AN: Surprise! This is the last official chapter. All that's left now is an epilogue and extended versions of THREE chapters inspired by StephO (inspired by, not blamed on!) :D

Enjoy

VSx

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Chapter 12 – July 1999

Ginny loved the feeling of the wind sweeping through her hair and the freedom of flying. It was something her and Harry discussed regularly and both with great amounts of exhilaration in their voices when they did so.

Now flying back to earth, in every sense, her fifteen minutes were up. She watched as Gwenog Jones discussed something with her training manager and compared clipboards with another scout and then took her dismissal to return to the stands.

Hermione shuffled between the pews to join her having moved seats for a better view. At least that's what she claimed. An empty jam jar and a thick book were poking out of her school bag as if they'd been hastily replaced and Ginny couldn't help but think that Hermione was lying. The thought was greatly appreciated though.

They chatted intermittently as Seeker candidates took to the skies but Ginny was trying to follow the Snitch herself and not really concentrating on the conversation.

Hermione left her friend to it when the light began to fade, making it difficult to read. Her bluebell hued flames were first-class for warmth, but had never been bright enough to read from. Ginny was still watching the tryouts with dedication. It seemed to irk Hermione somewhat but not enough to comment; Quidditch was just something she didn't understand.

It was a long tryout. The Seekers here today weren't up to Gryffindor standard, and nothing compared to Harry. Ginny made a mental note to tell him in her letter later. He still smiled whenever she comments on subpar Quidditch players, the Gryffindor tryouts from his year as Captain haunting him still.

It was late when they were released, the fallen faces of the scouts telling Ginny more than she needed to know. She couldn't help but feel broken hearted as she trooped towards the changing rooms. She was surprised to see Gwenog Jones stood outside the door as she approached. Building her nerve, she walked up to the Harpies Captain.

She was astonished to note that, for a woman roughly fifteen years her senior, they were nearly the same height. Jones smiled as she approached and Ginny was halfway through asking for an autograph when she was interrupted.

"I want to sign you, if you're interested in playing for the Harpies."

Ginny's mouth fell open and it took some internal muttering to get herself to close up. She dumbly nodded before she found her voice.

"Yes, of course." She smiled with as much enthusiasm as she could. "I'd love to. The Harpies, really?"

Jones chuckled to herself at Ginny's eagerness and acknowledged jokingly that that was indeed who she was scouting for. They agreed to meet once term was finished and Jones would forward her some paperwork, the contract and a playbook, for her to look over, no obligations or strings attached.

Ginny was the last to leave the changing room. It was nearing midnight when she finally left, still bouncing with excitement and joy as she ran for the common room and Hermione, whom she ran headlong into as she rounded a corner.

Hermione had noticed her friend's absence and had come looking for her, after checking with others who had been on the pitch and realising Ginny had good news. Hermione had thought to bring parchment and a quill for her, knowing who Ginny would want to tell first. They discussed the events since Hermione's departure at great length before Hermione produced the stationary from her pockets. Without asking what was intended, or even having to explain, Ginny took the objects thrust between them and smiled broadly at her closest friend before starting to write.

Harry,

You'll never guess what just happened!...