"Okay! Everyone listen up! I want 2 laps around the pitch then we will start the drills."
All the players hastened to comply and started running.
The sky was overcast with a chance of rain. A fine mist hung low on the Quidditch pitch as the Gryffindor team practised for the upcoming match with Slytherin. A lone figure in scarlet practice robes stood watching her team. The wind ruffled her red hair, gathered into a ponytail. A badge with a gold C was pinned to her chest. Expressive brown eyes followed the slow trudging pace the players put up.
"Not going to run with them?" called a male voice from behind.
Ginny Weasley turned around to see her best friend/brother Neville Longbottom walk up to her. She smiled.
"I will, later. What are you doing here?"
"Professor McGonagall said that the Headmaster has some announcement during dinner. But before that, he wants to see you in his office once practice is done."
Ginny spotted a wide grin on his face and raise a sceptical eyebrow.
"Is there a reason why you're grinning like a maniac?"
His grin became even more bright, if possible. "You'll find when you meet Professor Dumbledore."
Ginny could see that Neville wanted to say something else but stopped himself in time. He nodded at her, then turned around and left.
After practice, Ginny went up to the Headmaster's office. She found Professor McGonagall, waiting in front of the gargoyle entrance. She smiled at the red-haired girl and said "Lemon drop" to the statue. Ginny thanked her Head of House and made her way up the spiral staircase. She came to the closed door of Dumbledore's office. She raised her fist to knock at the door when a voice called out. "Please come in, Miss Weasley."
Ginny went in, puzzling over how the Headmaster knew it was her. She saw the old man in flowing jewelled robes, with his half-moon glasses.
"Please take a seat".
Ginny sat in the offered chair and waited for the headmaster to finish his letter. Dumbledore put his quill back in the inkpot and looked up at the witch sitting in front of him. Albus had seen a lot of things in life but none as powerful as Ginny Weasley. He was already considering putting her name forward for the Head Girl position next year. He had excellent reports from all the teachers, even Snape, saying that her grades were Outstanding pluses. Which was even more than resident bookworm/smart muggle-born, Hermione Granger. Not that anyone would tell her.
"Miss Weasley, I believe Mr Longbottom told you about the meeting."
"Yes sir. He seemed pretty chirpy and he was grinning quite a lot."
"Well, I have had a bit of surprising news which concerned Mr Longbottom and yourself, which I believed would be best to break it to you separately."
"What is it, Professor?"
"I don't mean to sound insensitive, but do you remember what happened when the Order met for the last time in 1987? Before Voldemort was deemed dead?"