NOTE: I am so terrible. I feel awful that it has taken me this long to get this chapter to you. Originally, I'd planned on this being the last chapter, but in my heart it feels like there is still more story to tell and that it why it has taken so long. Please except this chapter as a token of my love for all of you and I will do my best to give the end of this story justice in a timely manner.

Thank yous to:

PrettyPrincess1616, Beetle126, superstarem, A fan (Guest), bluestriker666, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, JayFan67, Xonik2i, sofiya96, Sasha2121, RisaliaDragneel, fremione101, BellaFlame,Come l'Amante Va, kh2020, Boston26, BubblePopLynn, BLACKHAWKSgirl92, BookLuver4ever7, CaskettKid-94

Love to Gia for the beta!

-BKC

Chapter 36

"Happy Saturday, and welcome to the final game of the Quidditch World Cup Finals!" There was a loud roar from the stadium. Team colors were splashed everywhere the eye could see. The stands were packed and the fans were ready.

"Our two finalists have fought hard to get here today. Let's recap their journeys." Music boomed from the loud speakers as the crowd turned their attention up to the canvas covered sky.

"That bye in the first round must have been the rest Ginny Weasley needed to pull out that win. The Wanders didn't stand a chance against the Harpies. Did you see that catch?" Highlights from last weekend's match flew across the canvas as the crowd below cheered. "These ladies have had an absolutely amazing season. It's about time they get the chance to prove what they are made of." Footage from previous season games flashed showing amazing saves, great scores and a few incredible dives before the image faded into green as the Harpies crest took over the screen. The team entered the field below and the pitch roared to life once more.

"Seated fourth in the bracket, it seemed unlikely that the Falcons would make it to the finals. How wrong were we!?" The crowd watched in awe as footage of Captain and chaser Avery Hawksworth flying across the pitch changed the scene on the screen. Footage from the first round game against the Wasps brought the screen to life. Images flash before the final score appears on the screen. The video melts into the quarterfinal game against second ranked United, showing the snitch catch by Draco Malfoy. "I can't believe it! Draco Malfoy has captured the golden snitch! Puddlemere will not be advancing. Unbelievable!" Falcon fans rose to their feet as the clip of Draco's spectacular dive replayed in slow motion. The footage changed once again to highlights from the semifinals against the sixth ranked Arrows. When the final score flashed across the screen, a few Arrow fans hung their heads in shame. It was a slaughter. Changing once again, the screen turned a shade of dark grey and the Falcon crest was displayed in the middle of the canvas. The Falcons entered the pitch to a loud roar from the fans. After a few moments the screen faded to white, both teams' crests appearing, a large VS. between them.

"Are you sure we're making the right choice mate?" Ron and Harry had just gotten themselves settled into their booth. It was small, private and lined up smack dab in the center of the pitch. It was the perfect neutral location. Harry shifted in his seat, reaching for a beverage.

"Ron, I don't see how we could go wrong here. We cheer for Ginny and the Harpies," he pointed to the left side of the field. "But we also cheer for Hermione and the Falcons." He gestured again but this time, to the right. "We're placed directly between the two, so no sides have been chosen. To be honest, it seems like a fool proof plan to me."

Giving his shoulders a shrug, Ron sunk himself deeper into his chair, asking Harry to pass him a drink. Popping the top off the bottle, he takes a long swig before once again turning to Harry. "Who's paying for this box anyway?"

Harry's eyes widened mid drink and he turned his head towards Ron. "I thought you said you paid…"

"Me?! Who do you think I am Harry, The Boy Who Lived?"

Harry's face turned a dark red, his green eyes darkening as well as he stood from his seat, drink discarded on the concrete floor. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Ron too, was now standing. "I think you know exactly what it means!"

Just as they lunged towards each other, a security wizard stepped into their box. "Oi! Wha's goin' on in 'ere?"

The man was quite large and with ease grabbed both men's shirt collars, successfully pulling them apart from each other. "Where's your tickets?"

Ron was still red faced and Harry took a large gulp of air before reaching a hand up to push his glasses up the bridge of his long nose. "Funny you should ask…"

"What's going on?" Hermione had just walked out onto the pitch, Michael in tow. The crowd was in an up roar as images of Ron and Harry being removed from their box seat played across the large canvas. She couldn't stop her jaw from dropping. Quickly scanning the sky, Hermione caught sight of a very red faced Ginny. Had it been anyone else being thrown from the game, Hermione was sure Ginny would be in stitches, but that was certainly not the case.

"What wankers! Oh Red's going to murder them." Hermione shot Draco a death glare, but it went unnoticed as his eyes were closed to attempt to stop the tears of joy trying to escape them.

"Malfoy! Knock that off! I need you focused. Take a few laps to calm yourself back done. Don't make me put Gudgeon in for you!" Galvin sat a little straighter in his seat, hoping for the chance to get in. Draco's smile instantly dropped and a sneer replaced it. He muttered under his breath before doing as O'Kelly instructed.

Hermione and Michael approached O'Kelly, wishing him and the team the best of luck. Michael explained how, win or lose, they would be holding post-game interviews with the team, the coach and staff. With one more wish of luck, the pair headed for the tunnels, hoping to get up to their box before the toss-up.

"Granger!" Hermione couldn't help the small smile that formed on her lips. She motioned to Michael to go on ahead and she would catch up.

"What do you need Mr. Malfoy?" His broom was casually thrown over his shoulder and he ran an on gloved hand through his hair.

"I uh, needed a bit of luck if you catch my drift." He smugly took a step closer to her, reaching for her cheek. Her face heated slightly, the pink rising in her cheeks. She bit down on her bottom lip in anticipation. Cat calls and whistles filled the stands as Draco's lips crashed into hers. Her hand snaked its way around his neck and his other hand found its way to her waist.

"Oh get a room you two!"

"Jealous, Red? Doesn't look like you'll be getting a good luck kiss today to me." Ginny's face once again darkened to a shade of red that clashed terribly with her hair. Hermione's left hand balled itself into a fist and collided with Draco's right shoulder.

"Draco! Don't upset Ginny before the match!" Draco removed his hand from her waist and massaged the now sore spot on his shoulder.

"She's the competition, Granger! It's my job to upset her before the game." Hermione only scowled in response before wishing Ginny good luck and leaving the field. Throwing his hands up in the air, Draco turned away from her retreating figure. "Women!"

All that earned him was another dirty look from the Harpies keeper.

The whistle blew and the quaffle was in the air before Hermione managed to meet up with Michael in the owners' box. She shook hands, smiling her white smile at all the right people. Taking her seat, she felt Michael give her knee a quick pat as the mummers and whispers started behind her. She reached out and gripped his hand with hers, hoping to convey the thanks she felt at his action.

Hermione couldn't have been more thankful for Michael presence this season. He was that rock she needed, someone who, although he didn't always agree with her decisions, was there to back her up, willing to speak up for her when her voice became lost. She gave his hand another tight squeeze and mouthed a quick 'Thank you' in his direction. With a small smile, he handed her a pair of omnioculars and turned his attention back to the game.

Releasing his hand and bringing the omnioculars up to her eyes, Hermione was delighted as Avery tossed the quaffle through the far left hoop for the first point of the game. The Falcon section let out a boom of cheers, her current box included. She watched as Ritchie sent a bludger towards a Harpies chaser she couldn't remember the name of, only to have her dodge it and head straight for Dillon. His eyes followed her, ready to leap towards the left hoop but at the last moment she passed the quaffle to her right and into the hands of Valmai Morgan who sent the ball flying through center hoop. More than a few choice words filled the box and a frown settled on Hermione's face.

Scanning the sky, Hermione caught sight of Ginny's flaming red ponytail darting across the field towards where she was delighted to see that Draco was already in pursuit of the golden snitch.

When Ginny caught sight of the snitch, her heart dropped in her stomach when she realized just how close Draco was to catching it. Leaning forward on her broom, she shot across the pitch, willing the broom to move faster. As she approached Draco, who had his arm outstretched, she slowed only slightly on her broom, causing her to crash into him. The broom jerked as they collided and her gloved hands were gripping the handle so tight she was sure her knuckles were white as fresh snow.

The glare Draco sent her as he regained his balance reminded her of their days back at Hogwarts when he was nothing but a bully she couldn't stand the sight of. It was crazy to think that this man before her now had everything to do with the happiness of her best friend. She shook the thought however, reminding herself that now was not the time be getting soft about Draco. Leaning forward once more, she pushed the broom again, hoping her lighter weight would be an advantage against her large competitor.

Draco felt his face fall even more into a scowl as Ginny gained ground and pulled away from him. It was like his very first match against Gryffindor all over again. Getting as close to the shaft of the broom as he safely could, he felt himself being propelled faster, slowly catching up to the speedy red head.

Ginny shot her head back, unable to believe he had found a way to catch her. Turning her head quickly back around, she watched as the snitch darted left, then right, up then down before it completely changed directions and was now headed the opposite way as she was.

"Merlin, help me." Ginny took a deep breath before pulling the shaft of the broom up towards the canvas covered sky. Her feet tightened as she prepared herself for the ninety degree angle she was about to push herself to.

Draco saw the snitch turn and dart behind him and was preparing himself to swing around when he caught sight of Ginny. He watched in awe as she turned out from her straight angle into a barrel roll and was now headed quickly in the opposite direction. He heard the roar of the fans below and the announcers stumble in disbelief.

Red had balls.

"But sir, really, this is just a simple misunderstanding."

"Yeah. Honest." Ron nodded his head furiously. The security wizard let out an annoyed grunt as he dragged the pair towards the stadium exit gates.

"You see sir," Harry tried again. "My girlfriend plays for the Harpies."

"Bloody brilliant she is, but don't tell her that, it'll go straight to her head." Harry sent a glare in Ron's direction before continuing.

"And my best friend is the General Manager for the Falcons. So obviously, we couldn't pick sides. The middle was the only option."

"Yeah, only option honest." Another glare found its way to Ron. His comments weren't helping their case any.

"But here I was thinking Ron purchased the box and he was sure I'd paid so you could see where the confusion came in." The wizard tightened his grip on the troublesome duos collars, handling them with more force then he had been previously. Ron wiggled in his grip, becoming more anxious with every cheer from the crowd.

"Listen here you over paid ticket checker. My baby sister is playing my childhood nemesis and if I miss seeing her crush him, I swear I'll hex you into next year." The wizard stopped, turning and giving his full attention to the squirming red head in his grasp.

"Is that a threat?"

"You can bloody well bet your arse it is!" Harry's groans were no longer inward. He watched as the guards face reddened before he once again began heading towards the exit. The few people milling about that they passed, stopped to stare, pointing at the trio.

"Way to go Ron." Harry's mumbled comment went unanswered as the guard pushed the two out of the gates and onto the dusty ground.

"And stay out you freeloaders!" Rising from the ground, dusting the dirt from his pants, Harry tried once more to reason with the guard. "I take it telling you that I'm Harry Potter would be a lost cause right?"

The guard gave him a once over before slamming the gate closed with a laugh. "Yeah, and I'm the Minister for Magic." His key turned the lock with a click as her laughed his way back inside.

Ron fell back onto the dirt with a thud. "Bloody hell, my sisters gonna murder me."