Author's notes:

Standard disclaimer: It all belongs to JKR. Except where I might use some song lyrics which I will call out at the time and give proper credit. Thank you JKR for letting us play with your toys.

Also, if you have not read my story, Harry Potter and the Muggles' Daughter, you are going to be lost. That is the prequel to this. But hey, if you haven't, BONUS! You've got a whole story you can go read before coming back here!

HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE

Illusion Shattered: Part I

Harry's eyes snapped open with Sirius' softly hissed, "Lils." In one motion, his mum rolled from the bed and disappeared underneath the invisibility cloak. A second later Sirius had deactivated the ward hiding them from prying eyes.

"Damnit woman, gently." Harry instantly placed the voice. Snape.

"If you didn't want it to hurt, perhaps you should have kept an eye on its heads. They are quite large after all." Professor McGonagall retorted. "What you were doing there in the first place I'll never know."

A sharp breath was taken. "I was a bit more concerned with the fourth head." Snape's response was bit out and Harry could just imagine the potion's master speaking through gritted teeth and clenched jaw. He well knew the effort of fighting back physical pain. "You'll remember a simple nick from it is deadly. Bloody damn Hagrid and his pets. As to what I was doing there, did it occur to you that a troll being loose in the school might be the perfect opportunity for someone to go after the stone?"

"That man has no business hiding that in a school."

"Good that he did," Snape answered, "as Gringotts has proven to be less than secure."

"It is the height of foolishness. Nicholas Flamel is nearly seven-hundred years old. Of all people, why has he need of Albus to look after his trinkets?"

"I long since gave up pondering the minds of men like Albus Dumbledore or Nicholas Flamel," Snape said. "Are you finished?"

"Yes."

There were a few moments of silence before Snape spoke again. "Better. I dare say you could give Poppy a run for her money, Minerva. Though I doubt your Gryffindors would be pleased if they knew of your healing prowess."

"Their enmity is well earned Severus. Horace never needed resort to your levels of favoritism to keep his students in line."

"And look where it led many of us," Snape retorted.

"Do not blame Horace for your weakness, Severus."

"I will deal with my Slytherins as I see fit, Minerva."

"Only as long as Albus remains headmaster. I warn you, my tolerance for your behavior will not be the same as his."

"May I have long since retired before that day comes," Snape retorted.

"Don't count on it, Severus." Sounds of shuffling and movement caused Harry to close his eyes. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I'd dare not believe it," Professor McGonagall said.

"It was Potter's spell that killed it?"

"Albus say's the poison would have eventually; but yes, Potter's spell turned the creature's brain to mush in its skull… Come, they need rest and I'm afraid we have quite the pile of paperwork to deal with."

"Joy," Snape muttered. A few moments later Harry heard the door open. He opened his eyes in time to see the professors' backs before the door swung closed.

"Harry?" a voiced hissed tentatively. "Are you awake?"

"Yes."

"I am as well," Luna said.

"Me too," Ginny said.

"Guess that makes all of us," Sirius piped up.

"Sirius!" Hermione gasped and sat up in her bed. "When did you get here?"

"A while ago." Sirius crossed to her bed. "But now that you're awake." He pulled her into a tight hug. "You didn't really think I'd not come check on my favorite girl when she was in hospital, did you?"

"I thought I was your favorite girl," Ginny piped up.

Sirius smirked. "You will be. Just as soon as I get to you."

"Cad," Ginny retorted.

"Ginevra!" Luna gasped.

Sirius laughed. "Guilty as charged."

Their laughter was too much for Harry and he snapped. "SHUT UP!" The others whipped around to face him. "KAA IS DEAD! DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? SHE'S DEAD BECAUSE YOU AND GINNY HID IN THE BATHROOM ALL DAY BECAUSE SOMEONE HURT YOUR FEELINGS! MAYBE YOU SHOULD TRY HAVING EVERYONE CELEBRATE THE DAY YOUR FATHER WAS MURDERED, THEN YOU'D HAVE SOMETHING TO BE UPSET ABOUT!"

Hermione stared at Harry, her lip trembling before she turned and buried her face in Sirius' chest. "MY FATHER WAS MURDERED!" Ginny screamed at Harry! Her mouth kept moving but no further sound came from her.

"Enough!" Sirius growled. He'd obviously overcome his shock at Harry's outburst and silenced the lot of them. Still holding Hermione, he focused on Harry. "I know you're hurting, but that is not on, Mate," he said.

"Fuck off, Sirius," Harry retorted.

Sirius jerked his head downward, indicating Hermione. "You did this, Harry. Are you proud of yourself?"

For a second Harry maintained his stony expression but then he sagged. He climbed from his bed and made his way to Hermione where he reached for her shoulder. "Hermione," he said tentatively. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. Please, Hermione, you're my best friend, forgive me."

Hermione turned suddenly and threw her arms around Harry. "Don't hate me," she sobbed. "I couldn't stand if you hated me."

Sirius glanced over their heads at Ginny and Luna. "I'm always losing the girl to a Potter," he said with a wink. "Just like his dad that way." Luna smiled, but Ginny continued to send a murderous look Harry's direction.

Harry ran his hand on Hermione's back. "I could never hate you, Hermione," he soothed. "You're my sister. I love you." Sirius looked sharply at them. He'd never once heard Harry tell anyone he loved them. He wasn't even sure the kid had said it to Lily.

Hermione clutched Harry tightly. "I love you too, Harry."

Sirius jaw dropped when Harry kissed her crown. He pushed her back. "Alright?"

Hermione swiped at her cheeks. "Yes."

Harry pulled her by the back of the head and bowed his forehead against hers. "You'll always have me," he whispered.

Hermione pulled his head down and kissed his crown. "You better apologize to Ginny now."

Harry sagged before stealing himself. He crossed to Ginny's bed and stood in front of her. "I'm sorry, Ginny. I had no call to yell at you this morning. And I wasn't angry with you about your mum's howler. Really," he protested when her eyes narrowed. "I was angry at your mum for what she called Hermione, but not at you."

"He's telling the truth, Ginevra," Luna said. "He told me the same when I yelled at him after you had run off at lunch."

Ginny studied Harry for a second. "Fine."

Harry took a steadying breath. Ginny was still glowering at him and he was pretty certain if looks could kill, he'd be dead ten times over by now. "And I'm sorry for blaming you for K–Kaa," he choked. "I – I had no c–call."

Ginny watched him through narrowed eyes. Even before Kaa had been killed, it had been a horrible day, being at odds with him. She liked Harry. He was like Bill and maybe to a bit lesser extent, Charlie. He was funny, kind and patient; at least he was with her, Luna and Hermione. He was smart too, wickedly quick when it came to putting things together.

"And I know I didn't know him," Harry ventured, "but I think it must be harder for you than it is me. I mean I was a baby when my dad was killed. I don't really even remember him. So it must be a lot harder for you and you should know I'm really sorry for your loss."

Had she mentioned that he was perceptive, that he paid attention to her, and made her feel like she mattered? And he was willing to stand in front of her when she was giving her worst glare; even Bill was nervous when she was that angry. She held her hand up and after a second he pressed his palm to hers. It wasn't as strong as the first few times they had touched skin to skin, but that tingling little shock remained. She wove their fingers together. "Thank you, Harry." She gave him a small smile. "And I'm sorry too."

Harry smiled back. "Still friends?"

"Yes."

"Oh good," Luna sighed. "I was rather afraid it would take a while for the both of you to stop being stubborn."

Lily Potter slipped out of the hospital wing and hurried after professor McGonagall and the Bastard. She didn't doubt Sirius would be angry with her for this, but with being unable to expose herself to Ginny and Luna yet, he would expect her to remain hidden under the cloak. She would just have to hope she got back before he realized she was gone. Actually, she would be in greater trouble if Harry found out. Her son was frighteningly protective of her. She couldn't help smirking. She'd be in trouble, sure, but Sirius would bear the brunt of Harry's wrath if it were discovered he'd let her run off unsupervised. Her quarry reached a staircase and the two split, with Professor McGonagall heading to Gryffindor tower and her quarters. Lily followed the Bastard as he went down, heading for the dungeons of Slytherin. She waited till they had descended three levels before closing on him. "Severus," she whispered harshly. He whipped around and she silently slipped past him.

"Who's there?" Severus growled. "Show yourself."

"Severus," Lily taunted. He whipped around again, but she silently slipped away again.

"Show yourself!"

Lily giggled. "I'm watching, Severus."

Severus paled and croaked, "Lily."

Lily slipped behind him, moving to be just beyond arm's reach. "Die, Bastard," she hissed venomously. Severus whipped around and stumbled back from her, not stopping till he ran into the wall. Lily backed down the hall, laughing harshly as she did. "Die, Severus," her voice echoed of the walls. "I'm waiting."

"Lily," he whispered and slid down the wall. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Lily turned and fled as quickly as she dared. That should stop him tormenting my son, she thought grimly.

Lily had just stepped into the secret passage behind the statue of the hump-backed witch when Sirius turned and yanked the cloak off her. "What the hell were you thinking?" he demanded.

"What are you talking about?"

Sirius glowered at her. "Fine, if you didn't sneak off after Snivels and McGonagall, you won't be surprised at all that Harry kissed Hermione, will you…?" Lily had a hell of a poker face, but it wasn't this good and he saw the surprise before she covered it. "Damnit, Lils, you're asking Harry and Hermione to lie to their friends for you and you go and risk exposing yourself."

"I'm staying hidden for Harry," she retorted.

"Well you're not doing a very good job of it, running off after your old boyfriend like that."

Lily pushed past him. "I don't need to explain myself to you."

Sirius caught her arm and spun her back. "The hell you don't."

Lily glowered at him. "Let. Me. Go."

Sirius refused to back down. "You've certainly let me know just how right you were regarding the decision James made against naming Remus Harry's godfather. And well you should. I won't deny it in the least. Harry paid dearly because James wouldn't listen to you. I've paid for it as well. And I keep paying for it; every time I look at the kid. I won't pretend I had any attachment to Kaa, but your son is a wreck, Lils. And you lost it tonight. You put your hatred of Snivels in front of your son. You risked exposing yourself and potentially being taken away from Harry… Didn't you." He let her go and waited expectantly. She continued to glower at him for a long moment before spinning on her heel and walking away without a word. Sirius watched her go… It wasn't like she could get home without him. Still, he was glad Harry hadn't witnessed their confrontation. The kid might castrate him if he had. He gave a shudder and set off after her. It wouldn't do to lose track of her. If he didn't bring her home safe Remus would castrate him for certain.

HPHPHP

"Hello, Luvs," Mrs Tonks said once the door to the room of requirement had closed behind Ginny and Luna.

"Hello," they answered a bit nervously.

"You wanted to speak with us?" Ginny asked.

"I did. Please," she indicated the couch, "come sit." The two girls joined her and Mrs Tonks poured tea for them. "I shall get straight to it," she said, settling back in her chair. "We would like for the two of you to be able to come for Kaa's funeral. But before that can happen you need to be told a few of the truths for which you have been working so hard to learn. Our original plan was to do this over the Christmas break, but circumstances have changed. I know you are both eager to learn these things, but you must both understand that in the future these truths could possibly put you in danger. And the more truths you learn, the greater that possible danger. Now, I have spoken with your father, Luna; and your brother, William, Ginny, and we've been given permission to tell you these things. But I feel it best if the two of you decide for yourselves as well. If you decide you wish to go forward, you must understand you have set yourself on a path from which there is no turning back. You cannot unlearn what you are told and you will need to commit yourselves doubly hard to keeping these secrets."

Ginny frowned and glanced at Luna but her friend seemed to be suffering one of her zone out moments and would offer nothing till she snapped out of it. "You've spoken with Bill?"

"I have."

"If Bill trusts you, then I trust you. Tell me."

"Harry's mother isn't dead, is she?" Luna said

Ginny whipped around to face her, and only a lifetime of training allowed Andromeda to keep her face impassive. "What makes you say that, Luna?"

"Just, yesterday, in hospital, Harry made a number of comments about his father being dead. But never once did he mention his mother."

Ginny gasped. "He did! And he would have if she were. It would have made no sense for him not to."

Andromeda gave them a small smile. "It seems, I've yet another pair of too smart for their own good children under my tutelage."

"She is! You're having us on," Ginny exclaimed.

Andromeda set her cup down. "Because what you don't know, you can't fail to keep secret, I'm going to leave out many details. The world believes Lily Potter is dead. And, for the time being, the world must continue to believe that. But the truth is, she is alive. She is alive because she is a witch of unparalleled brilliance who took steps to protect her son and in so doing managed to save herself as well. The night Voldemort—" Ginny and Luna recoiled at the name, but she pressed on, "— struck Lily down she did not die. She instead fell into a coma that mimicked Draught of Living Death. What followed were a series of events that saw Harry sent to live with his mother's Muggle sister. What Harry chooses to tell you of his time with his aunt is his choice. I will only say that he was treated horrifically. Meanwhile, in complete secret, a very dear friend of Lily's cared for and nursed her back to health. It took nearly seven years for Lily to wake from her coma. Once she had, she sent her friend to bring Harry to her. Harry has lived with his mother and her friend ever since." She stopped and waited expectantly.

"What do you mean horrifically?" Luna asked.

"That is for Harry to tell. I cannot betray his confidence. And I would warn you to be very cautious in questioning Harry about his time with his relatives. Despite outward appearances, Harry still suffers from what was done to him."

Ginny pursed her lips. "Harry says professor Snape betrayed his mother. Is that true even though she isn't dead?"

"I would have to say yes."

"But wasn't Sirius exonerated because it was Peter Pettigrew who betrayed his parents?"

"The two are entwined."

"Who is the person who took care of Harry's mother?" Luna asked.

"His name is Remus Lupin, and you must guard that secret as closely as the truth about Harry's mother."

HPHPHP

Hermione found Harry in the loft of the barn at the Briar Patch. She settled next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. He didn't give any response but he didn't move away either and her mind drifted over the last few days. They, along with Ginny and Luna had spent the day after Halloween in the hospital wing before being released by madam Pomfrey. She and Harry had immediately left the school so they could have a memorial service for Kaa. She was happy to be home with Harry, but she was also quite concerned about her other two friends; Ginny especially. She hoped her friend would be alright without Harry there to help fend off the attacks of their housemates. Slytherin house truly was horrible and she didn't understand quite why Ginny had been sorted into it. Surely Ravenclaw would have been better. Of course Gryffindor house wasn't proving to be a bed of roses either. Not with Ginny's idiot brothers leading the charge, that was certain. They hadn't even visited their sister whilst she was in hospital… Her mother had come though. But Hermione wasn't certain it had been a good thing. She'd only stopped lecturing Ginny about how disappointed she was in her when Ginny's brother Charlie had shown up. Hermione had quite liked meeting Tonks' boyfriend. He didn't seem bothered at all that his sister was sorted into Slytherin. He'd hugged her and ruffled her hair and been everything Hermione thought an older brother should be. And he'd been completely serious when he thanked Harry and Luna for going to make sure his sister was ok. It was any wonder Tonks was so enamored of her boyfriend. She gave herself a mental shake and refocused on Harry.

"Can I show you something?" she asked. Harry only shrugged in response so she stood and offered her hand.

He shook his head. "I don't want to go anywhere."

"Can I bring it here?" Harry shrugged again. "I'll be right back then." Hermione hurried down the ladder and back to the house.

"How is he?" Luna asked the second she stepped in the back door. Hermione stopped dead in her tracks and did a double take. Ginny was sitting next to her friend at the kitchen table.

"Some things are more important than the biggest secrets, Hermione," Mrs Tonks said gently.

Hermione blinked a number of times before rushing around the table to hug her friends. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here. I was so worried when we left you this morning." The two girls returned her hug fiercely.

"Is he ok?" Ginny asked when she let go.

"I just came in to get something for him. I'll be right back and you can come out with me." She rushed off up the stairs to her room. Technically the guest room, but she was the only one who ever seemed to use it and Lily had decorated it in all her favorite colors for her. She grabbed the tome from her bed where she'd left it and hurried back down to the kitchen. "Come on," she said.

"Wait," Mrs Tonks said.

Hermione skidded to a halt. Mr Tonks handed her a basket. "He hasn't eaten since yesterday."

Luna took the basket. "We'll take care of him Mrs Tonks. We promise."

"I know you will. Off with you now."

"Yes, Ma'am."

The three girls set off again. "Here," Hermione said, "let me have that." She triggered the release for her wand and levitated the basket from Luna's hands, directing it in front of them as they walked.

"Won't you get in trouble for performing magic?" Ginny asked.

"It's not my normal wand, so the trace isn't on it," Hermione answered. "Besides, the ministry can't track magic here. Harry and I do it all the time."

"The trace?" Ginny asked.

"Every new wand sold has a trace on it that allows the ministry to track the magic performed with it," Hermione answered. "The charm fails when the sorcerer becomes of age."

Ginny stopped dead. "So that's why none of us ever got a warning when we used Mum's wand."

Hermione stopped and turned back. "Yes, without the trace, the ministry can't track who is actually using the wand." She triggered the release for the wand she used at school. "This is my normal wand. It works much better for me but still has the Trace. Because of the wards I can use it here, but I mostly use the other one. I have to work harder to do it. But it makes working with my preferred wand even easier."

"Does Harry have two wands as well?"

"He has his mum's old wand and the one he uses at school that still has the Trace."

"I think I would like one of those," Luna said.

Hermione and Ginny looked at her curiously. "One of what?" Ginny asked.

"One of those wrist thingies for my wand. It stays well enough behind my ear, but it does tend to singe my hair."

"Luna," Ginny asked, "were you even paying attention to what we were talking about?"

Luna waved her hand dismissively. "Oh yes, Traces and extra wands and wards and an overbearing ministry, but I'm much more interested in one of those wrist thingies… Oh, and shouldn't we go see Harry?"

Hermione gave a little shake of her head. "Yes, of course." She set off to the barn again. "He's over here," she said after they had climbed up to the loft. She led them around behind the pile of hay bales. Harry had moved since she left him, and was now sitting with crossed legs, his elbows on his knees with his face buried in his hands. He didn't acknowledge her as she sat down and mirrored him. Ginny and Luna hovered, unsure. Hermione indicated for them to sit as well.

"I'm really not interested seeing anyone, Hermione."

"You don't even know who I've brought."

"I don't care!" Harry snapped, looking up. He blinked owlishly when he realized it was Ginny and Luna who had joined Hermione.

"We can go if you like," Ginny offered.

"B–but."

"I don't know, Harry," Hermione said. "They were in the kitchen with Mrs Tonks when I went back to the house."

"Mrs Tonks told us about your mum and Remus and then Sirius snuck us out of the school," Luna offered.

"He – he did?" Harry asked.

Ginny nodded. "Yes."

"B–but you could be expelled."

"I highly doubt Sirius hasn't taken everything into consideration," Hermione said.

"But we really can go if you'd prefer," Luna said.

"No," Harry said quickly. "Please stay."

Luna smiled and scooted over next to him so she could wrap her arm around his shoulders. "You're really special, Harry. I'd do just about anything to help you."

"I would too, Harry," Ginny added.

Harry gave her a small smile. "Thanks." Ginny scooted next to him and took his hand in hers, weaving their fingers together.

"Mrs Tonks sent you some food, if you're hungry," Hermione offered.

Harry pulled a face. "No thanks."

"You need to eat, Harry," Luna said.

"Please, Harry, Ginny said. "Just a few bites."

Harry sagged. "Fine." Hermione dug a pasty from the basket for him. Reluctantly, Harry took it from her. He just wasn't hungry. Having Luna and Ginny there with Hermione helped, but even the spark he felt whenever he and Ginny touched was like a dull echo. He felt empty and the world seemed boring, like the colors were all muted or something. Things like eating just didn't seem to matter anymore.

"I guess you were hungry," Hermione said.

"What?" he asked in confusion.

"You ate the whole thing, Harry." Harry blinked. Somehow the pasty in his hand had been replaced by a bottle of coke and he hadn't even realized.

"Oh," he said. He set the bottle down, staring at it for a few moments before looking up. "Did you eat?"

"We did," Hermione answered. She reached for the tome and flipped it open to the place she'd marked. "I wanted to show you this."

Harry sighed. "Hermione, I really can't be bothered right now."

She pushed the tome into his lap. "Read." Harry glowered at her. "Read, and I swear I'll stop bothering you."

"Yeah, like that'll ever happen," Harry muttered. He focused on the text; and slowly became engrossed. Eventually he looked up at Hermione.

She handed him a bit of parchment. "Maybe this?" she suggested gently. "And there is that obsidian obelisk in the garden. I think my feather-light bag can hold it

Harry quickly read what she had given him. When he'd finished he reached across and pulled her into a tight embrace. "Thank you," he choked.

"You're welcome," she answered. Eventually he released her, and till Mum called for him they sat in silence; his head bowed against Hermione's with Ginny and Luna on either side of him, resting their heads on his shoulders.

"Harry, Love?"

"We're in the loft, Lily," Hermione answered.

"Harry, I need you to come to the house. There is someone who wishes to speak with you… bring Ginny also." Harry glanced at her.

Ginny shook her head. "I've no idea," she mouthed.

"Harry?"

"Coming, Mum."

"Hermione, you and Luna should come as well."

"Yes, Ma'am."

"Good girl."

The four friends followed Harry's mum back to the house. "You two can wait here," Mum said when they entered the kitchen. "Harry, Ginny, the parlour please."

Harry led the way with Ginny and his mum close behind. Waiting for them in the parlour was a tall, solidly built man. In his right ear he wore an earing that appeared to be a fang of some sort and his long red hair was pulled back in a low ponytail. His skin had the look of someone who spent a lot of time in the sun and pretty much everything about him said this was not a man to be trifled with.

"BILL!" Ginny cried. Before Harry could blink she was hurtling into the man's arms. He hauled her clear off the floor and she wrapped her arms around his neck and legs around his waist in a crushing hug that he returned just as fiercely.

"Firefly," he whispered, cradling her head in his hand. He held her for a good minute before setting her down and squatting in front of her. Holding her by the shoulders he carefully examined the cuts on her face.

"I'm fine," Ginny whispered.

"Not as far as I'm concerned," he said. He brushed his thumb along the worst of them. It was along her jaw on the left side of her face and had been to the bone. Madam Pomfrey had done her best, but she would always have a scar. It could have been much worse, even a half inch lower and her jugular would have been severed. Bill let out a breath before standing and focusing on Harry. "I understand my sister might not be around any longer if not for you and Luna going after her. I've also been told that even before this you took steps to ensure her safety. I cannot express my gratitude for your actions, Lord Potter. The house of Weasley stands in your debt."

"Erm, we just wanted to make sure she was safe," Harry mumbled sheepishly.

"My husband's family never paid mind to supposed debts of honor, Mr Weasley," Lily said. "That practice will not change with my son. The only bond we seek is that of a true friend."

Bill gave a slight nod. "I thank you for your generosity, Lady Potter. Never-the-less, a member of your house gave their life in defense of my sister. It is not a debt that cannot be forgotten. You seek the bond of a true friend, know that you have found one."

Lily smiled. "I knew that from our first meeting, Bill."

Bill grinned and offered his hand to Harry. "Thanks, Mate."

Harry shook his hand. "I'm just glad she's ok." He smiled at Ginny who glowered through her blush at him.

"Me too, Mate," Bill said. "Me too."

HPHPHP

Author's notes:

A reviewer pointed out a few errors in my thoughts on the Gryffindor quidditch team as JKR created it the year before Harry arrived at Hogwarts. Apparently it looks like this. Most notably this is in the three chaser spots. Anyway, the following is now my revised conclusions on the team the year before Harry arrived.

Charlie Weasley, Seeker, seventh-year student, presumably a multi year starter

Oliver Wood, Keeper, fourth-year student, most likely a returning starter

Angelina Johnson, Chaser, third-year student, at most has been on the team for one year but is likely a first year starter.

Alicia Spinnet, Chaser, third-year student, at most has been on the team for one year but is likely a first year starter.

Unknown student, Chaser, most likely a seventh-year as Katie Bell, who is one year ahead of Harry, is a starter on the team during Harry's first year.

Fred Weasley, Beater, Second-year student, first year on the team

George Weasley, Beater, Second-year student, first year on the team

Regardless of what JKR gave us remember my story is AU and a player might be in a different year than she gave us.

And even more on quidditch.

I've had a few people talk to me about Ginny beating Harry to the snitch and how they didn't like that I'd chosen this place to give her something to be better at than him. Basically the thoughts were that Harry needs to be the best at quidditch.

I do agree with their thoughts that there is a bit of trying to make them equals going on, but the thing is, Harry's power levels make it so he is almost always going to be better than Ginny at pretty much everything. She can out study or out knowledge him, maybe even get a spell before him, but his stunner will always be more powerful than hers. His shield will always be stronger. His patronus, even if she makes it to the fully corporeal patronus before he does, will be the stronger. Quidditch is the one place I can legitimately make her naturally the more gifted of the two. At least that's my thoughts. That said, I'm not certain that she will always be better. She's ahead a tiny bit now, and later, as in books later, in the story it may seem she is stretching that. But if she out scores him for the season, or catches more snitches for the season, its actually because Slytherin is trying to create the best mismatch which means Harry ends up drawing the job of defending the best slasher on the other team because its harder to outmuscle him than it is Ginny. Which means he scores a few less goals and gets a few less shots at catching the snitch.

Also, it's AU. This is a different Harry. When JKR's Harry is at school the most important thing to him is quidditch. This Harry, that isn't the case. He's got other loves. Given the choice of flying or playing guitar for an hour this Harry will generally take his guitar. Ginny would take her broom.

Anyway, I disagree that Harry needs to be better. He is still a prodigy in the air. Just that Ginny is as well. She's maybe been at it a bit longer than he has, maybe works a bit harder at it than he does. It is maybe a bit more important to her than it is to him. Right now, Harry is definitely playing because it is fun. Ginny is playing with an eye on a way out of being poor. Ginny has a chip on her shoulder, trying to prove her worth to herself, her mother and brothers. Harry doesn't have that same chip. So yeah, there's my thoughts.

Personally, I love Lily going after Snape. Question is, will it make a difference or is Snape to far gone? And Bill, one has to wonder just what's going to happen seeing as he's come all the way back from Egypt because of what happened to Ginny.