veela, that fury can be very dangerous to provoke. The very strong feelings of a Veela also reflect in the way she loves. When she gives her heart, she gives it completely. She will never love anyone again as long as her beloved is alive. My mother was told by my grandmother that some Veela loved so much they died as their beloved died.

Veela magic is powerful because it is so based on emotions that it also makes it hard to control. From what Bill tells me, there seem to be similarities between Veela magic and what happened to both of you. I believe my best piece of advice is to explore this with caution. It will probably increase your magical abilities, but you may find it harder to control, and if you ever act out of fury, your powers may do much more damage than you can possibly imagine. Love is such a beautiful thing, and if you indeed develop this bond you seem to have, it will most likely strengthen you both as long as you stay in control. I hope you will visit us again at Shell Cottage, so that we may talk further.

Hugs to both of you.

Fleur"

"It pretty much confirms what we already know," Ginny said.

"Yes, but we'll talk to her next time we meet. Actually, I'd love to go to Shell Cottage again," Harry agreed.

The week passed quickly. Harry continued teaching the DA Legilimency and Occlumency, but he had also managed to get his hands on a Boggart thanks to Mr Filch, so they were able to practice casting their Patronuses. Harry let the Boggart face him and take the form of a Dementor, then the members of the DA had something to practice with. It was demanding on all of them, but their skill and speed improved. But there was something more he felt they needed to become the best team of Aurors the Ministry had ever seen. He wanted his group to be elite—special—with unique talents. The ability to cast non-verbal spells was invaluable and they were coming along with that. Wandless magic had proven to be a bit more difficult, as only Cho and Seamus had been able to pull that off, but he wanted them all to be able to do something more, something he couldn't quite put his finger on.

On the following Monday morning, Harry watched as the DA warmed up with some dueling practice. They were pretty fast, and could leap away from spells now, but Susan had managed some simple evasive tumbling manoeuvers Harry decided he might have her teach the class, including himself. Since he had been training with the Quidditch team, he had begun to tone up rather nicely, which helped him immensely in a duel because it extended his endurance. He decided to include some physical exercise into the program for endurance and stamina. The tumbling would certainly help with that.

As the group continued to duel, Harry got an idea. That's it! Body language! Reading body language could give us the edge we need! Harry clapped his hands and called the class to order. "Nice work, DA," Harry said enthusiastically. "We've really done well, but we still need to work on our reflexes. I'd like us to be able to react a bit faster because it's the best way to get the upper hand against an opponent."

"What do you mean, Harry," Seamus asked.

"Do you want to be the best," Harry asked them slyly.

"Well...sure, Harry," said Terry.

"We all do, I think," added Anthony.

The others nodded in agreement, especially Cho. After her foray into Harry's memories, she trained like a woman on a mission. She worked herself to the limits learning everything she could and setting to master it in the bargain.

"What more could ya want us to do, mate," Seamus asked. "Cho and I can do the wandless magic you're so keen about, Susan's a bloody acrobat, and the rest of us've got non-verbal spells down to a fine art."

"Listen, you're all doing a great job, but I think you...we...can do more. I've been thinking a lot about dueling..."

"Yeah, it's your favorite thing," Lavender said chuckling. "You're the devil at it too."

The rest of the class laughed at Lavender's observation. Harry was, in fact, a champion-class dueler and essentially unbeaten among the DA—the whole school, really. Nobody wanted to take him on, which was rather hard for him because he needed to train too. He had humiliated his class, although not on purpose, so that was part of his motivation for making them elite.

"Let Harry talk, you lot," Cho shouted above the chatter. ""What is it you've been thinking about, Harry. What do you mean when you say we can do more?"

"I mean that we need to learn how to read body language. We need to pay attention to hand and arm movements and watch our opponents' mouths," Harry replied. "I also want us to do some physical training as well." The class let out a soft groan and Harry held up both of his hands as if to ward them off.

"As I said before, we need to work on our reflexes—our reaction time. We also need to be able to outlast the "bad guys" in a fight. If we can exhibit physical as well as magical superiority over the criminal element, we could become the most-elite fighting force the Auror Office,-hell, the Ministry—have ever seen. We could be literally THE BEST."

Harry could see that he'd managed to get his team's blood up. Seamus' eyes flashed. Harry knew that the scrappy Irishman would be the first to latch onto the best. Terry and Anthony looked conspiratorially at one another, and the girls squared their shoulders and lifted their chins defiantly as if imagining their success as the best.

"So how do we do this," Lavender asked. "Is it something you do?"

"It looks like it might be the thing that's keeping you from besting me. It's something I think I've done all along and never really thought about until now," Harry admitted. "It just kind of came to me while you lot were warming up."

"I get it," Susan said. "If we can get a fix on what it looks like when our opponent is about to cast his or her spell, we can maybe beat them to it, by either using a shield or a stronger spell."

"We might even be able to side-step the Cruciatus curse or even the killing curse," Cho said with a twinkle in her eyes. "Then we really could be the best."

"That's the idea, ladies," Harry replied. "Before someone speaks, he or she has to open their mouth slightly before they can. That's what you'll be looking for. The only thing I can think of is that I've watched their faces as well as their arms and hands without really realising it, so I have an idea as to how we might practice this."

Harry conjured a conference-size table and some chairs. He instructed the group to pair off across the table from one another and say the names of strong spells, slowly at first so as to learn to recognise how the mouth moves, and then speed up. The first spell Harry chose for them to practice recognising was Crucio, since it was the spell of choice among Death Eaters. After about half an hour, the group was saying it as a normal part of speech.

"Now the thing with the unforgivables is that they're spells cast in hate...at least the Cruciatus and killing curses are. Imperio isn't necessarily hate-motivated, but it usually is," Harry explained. When the DEs..."

"The what," Lavender asked.

"Oh, sorry. DEs—Death Eaters—when they cast it, they screw their faces up into a grotesque mask of pure hatred. Here, I'll try to show you," Harry said, intending to show them the look Severus Snape had on his face when he threw the killing curse at Dumbledore. That look burned itself into Harry's memory and he'd never forget it, although he knew now that it wasn't hatred for Dumbledore, but hatred for what he was doing. He imagined that perhaps Snape had poured his hatred for Voldemort into that look. So, that in mind, Harry screwed his face up and scared the pants off his class.

"Damn, Potter," Terry said jumping aside with a horrified look on his own face. "You scared the shit out of me!"

"Yeah, I hope to hell I never find myself on the wrong end of your wand," Anthony added, equally rattled.

"For a moment, there, I though ya were really goin' ta curse us," Seamus laughed nervously.

"Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you, but now you understand what goes into those nasty curses. Frankly, I doubt there's a soul in this room who could hate anyone enough to do it—not even to a DE," Harry told them honestly. "And that's what'll make us so different."

"Different," Cho said, a bit confused.

"Different. What did we agree to on Day One? We agreed that everything we do—everything the DA would ever do—would be in the spirit of friendship and love, yeah? That's been our mantra, as Parvati would put it, and our credo. That being the case, we couldn't do anything in the name of hate or revenge. We do what we do in the name of justice." Harry paused to allow that to sink in. He was about to say more, but the bell rang signaling the end of that class period. "Keep reading your manuals, and I'll see you all on Wednesday."

The DA picked up their gear and made for the door. Cho stopped and waited for the others to leave. "Harry, thanks again for the Pensieve thing. I can't tell you how much it meant to me. I even sleep better now," she said.

"Then it was worth it. I'm glad you're feeling better. It shows in your work," Harry replied.

"I can feel it myself," she said. "Now you've given me something else to focus on—watching people."

"Watching people?"

"Of course," she said slyly. "I'm doing it right now. I've embarrassed you," she giggled.

"How do you know that," Harry asked nervously.

"Body language...and the fact that you're red as beet-root," Cho said with another giggle. "See you Wednesday."

Cho left the room as Harry stood there chuckling to himself and rubbing the back of his neck. I've created a monster. He banished the conjured table and chairs and set to tidying up. He still had some paperwork to finish before he met Ginny for lunch.

Ginny had written Gwenog Jones to find out the best time to come to camp so she might ask Professor McGonagall for permission to practice with the Harpies, but hadn't received a reply yet. She was lamenting this to Harry over lunch, when a large tawny owl flew into the Great Hall and dropped a rolled parcel in front of him, looped back over the staff table and flew out.

"I wonder what this could be," Harry said, untying the string.

"It looks like a newspaper of some kind, but not the Prophet," Ginny observed. "They never wrap it."

Harry removed the brown paper from around the parcel and sure enough, it was a newspaper. The Wisconsin Witch Herald the masthead read. Underneath the masthead, Whitewater, Wisconsin Established 1848. Harry let out a laugh. "It's from Doug Sheldon, Gin. He sent us a copy of the article!"

"Really," Gin said, obviously surprised. "That was nice of him. What does it say?"

Harry read:

"Interview With a Hero by Douglas Sheldon, Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of The Quibbler

At the International Law-Enforcement Convention Ball held in London in September, I had the pleasure of meeting Wizarding Britain's greatest hero, Harry J. Potter and his lovely fiancee, Ginevra M. (Ginny) Weasley. Thanks to his friend, Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt, I was able to sit down with Mr Potter and Miss Weasley for a chat.

Harry Potter defeated the darkest wizard in history last spring, saving the magical world from a most heinous evil. For his efforts, Harry has received many awards and accolades, but he doesn't really think he deserves them. 'I did what I had to do—we all did,' is how he sums up the entireaffair. 'I didn't do this alone. I couldn't have done,' he says. 'Without the help of my two best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, I could never have done it. We simply wouldn't be here if not for them.'

"It's true, you know. I couldn't..." Harry began.

"I know, love. I know," Ginny said. "Go on, then."

Mr Weasley (Ginny's older brother) and Miss Granger are Harry's best friends. They stuck together through thick and thin at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Britain's institution for magical study and learning. According to Harry, they'd been involved in fighting the dark arts since their first year at Hogwarts and it all culminated in a nine-month quest to defeat the dark wizard known as Lord Voldemort, aka Tom Riddle. The search ended with a final battle at the school on May 2 of this year, where Harry, through the use of a strong personal shield and a simple disarming spell, Expelliarmus, managed to cause Ridde's killing curse to rebound, killing himself instantly.

"That was something else," Ginny said. "If you could've seen that from our point of view, Harry, it was..."

"Yeah, I can imagine," Harry said. The memory pained him and Ginny knew it.

"You all right," Ginny asked. "I didn't mean to..."

"I know, love. Let's read on, shall we?"

In the midst of what our English cousins call The Second Wizarding War, Ginny led a student resistance effort at the school alongside another close friend, Neville Longbottom. Their clandestine raids and rescue missions saved the lives of several of their friends and classmates who dared defy Voldemort's minions, brutal lunatics who had taken control of the school. 'Again, we did what we had to do, but we did it the way we thought Harry would do it,' Ginny says. 'We always thought: What would Harry do, and that's what we did.'

"We need to talk about that, Ginny," Harry said pointedly. "You still haven't told me much about that."

"There isn't much to tell other than what I told Doug for this article," she lied.

Harry knew better. He could feel her apprehension through their bond. He decided to let it go for now and read on.

According to Ginny, the Death Eaters (Voldemort's most fanatical followers), Amycus and Alecto Carrow, a brother and sister team, brutalized any and all students who dared defy them. Miss Weasley and Mr Longbottom suffered beatings, torture, and deprivation for their efforts, as did several others who aided them in the resistance. For their bravery and valor, Mr Potter, Mr Weasley, Miss Granger, Miss Weasley, and Mr Longbottom were awarded Wizarding Britain's highest honor, The Order of Merlin.

One could imagine that all the glory and accolades heaped upon ones so young as Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley might cause them to become full of themselves, but this is simply not the case at all. Harry is a kind, honest young man who shies away from the spotlight and prefers to be just Harry. He doesn't think of himself as a hero at all.'I had to do things that I'm not proud of,' he says. 'Heroes do things they can be proud of.' Ginny disagrees.'He's annoyingly modest. Harry is a hero, whether he cares to admit it or not,' she says of her fiance. 'None of us could have done what he did, help or no help.'

"Annoyingly modest," Harry asked with a Harry-grin. "I thought my modesty was something you found...sexy."

"It is sexy, love, but you are a hero—you're my hero," she cooed, brushing a stray lock of raven from his eyes. "Apart from the rest of the world, you saved my life, my father's life, Ron's life, and probably Bill's life too. Dad told you all of this. That qualifies you as a hero, Harry."

"I suppose, but I was only doing..."

"...what you had to do. I know. Keep reading," she said, pressing her fingers to his lips.

Harry's personal ambitions involve the desire to become an Auror. He says he wants to fight the dark arts wherever they are. 'I want to make a difference,' he says resolutely.'There are still Death Eaters on the loose out there. There are still criminals out there. It's never going to go away entirely, so we need to maintain constant vigilance, as an old friend used to say.' If and when evil rears its ugly head in Britain again, Harry Potter will be there to rein it in, no doubt.

"Constant Vigilance! I can still hear Mad-Eye's voice echoing through my mind," Harry mused. "Even though..."

"He was a grumpy old soul, but his heart was in the right place," Ginny said. "Is there more?"

"Yeah, just a couple more paragraphs," Harry replied and read on.

If I were to attempt to sum up Harry James Potter, I would first have to say don't believe the hype. Harry is a regular guy thrust into some irregular circumstances. His life has been fraught with tragedy and pain, but he has come through it all a better man. He values his friendships, reveres the power of love, believes in family, and takes none of it for granted. He admits that he is hopelessly in love with Ginny, and they plan to marry once she finished school at Hogwarts, but they haven't set an exact date yet. 'Some time next summer,' Harry says.

Good luck, Mr Potter, and on behalf of The Wisconsin Witch Herald, I'd like to extend our congratulations to you and Ginny on your engagement. All the best to a couple who truly deserves it."

"That was a really nice article," Ginny said gratefully. "I think I'll send him a thank you note, both for the article and the issue."

"Good idea." For the first time, Harry felt good about something written about him in the press that he didn't write himself. If Doug Sheldon ever wanted another interview with him, he'd sure get it. He and Ginny both approved of the photograph of them that Luna took at Harry's birthday party. Harry was glad they didn't use any photos from the Prophet, although lately, that publication had been rather good to them. But still, he was grateful that Doug went to Xeno Lovegood for a photo, rather than the editors of the Daily Prophet.

That weekend, as usual, Ron came to Hogsmeade and had lunch with Harry and Ginny at the Three Broomsticks. Among the many familiar faces at the popular inn, Dean and Luna arrived together and came over to their table. The first few minutes were tense as Harry became very protective of Ginny, his hand hovering near his wand.

"Hello, everyone," called Luna in her usual airy manner.

"Hello, Ron. Hello, Hermione," Dean called trying to hide his nervousness.

"Hello, Dean," Hermione answered cordially.

"'Lo," Ron grunted.

Dean began to shift on his feet. His eyes darted nervously to Harry and Ginny. He had a lot of explaining and apologising to do and he wasn't sure how to do it. He had said some truly awful things to and about them, leading to a lot of bad blood. He wasn't sure how to go about it, so he decided that maybe the best thing to do was to dive in head first and hope for the best.

Harry narrowed his eyes and stared daggers at his former school room mate. "Dean," he said flatly.

"Erm...Harry, we never really talked after... that day in the common room... in sixth year..." Dean stammered. He jammed his hands into his jeans pockets and took a deep breath.

"And..." Harry said, expressionless. Ginny squeezed his thigh and sent him the support of her love through their bond.

" I just want to say that I'm over Ginny and wish you happiness. I was hurt that day, but we're friends, right?"

Harry hesitated as he considered Dean Thomas. He sounded hopeful—even remorseful. There was bad blood, but they'd also been through a lot together during the war. They'd both been on the run all those months, though not together or for the same reasons. They'd both survived capture and imprisonment at Malfoy Manor and recovered at Shell Cottage. They'd fought on the same side at the Battle of Hogwarts. It's time to forgive, Harry. Time to heal.

Ginny squeezed his thigh again and he looked at her. Her eyes said it all—let go. He nodded and looked back up at Dean. His eyes softened and he smiled. "I admit I was jealous when you were together with Ginny, so I guess we're even. We lived in the same dorm for six years and we've been through a lot. Of course we're still friends."

Harry stood and shook hands with Dean, who pulled him into a man-hug. He went to hug Ginny, too, but paused. Harry nodded his approval—as if it was necessary—and she hugged Dean. They all sat down together, but Harry held Ginny as close as he could without pulling her into his lap.

"So Luna, what are you doing now," Ron asked.

"I'm seeking out unkown plants and creatures. I'm soon off to South America, but I'll be back," she replied. I heard something about Harry and Ginny planning their wedding for next summer, so I'd like to be there if I'm invited. And I wanted to see Dean again before I leave. We got to be really good friends last year."

"Of course you'll be invited Luna," Harry promised.

Ginny sat with Harry for breakfast the next morning, and over their bacon and eggs, a large barn owl flew low over the Gryffindor table and dropped a letter into Ginny's plate. It was from Gwenog Jones, inviting her to Harpies practice whenever she could get permission from Professor McGonagall to leave school. She had enclosed the training schedule to make it easier to schedule the practices around her responsibilities and academic obligations.

"Harry, it's from Gwenog Jones! I really get to train with the Harpies," she squealed. She leapt up and threw herself into Harry's arms in front of most of the student body. She landed on his lap and kissed him square on the mouth.

Harry felt her excitement and couldn't help but return her kiss...and the world melted away again, if only for a fleeting moment. They came to themselves amid wolf whistles and catcalls from the other students in the Great Hall. "Gin...erm...Gin," Harry repeated between kisses. "That's really great and I'm proud of you, love, but you're snogging me in the Great Hall in front of practially the whole school," he said looking her straight in the eye, trying not to laugh.

"Bloody hell," Ginny said, blushing furiously amid a wave of light laughter rolling over the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor tables. The Slytherins were neither impressed nor amused, while the Hufflepuffs were trying to figure out what was so funny. She shot a panicked glance at the staff table, finding it devoid of Professor McGonagall. She breathed a sigh of relief. "I have to check with Professor McGonagall before I give the Harpies an answer," she said. "Wish me luck."

"Always. Do you want me to come with you," Harry asked.

"No, love. I need to do this myself." Harry's face fell a little and she felt his hurt through their bond and returned it with a burst of her love. "It's not that I don't want you to come with me, it's just that I have to fight my own battles sometimes. But I'll take you with me here," she said, placing his hand over her heart.

Harry had to admit that he did tend to want to be everything to her, but there were sure to be times in their life together that she'd have to deal with things on her own. He was going to become an Auror. That meant he might be in the field for days at a time. He couldn't very well expect her to stop making day-to-day decisions just because he wasn't there. In addition, he was an Intern and would be expected to go on missions even now. "All right, love," he agreed, placing her hand over his own heart. "Now off with you."

Ginny trotted down the aisle to the Entrance Hall and then literally sprinted through the castle on her way to the headmistress' office. "Tartan," she said to the gargoyle. It leapt aside and let her pass. She took a few deep calming breaths and knocked.

"Enter, Miss Weasley," she answered. "What can I do for you?"

"H-how did you know it was me," Ginny asked, bewildered.

"You've had a letter from Gwenog Jones, is that right," she asked, looking over her spectacles. Taking amused note of the surprise on Ginny's face, she went on. "I had such a letter myself about you."

Ginny told her about meeting Gwenog Jones after the game and the invitation to practice. "So...may I go," she asked, biting her bottom lip.

"I will permit you to practice any day you see fit this week."

"Thank you, Professor. I'll go this evening. Thank you," Ginny cried, resisting the temptation to hug the stuffing out of her headmistress.

Professor McGonagall looked at her sharply. "I may be Headmistress, and I'm supposed to remain unbiased, but I'm advising you to learn some good play strategies to make the House cup ours...Gryffindor's."

Ginny smiled and eagerly promised to do her best. She met Harry back at their room. She was bursting with excitement and anticipation. She wanted Harry to go with her, but she knew he couldn't get away.

"That's great, Ginny! I'd love to come with you, but you know I can't. I need to plan my upcoming lessons and write a report to the Ministry. We need more theoretical instruction and some updated copies of the Auror Field Manual to study. Plus, we're working on some new dueling techniques that I'm hoping will make our team of new Aurors a real force to be reckoned with. It's a lot easier getting those things done if you're not around...commanding my...er...attention. I can work while you're gone so I won't miss you as much," Harry said looking up from a parchment on the desk.

"Mr Potter, am I distracting you?" Ginny said unbuttoning her blouse.

Harry hitched in a breath and stared at his beautiful fiancee. "You're evil, you know that," he grinned, but he wasn't complaining either. He watched transfixed as she picked up her wand. Staring into his darkening emerald green eyes, she cast the contraceptive charm and began to walk seductively toward him. He gulped. She launched herself onto him, wrapping her creamy legs around his waist and claiming his lips in a mind-blowing kiss.

They never made the short distance to the bed. Before they knew it, their clothes lay on the floor and Harry had Ginny pinned to the desk, kissing her lips, her neck, and her shoulders, leaving little nips here and there as he breathed in the scent that drove him to real distraction. "Gin, you drive me mad," Harry moaned. "I love you so much." Harry carried her to the bed, and as they kissed he was yet again stunned by her beauty. Gryffindor's Lion roared its approval from somewhere in Harry's chest.

As they lay there in the semi darkness, they held each other closely, sending bursts of love and joy i the moment through their bond. She snuggled up close, as if she couldn' t get close enough. He raissed her face and kissed her tenderly, then gazed into her eyes. They were glistening. "Ginny, baby, you're crying! Are you all right? Did I..."

"No, my love. You didn't hurt me. It's just...that I...I love you, Harry. I can't say it enough. Those three words, beautiful as they are, just don't seem adequate," she said through her tears. "While we were making love just now, I could feel every little spark...every iota of your love for me. It was so overwhelming, it brought tears to my eyes."

"I know what you mean," he said as propped his head on his hand wiped her tears with his free thrumb. "I felt that too. There are no words to describe this and in a way, it's frustrating. But since you feel it too, perhaps its just one of those things we can let go unspoken, since there are no words..."

"No words," Ginny murmured against his still-swollen lips. "No words." She pressed her lips to his once again as he gathered her into his arms gently and lovingly. They lay there kissing and caressing until it was time for her to go meet with the Harpies.

Ginny took a quick shower, dressed, and grabbed her equipment bag. "I'll be back later tonight," she promised. Harry had already dived under the bed to retrieve her broom for her.

"I'll be here," he promised, handing over her broom. "Be careful and have a good time."

"Thank you, love," she said as she kissed Harry goodbye and flooed from their room to the Holyhead Harpies practice pitch. Gwenog Jones turned around as Ginny stepped out of the fireplace.

"Miss Weasley, how nice to see you. Are you joining us today?"

"If it's all right with you, Miss Jones, I'd love to. And please call me Ginny."

"Sure, as long as you call me Gwen. Come, let's introduce you to the rest of the team. We were just getting changed."

Ginny followed Gwen to the dressing room where the rest of the team were dressing.

"Everybody, this is the talented Chaser from Hogwarts I told you about. I didn't tell you who it was, but I'm sure you all recognise Miss Ginny Weasley."

They looked at her. It was a strange feeling for Ginny. The members of her favourite team were looking at her as if she was the celebrity.

"Hi," Ginny said blushing.

"Ginny," Gwen told her "Meet the team, our Keeper Gwyneth Lee, my fellow Beater Grace Gordon, chasers Gabriella Brown, Griselda Rose, Glenda Stockwell and Seeker Geraldine Hill.

They all greeted her and Gewn ordered Quidditch robes for Ginny. Griselda stopped in front of Ginny.

"I'm the one retiring after this season. If you're given the chance it's me you'll be replacing," Griselda told her.

"It's a bit overwhelming. I've been a Harpies fan forever. I can't believe I'm practicing with you!"

"Don't worry," Griselda encouraged her. "I've seen many new players over the years. No one has commanded more respect on their first visit. They all know what you did last year, they all know you're marrying Harry Potter, and the way Gewn talked about the match at Hogwarts, they know you are a good player. Let's get dressed."

A while later, they emerged from the dressing room onto the pitch. Ginny brought her Firebolt. Everyone in the team flew Firebolts, and they nodded their approval at Ginny's. "It was a present from the family when I came of age," she told them.

Gwen stepped to the front. "Since we have four Chasers today, you begin by playing two on two. Ginny you're with Glenda; Gabriella, you're with Griselda. Ginny, I'll be your Keeper; Gwyneth, you're Keeper for Griselda and Gab. Grace and Geraldine, take notes." Ginny was impressed by the authoritative tone in Gwenog's voice, and how the others paid her the strictest attention.

The six players would begin play using only the Quaffle. Ginny immediately understood this would be tough, especially because she had to shoot against the real Keeper, and manoeuver with a Chaser she never played with. Gwenog was tough but not accustomed to the Keeper position. She tried to think about the way Glenda used to play.

Ginny had read all about the team and each of their individual playing styles. As soon as the Quaffle was thrown off, the speed at which these women flew took Ginny's breath away. She'd flown hard with Harry, who could careen around a pitch like lightning, but these women could fly a Firebolt and make it worthy of its name, too. Glenda caught the Quaffle just inches from crashing into Gabriella. After the brief hesitation, Ginny quickly tried to position herself to allow Glenda to pass to her, but Griselda stuck to her like glue. Ginny did a rough break almost falling off her broom, and shot off towards Gwyneth. Griselda was soon mere feet behind her when Glenda passed forcing Gwyneth to move sideways. Ginny threw the Quaffle at the far ring. Gwyneth had to move back making a desperate save.

Before Ginny could catch her breath, Gab took control of the Quaffle and raced back across the pitch. Ginny still had Griselda right on top of her. Ignoring Griselda, Ginny flew after Gab. She saw Glenda coming in on the left. The three of them were flying right at Gab. It appeared they would crash. Ginny gained a few feet in the last second and made a roll, snatching the Quaffle. She took a blow to her shoulder, but remained on her broom. Glenda flew straight for Griselda, who had to turn, while Gab still headed for Gwen's goal posts. Ginny made a quick dive, pushing her Firebolt to its limits before racing up against Gwyneth. The other three were yards away, so it was Ginny alone against a professional Keeper. Ginny maintained full speed until she was as close to the Keeper as she dared. She tilted right making Gwyneth uncertain as to where the shot might come from. Ginny made a full roll again, and coming back up, she let the shot go to the left goal. Gwyneth couldn't save a shot coming from so close up at that speed. Ginny watched the Quaffle pass through the ring. It was like a dream.

They continued playing, but after a while, the better coordinated Chasers scored on Gwen, who was not a Keeper. After thirty minutes, Ginny's team had lost 90 to 50, but Ginny had scored two goals against a professional Keeper. She was excited, but exhausted. She learned very quickly that professional Quidditch demanded speed, intensity and hard concentration. It was clear to her that this was Quidditch on a level far beyond that of the Hogwarts matches. Gwenog let the Seeker practice and Grace along with Gwenog worked the Bludgers, keeping their Seeker safe. This gave the Chasers a chance to catch their breath.

"How are you feeling," Griselda asked Ginny.

"Exhausted, but happier than ever," Ginny answered.

"That's exactly the way you should feel," Gabriella told her. "At my first practice, I fell off my broom after just five minutes. I was heartbroken, believing I'd never play professionally. It turned out that I only broken my collarbone, and did get the contract."

After a while, practice wrapped up with the practice of various flying skills. It took a lot of co-ordination from each player, but Ginny gleaned loads of new ideas for her team at Hogwarts. After practice and a well-needed, if not welcome shower where Ginny noticed a nasty bruise on her shoulder, the team gathered in the sitting room of the club house.

"So Ginny, how did you like your first practice," Gwen asked.

"It was amazing—so fast and intense. I did my best, but I have so much to learn."

"Ginny, we test the skill of every player we consider for the team. You played against two coordinated professionals, and a professional Keeper. Still you scored twice. It's a great result. We don't expect Chasers to score at all during the first practice. We want to see flying skill, focus, talent and understanding of the game. You have it all. I want to see you a couple of more times, but I think I speak for the team when I say we have a top candidate in you to replace Griselda."

"You really think I'm that good?"

Gwyneth looked at her. "I was lost the times you scored. You just about pushed me to my breaking point a couple of times. I've met many Chasers in my time, but you are a natural talent. Sure, you need professional training and more experience, but at your age, what experience you have coming only from playing at Hogwarts, you are a great player."

"Thanks for coming today, Ginny. You are welcome any time Professor McGonagall allows you to come," Gwen told her. "And keep your robes until we either sign a contract or agree not to."

Ginny flooed back and Gwenog looked at the fire place, before turning to her team. "I almost asked her to join us right away," she said. "I don't think we'll ever find anyone better, so the board should be easy to convince." The others looked at her. "First of all, skill-wise, the girl is a phenomenon. Secondly, she's the future Mrs Harry Potter. The board will love the publicity that is sure to come with her on the team. Thirdly, she's the country's most famous witch, and a stunning beauty. She'll earn the club a fortune. But most importantly, she'll score a lot for us. Merlin, now I'm talking as if the contract's signed already."

Ginny stepped out of the fireplace. Harry had fallen asleep at the desk, with his head resting on his stack of reports for the Ministry. Ginny levitated him to the bed, undressed him, and tucked him in. She undressed, climbed into the bed next to him and cuddled up.

Harry stirred. His eyes fluttered open sleepily. "Mmm, I love your flowery scent," he whispered "How did it go?" He buried his face in her neck and kissed her pulse point.

"I did okay, I think. Gwen said I'm...mmm...their top candidate, but I don't know how many there are and I don't know how...mmm...many more they will try out. But she welcomed me back to practice again with them. Mmm..." She involuntarily cocked her head aside to give him better access to her graceful neck.

Harry kissed her tenderly. "I'm so proud of you. You're making me crazy, my Queen of the Quidditch pitch. What was it like, playing with them?" He began to rub her upper arm with the palm of his hand.

"Faster, more intense, more physical... don't touch my shoulder... and yes, I scored twice while playing two on two," she said with a hiss.

Harry looked at her shoulder, made wincing sound, and slipped out of bed. He padded into the bathroom.

"Harry, where are you going," she asked him, half sitting up in the bed. "What are you doing?"

I'm going to do something about that shoulder of yours. That's a right nasty bruise you've got there and since you don't want me to touch it, I know it's killing you, and when you hurt, I hurt," he replied. "Ah! Here it is!' He returned to the bed with a dark blue jar in his hand. "Here, let me see," he said as she rolled a little to expose her shoulder. Harry gingerly applied the ointment to the bruise. "That should take care of it overnight." Then he kissed her neck again, setting the jar on the beside table.

"You take such good care of me," Ginny sighed contentedly.

"Just doing my job, love," Harry replied, still kissing her neck. "So what else happened?"

"They...mmm...now who's a distraction? Harry, that feels heavenly, but...I'm trying to tell you...oh my..."

Harry stopped kissing her. "All right, go on. I'll behave."

"They let me keep a set of Harpies robes during tryout period. It's almost unreal wearing them," she said, beaming.

"I'm glad you're happy. I can feel it, and I really need that after a boring but necessary evening of paperwork." He began to kiss her again. "I missed you though. I missed your voice, your touch, your laugh, your...this...and these...and..."

"I thought you were going to behave," Ginny teased. "In fact, you're being very naughty and I think I like it."

"Oh is that so," Harry said cheekily. "Do you like this too?" Harry rolled her over on top of him and twisted his fist in her hair, a smouldering look on his face.

"So impetuous, Mr Potter. We are a bit randy this evening, aren't we," she teased some more. She gave him her signature blazing gaze and then leaned down until her lips were mere millimetres from his. "I do like it." She captured his lips in a mind-blowing kiss.

He ran his tongue along her lower lip, coaxing her mouth open. She obliged and his tongue slipped in and engaged hers in a merry oral copulation. The world melted away as they embarked on a bender of kisses, caresses, and manual exploration. The unspoken love they shared coursed through their bodies through their bond. "Merlin, you are just so beautiful, so fine," Harry said, his voice quivering. "I love you so much, Gin, I...I..." He couldn't finish, but he knew she understood. It came through the bond.

"Harry, I know. I love you too, but..." she couldn't finish either. She felt his intensity through their bond, but it also lay in his glorious emerald eyes, now darkened with desire. His kisses, though intense, still conveyed his love, his ultimate respect, and the unspoken thing between them that only they could understand. They snogged one another senseless until drained of energy, she slid off him onto the bed. They lay in one another's arms, tears born of the unspoken thing streaming down their faces as they gazed lovingly into one another's eyes. Soon, overcome with the intensity of that unspoken thing, they cuddled up and fell asleep.

Over the following month, Ginny practiced once per week with the Harpies and got to know the girls on the team. The practice was extremely demanding, but Ginny did feel she could make a professional career of Quidditch with the Harpies.

The greatest difference between House Quidditch at Hogwarts and professional Quidditch lay with the requirement to fly as close to top speed as possible at all times, still coordinating passes and avoiding Bludgers. The other Harpies encouraged her, and Ginny's enthusiasm showed in the way the Gryffindor team played during practice. During one practice that Harry wasn't working with Dennis, he watched from the stands with Hermione.

"Flying is not my thing, but she's getting better, right," Hermione asked.

Harry nodded. "She's faster, and she's coordinating her fellow Chasers better. She's also working her Beaters in a new way. At this rate, Hufflepuff don't stand a chance."

Hermione spent a lot of her time studying, but Harry had forced her out to get some air. "You're missing Ron, aren't you" Harry asked.

"Yes, and I also want to get my N.E.W.T.s. It's hard spending so much time apart. I really miss him, Harry." They continued watching the practice. "Thanks Harry, for bringing me here. I needed the break."

"Hey, that's what friends are for, yeah?"

Three days before the match against Hufflepuff, Professor McGonagall summoned Ginny to her office and bring Harry with her. Upon arrival, they met Gwenog Jones, who was there with a woman Ginny didn't know.

"Good afternoon Ginny," Gwenog greeted cheerfully. "You must be Ginny's fiancé."

He greeted her, shaking her hand. "Harry Potter, pleased to meet you, Miss Jones. Ginny has told me all about you and about pratcising with the Harpies."

"Pleased to meet you too, Mr Potter. I guess you're getting tired of people thanking you for winning the war, but thanks. Let me introduce my friend, President of the Board of Directors for the Holyhead Harpies, Mrs Georgia Carpenter."

They all greeted one another coridally. "Gwen has told me about your outstanding performance during practice. So right to the point, Miss Weasley, we want you to play for us next season."

Ginny couldn't find any words. Had she just been offered a place as professional player on her favourite team? After meeting them a few times, she knew friendship was important to the club. Everyone was quickly on first name basis in that organisation. It was a concept she understood well from her association with the DA.

"I want to play for you," Ginny said. "But..." She looked meaningfully at Harry. That was a decision she definitely wanted his input on before she accepted.

"Is this what you want, love," Harry asked her, sending love and support through their bond. "I want only for you to be happy, Gin."

"It's been my dream since I was little," she said, "but you're my dream too. Our life together is my dream—our dream."

"If playing for the Harpies will make you happy, then I'm all for it," he assured her. He sent another wave of love and pride her way. "You and the Harpies have my full support."

"Great. Well, there will, of course, be detailed contract negotiations, but today we sign the parchment that makes you a Holyhead Harpies Chaser," Georgia told her, sliding the parchment across the desk toward Ginny. "Please read it and feel free to ask any questions."

Harry and Ginny read the parchment. It was a simple contract between Ginevra Molly Weasley and the Holyhead Harpies. Ginny agreed to play for the club, and the club agreed to provide a salary to be negotiated, pay for equipment, cover travel expenses and other benefits to be specified, such as so many complimentary tickets and medical care in case of injury. Fees generated from product and services endorsements and personal appearances on behalf of the club would be negotiated as well.

"It looks all right to me," Ginny said and looked at Harry. "How about you?"

He nodded his agreement.

"Yes, as you can see it's a National Quidditch League standard draft contract. The only thing it means right now is that Ginny won't be able to accept any offers from another club for next season. The Harpies hire Ginny as a Chaser for the coming season. All the details will be negotiated later," Gwenog said.

Ginny trembled a little as she held the quill. After a look at a very proud Harry and a nod of encouragement, she signed the two identical parchments. Georgia signed for the Harpies and gave one copy to Ginny.

"As President of the Board of Directors for the Holyhead Harpies, let me be the first to welcome you as our new Chaser. Is it all right to call you Ginny?"

Ginny nodded. "Thank you so much Ms. Carpenter."

"Welcome to the Harpies, Ginny!" Gwenog gave her a brief hug. "I knew you were our new Chaser when I saw you playing here."

"Congratulations, Gin," Harry said as Ginny and she threw herself over him. "I'm... so... proud... and... happy... for... you... love," Harry said as he tried to get air between Ginny's kisses. Somebody's getting lucky tonight.

They broke apart and Gwenog asked Ginny to talk to Professor McGonagall to see if there was a chance for Ginny to practice every week with the Harpies. She promised to ask.

The following morning, Hermione, Harry and Ginny entered the Great Hall for breakfast. Immediately the Gryffindor table stood and cheered as her team ran toward her. They held up the Daily Prophet. Ginny hade made the headlines, again.

"Ginny Wealsey Signs With the Harpies

Holyhead Harpies' President Georgia Carpenter confirmed last evening that they have signed a new Chaser replacing Griselda Rose who is currently playing her last season. The new Harpies Chaser is none other than Miss Ginny Weasley, currently finishing her studies at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and captaining the Gryffindor House Quidditch team. Harpies captain Gwenog Jones tells us she spotted Miss Weasley at the first Hogwarts match this season. Miss Weasley has practiced with the Harpies for a tryout period. The draft contracts are signed and negotiations for her player contract will begin soon.

"That's pretty straightforward stuff," Harry said.

Miss Weasley's contract will be an exciting one. She is a rookie player, but also this country's most famous witch. The Holyhead Harpies will certainly see an increase in its fan base, sponsorships, endorsements and merchandise with the future Mrs Harry Potter on the team.

"I guess they had to slip that in, didn't they," Harry said with a resigned sigh.

'Miss Weasley is joining the Harpies because of her skill as player, not because she's a 'war hero or because she is engaged to Mr Potter,' Mrs Carpenter clarifies. According to Gwenog Jones, Miss Weasley is a natural talent born to fly. On the other hand, The Holyhead Harpies don't deny the benefits of having a famous player."

"I think I like that Ms. Carpenter," Harry said with a half-grin. "At least she knows how to handle the media."

"What do you mean," Ginny asked.

"It means, my love, that she's making it clear to the public that you made the team on talent and ability, not because you're the love of my life," Harry said, putting an arm around her. "She wants it understood that hiring you wasn't a publicity stunt." He gave her a lingering kiss on the cheek.

"That's right, Miss Ginny," Joseph said, coming up behind her. "You're a good player, make no mistake. Ain't she Em?"

Ginny turned around to face two of her favorite firsties to find them holding hands. Emma stood their grinning like the cat that ate the canary. "You saw it for yourselves! Ginny, you flew circles around the Ravenclaw team!"

"We'll see how many circles I fly around Puddlemere United or the Montrose Magpies," Ginny said.

"Or the Chudley Cannons," Harry said with a snicker.

"Oh my gosh! Ron," Ginny gasped. "He's going to flip!"

"Ginny! This is so awesome," cried Patricia and Erica as they rushed up the aisle. Patricia and Erica each hugged Ginny. Erica stepped forward and stood by Harry.

"Hey, cuteness," Harry said to her.

"And I'll make sure you four get tickets to my first game," Ginny promised. "You might be able to sit in a top box with Harry and my family.

"Wicked," Joseph said, awestruck. "Top box at an 'Arpies game!"

The whole of Gryffindor House congratulated their team captain and even the Hufflepuff captain congratulated her. Soon after, an owl from Lee Jordan delivered a note asking for statements from her, and instructions how to handle Quidditch-related owls. She wrote a statement for Harry to check over before she sent it.

I have loved playing Quidditch from the day I first broke into the shed back home where the familiy's ancient Comets were stored. I enjoy playing for Gryffindor and it's been a dream to play professionally. My favourite team has always been the Harpies and as I've been practising with the them, they have all made me feel welcome and part of the team. I am proud and happy to have my dream come true—playing for the Holyhead Harpies next season.

Ginny Weasley

"Looks good to me, love," Harry told her, handing the note back. "It's short and sweet—like you—and to the point."

That November Friday, Harry worked in his office while Ginny and Hermione were still in class. He would be less strained the next few weeks, since the other DA members were to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry only had a few lessons with the sixth- and seventh-years. The DA still had lecture periods with Ministry instructors, namely, Percy Weasley, but now a couple of other officials would be teaching from the Auror Field Manual. He was engrossed in paperwork when he heard a knock on his door.

"Enter at your own risk," he said, turning to welcome his unexpected visitor.

The door opened and Draco Malfoy stepped through.

"Malfoy," Harry asked, with a voice as neutral as possible.

"Potter," Draco replied.

"I assume this isn't a social visit, but can I offer you some tea or something," Harry asked.

"Actually some tea would be great. I walked from Hogsmeade and it's really cold," Draco replied.

Harry conjured a tea service and made tea. He poured a cup for each of them. "So what brings you to Hogwarts, Malfoy," Harry asked not unkindly.

"Let me get straight to the point. First of all my mother asked me to thank you for telling the truth abouth the forest. You had no reason to," Draco said.

"Of course I had a reason to. She was as entitled to a fair trial as anyone. I told them the truth."

"I'm sure you understand I didn't enjoy coming here, but you are in fact the only one I can turn to...or trust," Draco sighed.

"All right, Draco, what's on your mind?"

"Since the trial and my father's imprisonment, I'm the head of the Malfoy family. Some of the former followers of... Tom Riddle... still consider the Malfoys loyal. I was approached yesterday by some middle-hand, representing some Death Eaters still on the run."

Harry looked at Draco. He was trying to determine if Draco was lying or not. Draco noticed.

"You can scan me with Legilimency if you don't trust me," he said. "I have nothing to hide."

Harry did and he found no lie in Draco's mind. "All right, I'm satisfied...unless you're blocking me," Harry admitted.

"I was approached to learn about the new Minister and take part in a plot to overthrow him."

"I can understand your reluctance going to the Ministry to tell them about this," Harry said. "But let's say I believe you. I might be able to convince the Auror Office to look into this. Perhaps you might agree to be a spy."

"I might, but my assistance comes with a price."

"Of course," Harry said.

"I want a job. Nothing fancy, but something within the Ministry, so I might have a chance to build a decent reputation, independent of my father. I realise that I only can do that through hard work."

"I'll talk to Gawain Robards and Kingsley Shacklebolt and see what can be done," Harry promised, "but ultimately, the decision is theirs."

"I never believed I would ever tell you this, but thank you, Potter."

"I'll be in touch...or someone from the Ministry will."

They nodded to each other, Draco emptied his cup of tea and left. Harry waited until he was sure Draco was gone. He scribbled a note for Ginny and then headed for Professor McGonagall's office.

Ginny,

Something really odd happened today. I'm in McGonagall's office. I'll explain when I get back.

I love you,

Harry

Harry was soon sitting with Professor McGonagall, telling her about Draco's visit. She suggested they report this to Kingsley in person, so they flooed to the Ministry. After waiting a short while, the Minister's secretary ushered them in. Harry asked that Gawain Robards be privy to this meeting, so Kingsley sent for him immediately.

"Harry, you have some important news for us," Kingsley said

"Yes, I had a visit today," Harry said and explained about his visit with Draco Malfoy.

Kingsley and Gawain listened carefully to him. "You've been at Hogwarts for six years wih him. What is your feeling about this," Gawain asked Harry.

"Usually, there's an ulterior motive or a catch when Draco's acting friendly. He wouldn't settle for a simple job unless there was something else on his mind. But whether he wants to gain our trust and spy on us, or act as a double-agent working for us, I can't say for sure. The Draco I know would join the side he considers the strongest."

Professor McGonagall agreed with Harry's opinion.

"All right, that leaves us to decice what to do. Let's play along for a while. I think we could offer him a simple desk job in a low-ranking office. If there indeed is a plot, we need to learn as much as possible. Right now, our young Mr Malfoy seems to be our only connection. The first thing we need to learn is if there really is a plot. I will ask to watch his memory of when he was approached in a Pensieve." Kingsley said. "I can't force him, of course, but if he co-operates, that's our first clue that his is in earnest."

"It's maybe best if Harry delivers the message to Draco for us," Gawain suggested. "He appears to trust Harry."

"Yes, it's good if we make it look like Harry's influence made us accept Draco," Kingsley said.

"If he's sincere, Harry will look good. If he isn't, we'll state that Harry was working with us as an operative to apprehend him," Kingsley said.

Everyone seemed comfortable with this agreement and Harry soon returned with the headmistress to Hogwarts. When Harry returned to his room, Ginny was sprawled across the bed reading a Charms book.

"Hi, hot stuff. I got your note. Why were you at the Ministry," Ginny asked, receiving a kiss. "Mmm, can I have some more of that?"

Harry obliged and then told her about the Draco's visit. Ginny looked at him and Harry got lost in her warm brown eyes for a moment.The most beautiful witch in the country was Witch Weekly's headline about her. He couldn't agree more but when he looked at her he also saw her irresistable personality. Her willpower, her loyalty, her courage. He stroke her cheek and took her hand.

"Did I tell you that I love you today?"

Ginny smiled and kissed him passionately. "Oh, a couple of times, but I never tire of hearing it," she replied. Even though the words were inadequate, the unspoken something passed through their bond. They couldn't get enough.

Harry told her about the resolution to go along with Draco's plan for now. "So it's a bit of a game, now," he finished. This was a dangerous game he was about to play and he knew she was afraid. A shot of her apprehension coursed through their bond. "Don't worry, love," Harry said, stroking her cheeck with a crooked finger. "We're playing this very close to the vest so nobody, including Malfoy, gets hurt."

"I know. I guess I need to get used to this, yeah?"

"I'm afraid so, Gin. It goes with Auror territory," he replied. "So...did I miss dinner?"

"Yes, but I waited for you. I asked Kreacher to prepare something for us here," she said and called for him.

"Ginny," Kreacher said bowing. "How may I serve you?"

"You can serve our dinner, please," Ginny said politely.

"Of course, Mis—Ginny," Kreacher replied and snapped his long crooked fingers. A lovely candlelit dinner of Beef Wellington and all the trimmings appeared on the table, with a bottle of Sangria wine.

"Thanks, Kreacher, old friend," Harry said as he held a chair out for Ginny to sit.

"It is nothing, Harry," Kreacher said. "Anything for such a good and kind mas—friend, sir." Kreacher bowed again and disappeared with a crack!

"Thanks for waiting for me," Harry said, leaning over to kiss his fiancee. "I enjoy sharing dinner with you, and not always eating in the Great Hall."

"Of course I waited. By the way—I got this letter from mum today. You read it too."

"Dear Ginny,

I'm so proud of you. Chaser for Holyhead Harpies! Of course I'll be nervous every time you play, but I'm so proud and Dad as well. I would like to ask you and Harry to start talking about your wedding, if you haven't done so yet. You need to set a date, dear. I want to arrange it for you, and to do so I want to know what kind of wedding you are thinking of. Big, small, where you want it to be, and so on. Also start to consider your guest list and what how to handle the publicity. The press will go nuts about your wedding. Do you want a wedding in wizarding tradition or does Harry wish some Muggle traditions? It's no hurry, but it would be great to have a plan formed by Christmas in order to pull off the wedding next summer.

All my love to both of you

Mum"

"Wow, there's really a lot to consider," Harry said. "What do you think? For me, getting married to you is quite enough., but of course I'd enjoy sharing our wedding with our friends and family."

"Do you want to ask Kingsley to cast the wedding charm," Ginny asked.

"That would be great if he would agree. What about guests? The Weasleys of course, and that includes Hermione, your relatives. I guess we'll be murdered if we don't invite Aunt Muriel. I want to invite Dudley and Penny...and Hagrid of course. And our friends like Neville, Hannah, Luna... But apart from those, the DA? Our Quidditch team? The Harpies? Representatives from the Auror Office? Hogwarts staff," Harry said ticking off each one on his fingers. "I guess this could get huge. Do we want that? If not, can we avoid it?"

Ginny looked at Harry, thinking about what he said. "I think we should have the kind of wedding we want. I guess we must arrange for some kind of representation from the press, but let's give the exclusive rights to The Quibbler."

"I like that. I don't want anyone from the Prophet or the Witch Weekly there. Why not Doug Sheldon? By the way, where is there," Harry asked.

"We can invite Doug, I suppose. It'll give him another story for the Herald. I can only think of two places, Hogwarts or the Burrow."

Harry nodded. "Either would be fine. Hogwarts is bigger and safer, but there's really no place I love more than the Burrow. Maybe the professors or the Ministry would be willing to provide some stronger wards for the Burrow? Being Harry ruddy Potter must be good for someting."

Ginny smiled and cuddled up close to Harry. "And the guest list?" she said "I'd really like all our friends to be there."

"Me too."

The weekend meant Quidditch against Hufflepuff, a match by whose end Hufflepuff wanted to forget. Ginny and her Chasers scored a lot. The weather was horrid, with poor visibility, which made it hard for the Seekers. The match lasted for three hours, but three humiliating hours for Hufflepuff.

When Dennis Creevey finally caught the Snitch, the final score was an astonishing 540 – 30. It was the greatest margin of victory in the history of the House Cup. Harry felt so amazed by the team effort and so proud of Ginny, he engaged her in a short celebratory snog right there in the center of the pitch, amid cheers and catcalls from the student body.

After the match, Harry left for the Three Brooksticks, where he met with Draco. The two of them found a quiet table. "Nice match today," Draco said as they sat down.

"Oh, you were there," Harry asked, mildly surprised.

"I do love the game," Draco admitted. "And I thought that since I had to meet with you here in Hogsmeade, I might as well take in the game beforehand. She's good, you know."

Harry had not really thought about Draco being the one to watch a game of Quidditch for fun. "You know, Slytherin will probably lose against Gryffindor too. Ginny's team is by far the best this year," Harry said. "And yes, she is good."

Draco nodded. "I agree. Please tell her I wish her luck with the Harpies."

"Blimey, what happened to the arrogant prat I used to know, Malfoy," Harry smirked.

"Don't push it, Potter," Draco smirked in return.

"All right, I'll tell her."

"So I take it you have talked to the Minister," Draco asked

"Yes. You'ill be offered a job at the Ministry, probably a pretty boring desk job without any security clearance."

"I expected something like that. I also suspect they'll keep a close eye on me, trying to decide whether I'm really on their side."

"Would you blame them," Harry asked.

"No, my family name is tainted. I hope learning about this plot and assisting the Ministry in taking it down will build some trust. I have nothing to gain by the Ministry being overthrown," Draco concluded.

"All right, let's not waste more of each other's time. I'm sure we both have things we's rather be doing right now. Report to the ministry on Monday," Harry said. They shook hands and parted.

One of her servants entered her room and she glared at him. "Well?"

"The Malfoy boy got a job in the Ministry," the servant told her.

"That's good..very good."

"Do you trust him?" he dared ask.

"Of course I don't! Do you take me for a fool," she snapped. "He's probably trying to decide which side to support for now. I don't need his loyalty and I don't care if he's a double-agent loyal to the Ministry. I don't intend to give him any vital information. He thinks I'm planning to overthrow the Ministry."

She thought about her own cleverness for a while and then glared at her servant once again. "If I can feed the Ministry false information through him, it's good. If they don't believe him, it doesn't really matter. I admit it would be good having the Ministry focusing on their own safety, but we will pull this off anyway," she continued.

"So Malfoy is bait?"

"Bait, misinformation or, a rather interesting Muggle expression I came across, cannon fodder. He'll do as any of those," she said coldly.

"Cannon fodder?"

"Yes, in Muggle warefare, they have a device called a cannon that shoots exploding projectiles over great distances. When you want to hide your true intention, you can send out people to draw fire and let your main force defeat the enemy, clear of opposition. The ones you send out are cannon fodder."

"He won't be satisfied meeting our lower-ranking people for long. He is a Malfoy and he will ask to meet you, whatever his true intentions are."

"I know. Let me know when he does."