Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter.\n I will never own it.
JK owns HP.
AN: I have something to tell you guys. Since I received so many reviews asking me when Harry and Hermione will reconcile, I think I owe you an explanation. I know these filler chapters are somewhat annoying because it's taking so damn long. The story is also turning even more dramatic each chapter and I'm afraid some might not like it. Actually, I'm also quite annoyed by these fillers and honestly, I just want to skip them but I just can't because there are still some things that should happen first, so that we can avoid confusion during the last chapters. But what I'm gonna do is merge the following chapters as much as possible and just do what's supposed to be done so that we can get these fillers over with and then Harry can go home. I'll try to do my best to shorten the period of time they're away from each other and I promise, these next chapters are not dramatic for the two of them.
PS: One more thing. I haven't noticed it earlier but I already have 59 reviews! I'm so ecstatic! Now, a treat for the fiftieth reviewer, whoever that was, that reader deserves a treat. I know it's late but I should at least be generous in that way. The fiftieth reviewer gets to ask one question that I'll completely answer. You'll find out who that reviewer is at the end of this note. Now, I'm targeting 68 reviews because that's my favorite number. A treat awaits the 68th reviewer. LOL!
ivorynightfall: I just have to get some more things over with. I promise, no more dramatic scenes about HARRY and HERMIONE. Thank you for the review. I hope the drama in this fic won't drive you away. Thanks again.
Cinduri: Thank you for the review. It's so much appreciated. And there won't be any more drama between them on the upcoming chapters. Thank you for reading and reviewing. Hope you continue. Thanks!
pawsrule: Thanks again for that review. "Please make sure Cho gets what is coming to her in the end!" I was wondering, when you said this, what was your idea of 'getting hers'? Does that mean you want her to die or just pay for what she did and be forgiven?
Bob: Actually, after Harry goes home, I think there would be about ten chapters and the tenth is the last chapter. Can that be considered 'shortly after'?
miyakosaku: It's not going to happen at Hogwarts. That's all that I can say for now. But you'll find out soon enough. I promise to update as often as possible so that the story can progress faster. Thanks for the review. It inspires me to keep writing. Thanks!
proudtobeatheatrekid: Hermione's letter? Errrm. Harry read it. It was only one sentence. It's the Happy Birthday, Harry sentence. That's it. The explanation to that is… Do you remember what Cho said when Hermione flooed? She said that Hermione shouldn't contact Harry anymore. That's the reason why it's just one sentence. She can't ignore Harry's birthday and she kept her promise to Cho, as much as she hates it. So that's it. Thanks for the review! : DD
: LOL! I recounted the sevens just to make sure. All these sevens are making me addicted to it as well. LOL! Anyway, thank you very much for that review. I really, really appreciate it. I hope you'll like the next events in the story. Thanks again and you rock!
TwiTrek: First, thanks for that wonderful review. Second, kindly quit shaking me, my cookies are falling down from my pocket, AHHHHHH! MY COOKIES! LOL! Third, Did you know that you're my fiftieth reviewer? And because of that… You have one question that I will answer. Whatever that question would be, I'll answer it completely. But you only have one question. Remember to send me a review with your feedback on this chapter and your question. I'll PM the answer to you. Thanks again!
Wow! My AN took a whole page again. I'm sorry! But I just have to make that announcement. So on with the chapter!
Chapter 26:
The days dragged on in a hurry. But to Harry, it felt like it was dragging slowly. There are three reasons why a few weeks felt like a few months to Harry. First, He had nothing to do but to sit in his flat and watch some TV, play some video games and eat and sleep. Second, he has no job. So one can fairly call him a jobless man. And it makes him feel stupid. Lastly, he misses home. It's already September 1998. He's very much sure that the new term had already started at Hogwarts. He misses the school so much that he wants to resume his education. He wondered what's going on in the school at the moment as he sits back in the couch of his flat. (Let's call Brenn's flat HIS flat from now on) His mind was racing when someone rang his doorbell. He stood up from the couch and opened the door. He found a very excited Cho waiting outside.
"Harry! I found the best job for you!" Cho squealed in delight. She flung her arms around Harry's neck to emphasize her excitement.
"Oh. Really? Wait, Cho I can't breathe." Harry gently shook Cho away. "So the job. What about it?"
"Okay, listen." Cho started, clearly hiding the excitement in her eyes. "The other day, I saw this flyer at the lobby downstairs. It's about this Quidditch team that's going to hold try-outs to fill the position of their seeker today. Apparently, their seeker decided to retire. So they're desperate to find one ASAP. I think it's perfect for you, Harry."
"Whoa, wait just a minute. You want me to play at a Quidditch League here?" Harry said, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Are you mad? I'm not a French National and it had been a long time since I last played Quidditch. It had been two years, Cho." Harry closed the door behind her and led the way to the living room. He sat back at his usual spot. Cho followed suit and sat beside him.
"So what? You're an exceptional seeker, Harry. And you're the Boy who lived. Surely, that counts for something." Cho said. She reached for the remote and shuffled through the channels on TV, looking for a channel where the people aren't speaking in French.
"Time out on that one. I'm not going to use my influence and my name just to get a position in a Quidditch League. That wouldn't be fair." Harry said as he kindly grabbed the remote from Cho and pushed a few buttons. The former French language of the people in the TV was suddenly dubbed in English.
"I'm not saying you use it to get the position. What I'm saying is that it'll help in making them consider you for the position. Then, show them your talent. I'm sure you'll get it." Cho stood up from the sofa and went to the window. She opened it wider and tied the curtains to the side to let the early day break light to flow through the windows without interference. "After all, you've never lost a match ever since you started Quidditch. AAAAAAANNNND!" She turned around from what she was doing and pointed a finger at Harry. "You're the youngest Quidditch Player Hogwarts had ever seen in a whole century."
"Okay, Cho. You've made your point. But still it had been a long time since I last touched a snitch that's flying in the air. My skills may have rusted." Harry argued. By that time, Cho had already finished what she was doing and was already standing in front of the sitting Harry.
"I highly doubt that, Potter. A seeker's skills like yours don't rust that easy. It's in your blood." Cho reasoned. Harry tried to argue but she held out a finger to stop him. "No buts, Harry. I've played against you and I've seen how you love to play Quidditch. This is the perfect time to resume your passion. So, you're getting your butt up from that couch and…" She clutched Harry's hand and pulled him up from the sofa. She practically dragged him to the bathroom. "And take a quick bath. We're heading to their Quidditch Stadium in two hours. Get ready and meet me at the lobby. Two hours, Harry." She finished as she shoved him inside the bathroom and close the door in Harry's face.
As much as Harry hates it, she was right. Quidditch was his passion. It had been his dream to be a Quidditch Player before he dreamed of being an Auror. And right now, he's quite sure he's not going to be an Auror. After all, he didn't even take his NEWTS. So summing that up, he only has his Quidditch dream to pursue. Thinking that, he stripped down and took a quick bath while thinking… It couldn't be bad. At least I get to use Hermione's gift. But he still can't help but feel nervous.
After the allotted two hours, Cho and Harry met at the building's lobby. Harry was clutching his shiny, new Firebolt while Cho was clutching her Comet 260.
"You're trying out for seeker too?" Harry asked as he flung the firebolt carefully over his shoulder. He was wearing loose pants, sneakers and a sweater vest over his most comfortable collared shirt.
"Nope but yes." She replied with a smug smile. Harry returned it with a completely confused face. She chuckled lightly before continuing. "I mean I'm trying out too but not as seeker. I want to try for chaser this time." She was clutching her broomstick with one hand while the other was holding a pair of thick gloves. She was wearing a loose shirt but still hugged her body in the right curves. She wore denim pants and boots that looked like the boot she used to wear during a match back at Hogwarts.
"Wow. New position, eh. Good luck, Cho. Nice outfit by the way." Harry smiled as he surveyed her over all outfit. It looked like she really prepared for this. She even had gloves. Harry ducked and knocked his finger against Cho's knee. Just as expected, it produced low thuds. "And you're wearing knee pads."
"We should be careful. After all, we don't know these people. We're not playing against other houses anymore, Harry." Cho said as they reached the entrance door. She led the way outside.
"You have a point there." Harry said. They reached the outside of the building and bright sunlight met their eyes. The breeze was cold despite the cloudless sky. "How are we getting there, anyway?"
"We're apparating, of course." Cho replied before she clutched Harry's arm and swirled in their position.
The first thing that Harry saw after the dizzying travel was the green grass of the Quidditch Pitch. They apparated straight inside the Pitch itself. The place was evidently huge. It was twice the size of their pitch at Hogwarts. The bleachers were high up surrounding the wide field. And colossal banners with the Team's logo were hanging from the four highest corners of the pitch. The banner had a huge brown falcon. The falcon was clutching the golden snitch between its beaks. The team's name was scribbled in enormous golden letters: The French Falcons.
"The French Falcons? How come I've never heard of that team in Quidditch World Cup before?" Harry asked in a low whisper as they walked to the center of the field where a horde of other wizards and witches were huddled.
"They never made it to the finals last time." Cho replied. Finally, they reached the center and they fell in queue at the back. There are nearly 10 people there who are trying out.
"What other positions are unoccupied?" Harry asked curiously. They were all waiting patiently for the team captain, at least Cho and Harry were. The others just kept on turning their heads on Harry's direction and then murmur amongst themselves.
"Two chasers, a seeker and one extra beater. In case of injuries and emergencies." Cho replied. She pointed to the opposite side of the field where – Harry supposed – the quarters were. Three boys and one girl emerged from the said room, clutching one broomstick each and walked slowly to the field. The man in front was tall and lean with blonde hair and a permanent smirk. The girl beside him was tanned with black hair. She was quite gorgeous. The two men at the back were of the same height and features. Except the one on the right had blue eyes and pale complexion, the other one has green orbs and cream colored skin. The two were holding clubs apart form their broomsticks and they just reminded Harry of Fred and George.
"Greetings, wizards and witches." The guy with blonde hair greeted. He saw Harry and Cho at the back and smiled. "It appears we have foreigners trying out." Harry and Cho bushed at the comment. "Now, you may have known, we have four positions that are free. One beater, two chasers and a seeker. I am Patrick Westley Aiken, the team captain and keeper." The blonde dude said. So Harry was right. He was the team captain. "This is Nicholas and Joseph Daniels, our beaters. They are siblings. We are looking for another beater, in case of injuries involving the bludgers." Patrick pointed to the two boys at the back. "This is Irish Verne, our chaser. We are looking for two more. And then the seeker. Our seeker retired and so the post is now vacant. So now we're going to start. I am going to group you now. Good luck." Patrick said as he grouped them first according to the position they were trying out for. There were two for seeker, six for chasers and two for beaters. After that, Patrick regrouped them into two teams. Patrick was keeper for one team and then the other guy trying out for seeker position. Nicholas became one of the beaters and the other one was the other wizard trying out as beater and then two wizards and Cho trying out as chasers. The other team was composed of Irish as keeper, Harry as seeker, Joseph and the other beater and then two witches and a wizard as chasers. After that, the game begun.
Harry immediately went to the air to look for the snitch. All around him, the other players were zooming and doing their own team duties. The cold breeze felt good on Harry's skin along with the bright light that brightened the pitch even more. It gave the feeling of cheerfulness. Harry felt relaxed. He felt excited and happy as he flew around the pitch, looking for any trace of gold. After so long, he felt at home.
After quarter of an hour, the chasers were already on a roll. They were scoring goals here and there. Unfortunately, the chaser scoring the most goals was Cho from the other team. Harry was surprised to see her excellently shooting the quaffle through the goal posts. Irish was a fair keeper but not as good as Patrick. She managed to stop just two out of five goals from Cho. Harry's team's chasers were awesome but Patrick was an exceptional keeper.
After half an hour, the snitch was still nowhere to be seen. The other team's seeker was already getting bored. Cho's team already has 110 points, half of which was scored by Cho. Harry was led to believe that she was almost as good as Ginny as a chaser. Almost. Harry's team scored 80 points. Their only hope was the seeker. Just then, Harry's eyes caught a glint of gold behind one of the goal posts in the opposite side of the pitch. He zoomed his firebolt to that direction. The wild wind felt relaxing against his skin. He was reminded of the matches he used to win back at Hogwarts. And it felt awesome. He felt adrenaline rush through his veins and he leaned forward in his broom and zoomed faster. He can see it now. The snitch was in front of his face. His face was etched with a wide grin as he reached for the snitch and his fingers closed in on the gold ball.
With a shout from the captain, the match ended with 230 points to 110. Harry's team won. They all lowered themselves to the ground and landed. There were loud cheers from the winning team and murmurs of defeat from the losing team. Harry walked to Cho and congratulated her. "Congratulations, Cho. I didn't know you were a good chaser."
"I'm not only a seeker, I'm a chaser. Honestly, I tried out as chaser for the Ravenclaw team before I became seeker. It turned out I'm a better seeker than a chaser, what with all those chasers in our team who are better than me and Roger Davies was one of them. Anyway, Congratulations to you! I told you, you can do it." Cho said as she teasingly hit Harry's arm.
"You certainly did, Mr. Potter. I never knew you were a great seeker." Patrick walked slowly to them and reached out to shake Harry's hand as soon as he reached them.
"Harry never lost a single match ever since he started playing Quidditch, sir." Cho boasted with a smile. Harry nudged her gently with his elbow.
"Actually, I have lost one." Harry immediately contradicted Cho. Cho pointedly looked at him and Harry gave her a warning look. Patrick didn't miss the exchange and so he chuckled.
"You lost one? Who is this seeker who defeated the Chosen One in a Quidditch match?" Patrick inquired with a smile. "To be able to defeat one player who never even lost a match is a great deal of achievement."
"Cedric Diggory, sir." Harry answered politely. At this, Patrick perked up.
"Oh, you're co-winner in the Triwizard Cup if I'm not mistaken."
"Yes."
"He is exceptional." Cho chimed in. "The only problem most of the time was their chasers. They're not making enough points for them to win even though Cedric catches the snitch." At this, Harry agreed.
"I'm certainly looking forward to meeting Mr. Diggory in the future. But for now, Mr. Potter and errr." Patrick started and then he turned to Cho. "I believe, Harry called you Cho, am I right?" Cho nodded and then he continued. "I'm delighted to say that I will be happy if you can both join my Quidditch team. So do we have a deal?"
Harry and Cho exchanged wide grins and only had one reply – vigorous nods.
AN: There's the next chapter. Don't worry. I'll upload one more chapter today. Just wait for it, okay, guys? Okay, bye, bye for now. See you later.
Next on First and Last:
Set a few days after Chapter 26. Hermione confronts Draco about his weird behavior. Draco finds out something about Hermione. Oooooh. What could it be?
Cedric hears of the rumor about Cho and Harry and decided to ask Cho about it. What will she answer? Tune in next chapter to find out. :DD
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