Many thanks to my great beta readers Verlor and udm17!
Chapter 3 – Friend and Girlfriend
Cancelled Quidditch World Cup Rescheduled for Next Year!
By Boris Chamberlain
Old rumors have been proven to be true. The 423rd Quidditch World Cup, set to be held in Japan this year but canceled due to the British Civil War, will be rescheduled for next year. Themis Nika, the coach of England's National Team, let her press officer announce her relief at the decision by the International Quidditch Association, a sentiment that Quidditch fans all around the world are likely to share.
After a disappointing performance as the host nation, English fans are naturally hoping to finally bring the trophy to their shores. With the defending world champions Ireland and the reigning European champions and record World Cup winners Germany both chasing glory as well, the competition is sure going to be tough.
But who knows? Maybe Harry Potter, who will soon play his first test match for the Chudley Cannons, might become the English Seeker and finally bring the cup home? It sounds like a fairytale, of course, but if Harry Potter has taught us one thing, it's that we should never give up as long as there is hope, and that dreams have the power to change the world.
With the emotional evening on the quay in the past, both Daphne and Harry fell back into their usual routine. Neither mentioned what had happened between them, and so did none of their teammates. Daphne seemed to concentrate exclusively on Quidditch again, even if, or perhaps precisely because, she had not yet been offered a contract for the coming season. Harry suspected it was due to the fact that Dorkins had not yet shown up at the training camp and that he, as team manager, would be responsible for such an offer. However, he would certainly be present at their first test match, which had meanwhile been scheduled for the next Sunday – then Daphne would certainly also be officially accepted into the team.
Sometimes during training, when Daphne thought he was looking elsewhere, Harry noticed her giving him an odd look ... but as soon as he met her gaze, she quickly turned her head away. What was that all about?
He had a guess and eventually he couldn't take it anymore. "Daphne, why are you looking at me all the time?" he asked as they landed back on the ground after a Seeker training session.
"What do you mean?" said Daphne quickly. Too quickly.
"I can tell you're constantly looking at me during training."
"No, you must be wrong."
Harry didn't believe her. And he noticed how Daphne avoided eye contact with him. A big grin settled on his face as he replied, "I think I know the reason." Daphne now looked at him with an expression that could almost be interpreted as panic. Still smiling, Harry continued, "You want to fly my broom, don't you?"
Daphne's eyes widened. "W-What?"
"You want to try my Firebolt, don't you? You should have just asked, you know. It's not a big deal, Ron did it all the time."
At his words, Daphne's features relaxed noticeably. She smiled at him in relief. "Was it that obvious?" she said. "If you don't mind, I'd really like to." She looked at her own broom in her hand. "My Comet 290 is fine, but nothing compared to a Firebolt. But I couldn't afford anything better…"
"Go ahead. Here." And with that, Harry handed Daphne his Firebolt. Hesitantly, she grabbed it while Harry took her broom. "Come on, try it, it's alright."
Daphne sat on the broom and pushed off the ground, making a surprised sound as she shot up at a rapid pace. Yes, the Firebolt had some power, Harry laughed inside as he followed Daphne with his gaze. She raced through the air, performing somersaults and daring maneuvers, while her hair was blowing behind her. At some point, she rose further and further into the air until Harry could almost no longer see her. Then, however, she shot down from above and only stopped just short of the ground. The last time Harry had seen such a maneuver was during the World Cup final.
Eventually, Daphne landed again, beaming at Harry with delight, her green eyes sparkling in the sunlight.
"That was amazing!" Daphne exclaimed. "Thank you, Harry. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Harry grinned at her reaction, and a warm feeling spread through his body. "Sure, Daphne. Anytime."
Still trembling with excitement and with a wistful longing in her gaze, Daphne handed him his Firebolt back.
"I don't know about you," said Harry, "but I'm famished. And we should hit the showers too."
Daphne looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Are you saying that I stink?"
"Um, no, of course not. I stink. You smell wonderful, of course," Harry tried to save his neck. In fact, he had no idea what Daphne smelled like.
"Right answer," Daphne said in a serious voice before finally laughing out loud. Harry joined in her laughter before they walked together back to the hotel.
In the foyer, they had to separate, as their rooms were in different parts of the building.
"Daphne, will you come to the bar later?" Harry asked. "I would be happy for some more dignified company."
For a brief moment, Daphne gave him an unfathomable look before she finally nodded, smiling.
"I'd love to."
The training camp continued and soon came the eleventh of August, the day Harry had been looking forward to for a long time. Meyers had protested a lot, but Harry had shamelessly used his position as the savior of the wizarding world and star player of the team to finally get off for the day. There was no way he would miss Ginny's seventeenth birthday!
So, it happened that at 10 a.m., Harry touched the international Portkey, which he had organized in advance. Landing in Spain, he was greeted by a stifling heat that made him instantly miss the pleasantly cool summer weather of the Alps. He quickly cast a cooling spell on himself before walking towards the hotel.
The light-colored sandstone building looked truly magnificent and soared straight up into the blue sky. Harry knew that it was one of the top ventures in magical Spain, which is why he wasn't surprised when a house-elf in a red uniform with gold buttons held the door for him.
"Welcome to Mimos Mágicos, sir."
"Thank you," Harry said, smiling friendly at the house-elf. Then he thought of Dobby – and felt a stab in his heart. Not today, Harry, he told himself. Today has to be a nice day!
He went to the front desk, where a young, dark-haired man smiled politely at him and asked in accent-free English, "Good morning, sir, how can I help you?" Apparently, it was obvious that he was a foreigner.
"I want to visit my girlfriend," Harry said. "She has a room here, she's with the Holyhead Harpies." Harry had to smile. Now Ginny was of age too! At some point he would propose to her, he was already sure.
"What's the name of the lucky lady?" the man at the reception tore him out of his thoughts.
"Ginny Weasley," Harry replied.
"Ah, lovely Miss Weasley. Then you must be Harry Potter!" The man's eyes darted to Harry's forehead, but his scar was hidden behind his hair. Harry suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. "Miss Weasley talks about you all the time. Her room is number 7.15. The elevator is over there. I wish you a pleasant visit."
Harry thanked him, before walking to the lift, its golden doors opening in front of him by themselves. Stepping inside, he pressed the button marked seven as he felt his nervousness rise. Between the Battle of Hogwarts and his departure for Austria, he and Ginny had spent every day together, after all, they had so much to catch up on. And soon they will be living together!
On the seventh floor, he stepped out of the lift, trembling with excitement, and quickly found the room with the number 15. Just at that moment, a hotel clerk in red uniform came to the door from the other side of the hall and raised his hand, his other hand holding a tray with a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
"Wait," Harry stopped the man before he could knock on the door. At his questioning look, Harry continued, "I'm Miss Weasley's boyfriend. I'll take that for you."
The man gave Harry a friendly smile, which grew when Harry slipped him a Galleon. Harry took the tray from him, before knocking on the door.
"Come in," Ginny's bright voice rang out.
Opening the door, Harry entered a large, somewhat messy room. His girlfriend was as chaotic as ever, he thought, amused, but he couldn't see her anywhere.
"I'm on the balcony," he heard her. "Just put the champagne on the small table and cover it with a cooling spell. Then you can go."
Carefully, so as not to trip over any of the numerous pieces of clothing lying around on the floor, Harry strode across the room and out onto the balcony. The sight that awaited him there took his breath away.
Ginny was lying on a lounger, eyes closed and visibly enjoying the warm sun. She was wearing the same white bikini as in the picture she'd sent him and which had caused so teasing from the team. The fabric accentuated her feminine curves in just the right way, addling Harry's mind. Suddenly his trousers felt uncomfortably tight.
"Happy birthday, Ginny," he said, hoping his arousal would not be heard.
Surprised, Ginny opened her eyes and stared at him, before suddenly jumping up beaming with joy. "Harry," she called, falling into his arms. He barely had time to put the champagne down on a small table before their lips met, making him forget everything else. Ginny's breasts pressed against his body ... and her skin felt so warm and soft under his fingers...
Eventually, they broke apart while Ginny grinned broadly at him. "Well, my Quidditch star, someone is happy to see me." Her hand brushed the bulge in his trousers. Harry shuddered. "And this little man seems eager as well." A lustful glow settled in Ginny's eyes. "Take me, Harry. Here and now."
Harry would have liked to tear off her bikini right away, but he still had some brains left. "Here on the balcony?" he asked unsurely.
Ginny just pressed her body closer to him, right against his crotch. Harry groaned. "Don't tell me you don't want to fuck me here where everyone might see us. Something is exciting about the thought, isn't it?" The look on Harry's face must have betrayed him, for Ginny smiled knowingly at him. "I knew it. Take me, Harry!" Her hands undid his belt ... and Harry gave up his resistance. It was one of his best choices.
...
The second round, however, they had moved to the hotel room. So it happened that now Ginny's naked body pressed against Harry's side while he smiled at the ceiling. How much had he missed her during the last weeks ... then he suddenly remembered that he still had something for her! He jumped up from the bed quickly, much to Ginny's displeasure if he correctly interpreted her groan.
Harry found his bag by the balcony door and took out a small velvet box. Smiling, he turned back to Ginny, who was looking at him expectantly. "Of course, I also have a present for you." He handed her the box, which Ginny quickly opened; and her eyes widened when she saw the contents – splendid ruby earrings. Harry had thought long and hard about what to give Ginny, but jewelry always worked, right? Or so he hoped. "Do you like them?" he asked his girlfriend.
Ginny ran her fingers over the precious earrings. "Oh Harry, they are beautiful. Thanks!" With that, she wrapped her arms around him, and Harry laughed happily.
A short time later they were back on the bed. Ginny looked at the earrings in her hand, fascinated, while Harry was just content to watch her.
"How's your training?" he finally asked Ginny.
Ginny turned to him. "Great. I think I have a good chance of getting a regular spot. And you?"
Harry laughed. "I'm already sure of mine."
"Greengrass is that bad, huh?"
Harry shook his head. "Nah, she's very good actually, but Dorkins wants me to be the team's new star. I can't be benched. And Daphne said she'd rather play as a Chaser anyway."
For a moment Ginny said nothing, just brushed her fingertips over his chest. Harry got goosebumps. "Is she really good?" she finally asked. "Better than me?"
"I don't think so. You got a Nimbus 2001 from the Harpies, didn't you? Daphne only has a Comet 290. That gives you an advantage. On my Firebolt, though, she was very fast. Still, I'd put my money on you … What's wrong, Ginny?"
Ginny had straightened up and was now looking down at Harry, frowning. "You let her fly on your broom?"
Harry straightened up too, looking worried at Ginny. "Yes. Is that bad?"
A shadow crossed Ginny's face but was immediately replaced by a radiant smile. "No, I know how you are. Everything's fine as long as I'm the only witch to fly your other broom." With that, she gripped his member, a mischievous smile on her face. Harry groaned.
...
Later Mr. and Mrs. Weasley arrived at the hotel, and the four of them had a wonderful afternoon. Ginny led them to an ice cream parlor in the nearest town, where Harry ate the most delicious ice cream of his life. At that moment he wished the day would never end.
However, time progressed inexorably, and eventually, Harry had to return to his own training camp. Meyers would never give him more than one day off. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would spend more time in Spain, but that evening – after a passionate goodbye kiss from Ginny when their parents were briefly elsewhere – Harry grabbed his Portkey and traveled back to Austria.
Today had been a tiring day and with the room empty, Harry deduced that Jeremy was still at the bar with his other teammates. However, Ginny had been insatiable, and he was too exhausted to join them.
Within a few seconds, he was soundly asleep.
The days leading to their first test match went by in a flash. It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon when the small Muggle bus they were using left for the small arena of their opponent, the QC Wolfsfang.
Harry sat next to Daphne, who had already been on the bus when he got in. However, they hadn't exchanged more than a short "hello" yet. Rather, Daphne was staring out the window the entire time, her fingers playing with the gloves in her hands.
Their teammates started a loud song, and Harry took the opportunity to lean over to Daphne. "You're nervous, aren't you?" he asked.
Daphne turned her head, smiling wryly. "Is it that obvious?"
Harry nodded sympathetically. "I remember how I couldn't sleep all night before my first match," he said. "My legs were like jelly as we waited in the tunnel to the field. It's normal to be nervous. But you're an outstanding player, and everyone will be able to see that later. You even play from the start. That shows how much Meyers trusts you."
"Thanks, Harry," said Daphne. She looked at him briefly before continuing in a low voice, "Today everything just has to work perfectly. Meyers told me that Dorkins is in the audience. He will then decide after the match whether I get a contract…"
"You definitely will! Everyone can see that you are our best Chaser."
Daphne bit her lip, looking unconvinced. "I just hope the match will last long enough for that..."
She didn't say it, but Harry knew what she meant. She hoped the Snitch wouldn't be caught too quickly. At that moment, he decided that the game would last long enough for Daphne to show her skills. He had already signed his contract, and the team was better with Daphne than without her. And he liked having her as a teammate, if only because she was the only one his age on the team.
He nodded, and she gave him a grateful smile, even if she still looked concerned. Harry decided that she definitely looked better smiling than worried. Hopefully, she would be smiling after the match. He could take his time catching the Snitch, everything else was in her own hands now.
Eventually, the bus reached the arena, and when Harry got out, he had to admit that he was a little disappointed. The term "arena" was probably a bit too generous – it was a simple green field with six goal rings and a small grandstand on the side. Nothing compared to the stadium where the final of the Quidditch World Cup had taken place, or even the Quidditch Stadium at Hogwarts. Either the Cannons didn't manage to get better test match opponents, or the Austrian Quidditch League wasn't that good. Then it occurred to Harry that it was just a small country. Shrugging, he followed the other players to the locker rooms.
"Harry!" he suddenly heard a familiar voice. However, before even had time to think, the person to whom the voice belonged fell around his neck ... the almost crushing hugs and bushy hair were unmistakable.
"Hermione," he exclaimed in surprise. Then he saw a grinning Ron approaching them as well. "Ron!"
Finally, Hermione let go of him, and Harry had a chance to take a good look at his two best friends. They were tanned, but most of all smiles shone all over their faces.
Harry grinned too when he realized what their presence meant. "You found Hermione's parents!" he shouted.
"Yes, we did," Ron replied while hugging Harry too, not as tightly as Hermione, but with a manly pat on the back.
"But ... but what are you doing here then?" Harry was still completely stunned.
"It was surprisingly easy to find my parents," Hermione said with a smile. "And I was able to break my spells. But they want to stay in Australia. We spent some time with them, but Ron's Auror training is starting soon, so we're traveling back to England."
"And I wanted to see your first match for the Cannons!" added Ron, grinning broadly. "I hope you give them hell!"
"Guys, I can't believe it," Harry tried to express his feelings. "I'm so happy for both of you! And I'm so happy that you are here!" Then he remembered Hermione's words. "Wait! Ron, you want to go to Auror training?!"
Ron looked embarrassed. "Um, yes. I've been thinking about what I want to do now and that seemed like a good idea. You also know Kingsley's offer to everyone from the DA. Maybe this is something for me. I can give it a try, right?"
"Definitely! Merlin, Ron, Hermione will make you a productive member of society."
At his words, Ron gave a short laugh. Harry would have liked to talk much longer with his two friends, but Meyers came up to him, calling out in his usual gruff tone, "Now is not the time for any hen parties, Potter. Off to get changed." And with that, Meyers hurried off again, straight to Daphne, who was standing a few meters away and hugging a brown-haired girl Harry had seen somewhere before. When the girl noticed Harry's gaze, she grinned and rolled her eyes in amusement. That must be Daphne's sister, Astoria, Harry realized. But the person standing next to the two sisters surprised him even more than the presence of Ron and Hermione. It was Draco Malfoy!
"There's Malfoy," Harry said, bewildered.
"Yeah, we were also surprised when we saw him here with Astoria Greengrass," said Ron. "I'll have to tell you something later, Harry. But now to the locker room, Mr. Star Seeker. You don't want to upset old Meyers, do you?"
"Yes, Mum," Harry replied. "See you later, then." He went to the locker room and, in doing so, exchanged a strange look with Malfoy. Apparently, he had no idea how to deal with Harry either. Daphne was still hugging her sister, but Meyers was already admonishing her.
"And win this game!", Ron's loud voice suddenly rang out from behind him.
Harry just raised his hand before entering the locker room, where his half-naked male teammates were already waiting for him. What a beautiful sight, he thought with a smile.
After they got changed and Davik gave an emotional speech (at least he tried), they stepped up onto the field. Harry had to admit that he found the orange-colored robes of the Cannons, with a picture of a flying cannonball and a black "CC", hideous. His impression was reinforced when he saw Daphne. Her honey-blonde hair didn't go well with the orange robes. If that bothered Daphne, though, she didn't let it show – with a beaming face and shining eyes, she looked at the field.
From the stands, Ron and Hermione waved to him, which Harry mirrored. Malfoy and Daphne's sister sat a few rows in front of them and seemed to be deep in conversation. Otherwise, there weren't many spectators present, just a few journalists, but Harry recognized their team manager Ragmar Dorkins, who was sitting with a clipboard on his lap, watching attentively. Remembering his decision from earlier, he looked back at Daphne, who just looked happy. She deserved to be able to live her dream, and he would help her.
Both teams mounted their brooms and rose into the air. Warily, Harry eyed the players of QC Wolfsfang, who were clad in bilious green robes; his previous matches against green-clad opponents had been anything but fair. But Hogwarts was over, he reminded himself.
The referee released the balls, and the match began – an awful mess. The Quaffle switched sides all the time and Harry could see how Meyers was raging on the ground. Above all, however, Harry kept an eye out for the Snitch, but there was no sign of it yet.
Harry flew slowly over the field and let his gaze wander, the other team's Seeker always following close behind. He wasn't Harry's first opponent to use this strategy, but Harry still found it unwise given his speed advantage.
The match had gone on for several minutes now, but no goal had been scored so far. Suddenly, Harry saw something small and shiny in the middle of the playing field that could be the Snitch. Quickly, he averted his gaze. He couldn't allow the other Seeker to see it; he had to distract him! It only took Harry a split second to make that decision. Leaning forward, he sped off in the opposite direction. His opponent immediately stuck to his heels. Harry wasn't flying at full speed so as not to get too far away from him. After two hundred meters, Harry slowed his flight, pretending to look around. The Snitch was nowhere to be seen and Harry feigned disappointment. The other Seeker kept eyeing him carefully.
Just at that moment, he heard cheers and the Austrian stadium announcer. Harry couldn't understand what he had said exactly, but he heard the words "Chudley Cannons" and "Greengrass". The display jumped to 0:10 for the Cannons. Laughing, Harry yanked his arm up. Not bad.
The match continued. After half an hour it was 70:40 for the Chudley Cannons and Daphne had scored five of the seven goals and prepared the other two. Harry marveled at the way Daphne, Claire, and Jon tossed the ball. Now Daphne had the Quaffle and was performing a roll to avoid her opponent and a Bludger. She was alone in front of the opposing Keeper and after a quick feint, she scored her sixth goal. Harry let out a cry of joy.
All of a sudden, however, he noticed that the other Seeker was no longer near him. He was already a hundred meters away and was chasing the Snitch. Harry cursed. He shouldn't have let himself be distracted!
He raced at full speed, being grateful to have a Firebolt, because after only a few seconds he had caught up with his opponent, who had outstretched his arm, his fingers getting closer and closer to the Snitch. He had to do something, Harry realized! He was now flying right next to the other Seeker. Harry mentally prepared for impact, before ramming his shoulder into his opponent's side. He was immediately thrown out of his flight course, yelling furiously at Harry. Harry just shrugged apologetically, but he had achieved his goal. The Snitch had escaped. However, he also knew that he couldn't pull off such a move again. The next time he saw the Snitch, he would have to catch it.
Apparently, though, there was also no reason to drag the game out any longer. After another quarter of an hour, it was 110-60 for the Chudley Cannons and Daphne had scored seven goals. If that didn't convince Dorkins of her skill, Harry would be at the end of his wits.
He kept looking for the Snitch, before finally seeing a golden glitter on the opposite side of the field. Harry leaned forward on his broom and after a brief chase, his fingers closed around the little ball like it was the easiest thing in the world. The match was over, and Harry had a huge smile on his face.
The referee blew the final whistle. The Cannons had won 260-60, an overwhelming victory. Cheering, his teammates flew over to Harry, and Davik clapped his back so hard that Harry almost fell off the broom. He now looked into the happy faces of people who were not used to winning. Every single victory was something precious to them. Harry let himself be infected by the happy mood and joined in the loud laughter of his teammates.
They landed on the ground ... and instantly Dorkins was with them, hugging every single player. Even Meyers had turned the corners of his mouth up slightly, but Harry doubted that he would be more gracious to them in the next training session.
Harry then felt a touch on his arm and turned around, seeing Daphne's beaming face, her bright green eyes flashing with joy.
"Thank you, Harry," she said in such a sincere tone that he would never have expected from a former Slytherin.
"Oh, it was nothing," Harry replied.
Daphne shook her head. "Don't sell yourself short, Harry Potter. That really meant something to me. I'm glad to have you as a frie–"
Daphne couldn't finish her words because suddenly her sister threw herself around her neck. "You were so amazing, Daph!" cried Astoria. "I knew it! You'll show it to everyone who ever doubted you."
"Thank you, Tori," said Daphne, visibly touched, as she patted her sister's back. Harry smiled at so much sisterly love.
Apparently, Astoria had noticed Harry's presence by now because she pulled away from Daphne and held out her hand to him, grinning. "You must be Harry. Daph wrote so much about you in her – Ouch!" Daphne had kicked her sister in the shin. "Um, yeah, nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Astoria," Harry said, shaking her hand. "Daphne talked a lot about you too. But tell me, what did you call your sister? Daph?"
Daphne sighed. "Oh, please don't ever call me that. Astoria only does it to annoy me."
"All right, Daph," Harry replied with a big grin, which made Daphne groan in annoyance.
"Now you're teaming up against me!" she said indignantly, but Harry could see a slight smile around her lips.
Astoria, on the other hand, started giggling loudly. "I like you, Harry! I hope to see you again someday. I'm going to look for Draco, but I'll be right back, Daph." And with that, she said goodbye to them.
It was at that very moment that Hermione and Ron came up to them. Ron was smiling brightly, but that changed when he saw Daphne next to Harry. Ron's face froze ... and Harry was already expecting the worst.
"Greengrass," he said dryly.
Daphne gave him a nod. "Weasley."
There was a strange silence as Harry looked back and forth between Ron and Daphne.
Finally, however, Ron took a small booklet from his pocket and held it out to Daphne. "Um, can I get an autograph?"
Daphne seemed as surprised as Harry. "Uh, sure," she replied, taking the booklet out of Ron's hand. Ron gave her a pen, which Daphne then placed on the book page. She hesitated as if she didn't know how to give an autograph, before finally shrugging and simply writing D. Greengrass on the paper. With a smile, she handed the booklet back to Ron.
"Thank you," said Ron happily. "By the way, that was a terrific game. With you and Harry we might have a chance for the next season!"
Daphne thanked him, before starting a conversation with Hermione. Harry was confused for a moment, but then remembered Hermione saying that the two of them had Runes and Arithmancy together.
He turned back to Ron, after all, he had one more question for his best friend. "You wanted to tell me something about Malfoy. What's going on with him? Why is he here?"
Ron grimaced. "Apparently he's friends with Astoria Greengrass and came with her for Daphne's match." Harry noticed that he no longer called Daphne Greengrass. "At least that's what the two of them said while we were waiting for you. And you know what? They came to us! Malfoy wanted to tell me something…"
Ron deliberately paused to build up the tension. Harry humored him and asked, "And what did he have to say?"
"He also wants to join the Auror training!"
"He wants what?"
"Join the –"
"I got that. But why?" Harry threw a suspicious look at Malfoy, who was standing on the other side of the field, deep in a conversation with Astoria. Granted, he had not betrayed them when they had been prisoners of his family, and his mother, in particular, had helped him immensely, albeit for more selfish reasons. Still, out of gratitude for Narcissa Malfoy, Harry had put in a good word for them, probably saving them a jail sentence. But why did he want to become an Auror now? Was there some dark plan behind it?
Ron shrugged. "I have no idea. Anyway, he really tried to be polite to us. Can you imagine?"
Harry laughed. No, a polite Draco Malfoy was one of the hardest things to imagine.
Suddenly, he felt a pat on his shoulder. "Harry, my boy," came Dorkins' enthusiastic voice. "Great job today! And an impressive catch as well! But of course, that was to be expected from our Star Seeker, wasn't it? The press would still like to see you, by the way." He turned to Ron. "I can take Harry with me for a minute, right?"
Ron grinned at Harry. "Of course. I can't remember ever reading newspaper articles about a Cannons test match before. My plan is slowly coming to fruition."
"Finally, you admit that this was all your plan!", Harry called.
"Just for your own good, mate," laughed Ron. "One day you'll thank me for it, you'll see."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," said Dorkins joyfully, "but we don't want to keep the dear reporters waiting any longer." And with that, Dorkins put his arm around Harry's shoulders and pushed him over to a group of eager-looking pressmen. Harry sighed. Something told him he was going to see this much more often.
...
At least, this time the journalist only asked Quidditch-related questions, even if Harry did not know if Dorkins had briefed them beforehand or if they were simply taking their job seriously now. After this impromptu "press conference", Harry only had time to take a quick shower and change before he was back on the bus next to Daphne after a short but warm farewell to Ron and Hermione.
Curiously, he glanced at Daphne. There was one thing that bugged him. "Um, Daphne –"
"I know what you want to ask," Daphne interrupted, giving him an unfathomable look. "Malfoy, isn't it?" Harry nodded. "I'm not overly excited about it either, but Tori likes him, and I trust her." Daphne sighed. "Still ... I asked Hermione to keep an eye on Astoria at Hogwarts now and then. This will be the first year that I can't take care of her…"
Before Harry knew what he was doing, he squeezed Daphne's hand. "She'll be fine, Daph. She's a strong young woman, just like you."
Daphne gave him a tentative smile. "Thank you, Harry. I hope you're right…"
Suddenly, Jeremy and Jon started a loud song from their seats in the back row. Harry and Daphne were startled for a moment but then joined in like their other teammates.
"No longer witter, the world will embitter! We are the Chudley Cannons, Cannons, Cannons..."
It was an amusing drive back and Harry was still grinning when they finally got to their hotel and got off the bus. Turning to Daphne, he completed her sentence from earlier. "I'm also glad to have you as a friend, Daphne."
Spurred by their victory, Meyers intensified their training in the days that followed. While there was a lot of grumbling in the team and Harry joined in cursing their coach at least three times a day, their progress was obvious. Set plays improved, flight maneuvers became their second nature, and Harry became more and more in tune with his fellow players.
Today's morning practice session had been even more strenuous than usual, and Harry was just waking up from an impromptu afternoon nap.
"I'll be happy when we're home," muttered Jeremy from the other bed. "Compared to that, next season will be a cakewalk."
"You're just angry that Meyer's has forbidden conjugal visits," Harry replied with a grin.
Jeremy laughed out loud. "You know me too well, Harry."
All of a sudden, the door to their room was thrown open and Harry saw only a wave of blond hair before Daphne had fallen around his neck.
"I'm on the team!" she shouted – and the overwhelming joy in her voice was obvious. "I'm on the team! I'm on the team! I'm on the team! I'm –"
"That's fantastic," Harry interrupted, laughing and returning her hug. He noticed that Daphne smelled a bit of broom polish. He liked her scent, but before he could think about it any longer, she broke away from him. Harry was now looking straight into her radiant face and bright green eyes. "I was sure of it," he continued. "Meyers and Dorkins would've been idiots not to recognize your talent, Daph."
"Oh, Harry, I'm so happy. This is the best day of my life," Daphne replied, giving Harry another hug.
"Hey, do I get a hug too?" came Jeremy's voice from the other side of the room.
Daphne pulled away from Harry again and looked amused at Jeremy. "Unlike Harry, you haven't earned it yet," she said, grinning. With one last smile in Harry's direction, which he happily returned, Daphne hurried out of the room, her wavy hair trailing behind her.
"That's just because you let her fly on your broom," grumbled Jeremy.
Smiling, Harry put on his shoes as they were expecting a second hard practice in the afternoon. They could celebrate Daphne's official acceptance into the team afterwards.
And they did. Together with their other teammates, they spent a boozy evening at the bar. In these cheerful hours, Harry enjoyed his new life to the fullest. For the first time, he was completely carefree. No fight for life and death, no dark wizards, chases, or political intrigues. For the first time, he could just be Harry. A young Quidditch player who went out for a beer with colleagues and friends.
Soon, their training camp in the Alps came to an end, and shortly after they went back to England.
Kreacher should have finished working on the house by now, Harry thought as he Apparated to 12 Grimmauld Place. As soon as he appeared on the doorstep, the door was thrown open and an enthusiastic Ginny threw herself into his arms.
Harry was glad to hold her in his arms again, smelling her bewitching scent, feeling her hair between his fingers and her breasts pressing against his body. How he'd missed her! How he'd missed all of that! But now they could finally live together and see each other every day.
"I missed you so much," Harry said. "How –"
He couldn't finish his question as Ginny pressed her lips, which today tasted pleasantly of cherries, to his. She opened her mouth, and their tongues found each other. Harry groaned as her fingers started to open his belt buckle.
"Don't talk," Ginny said breathlessly, pulling away from him and dragging him into the house. "After all these weeks, I need something other than your mouth. I bought new lingerie; you know?"
Smiling, Harry was led by his girlfriend into their new shared bedroom. What a lovely welcome!
For the next few days, Harry had the feeling that he and Ginny were only leaving the bedroom for their respective team training and to eat. He would have loved to have a longer talk with Ginny and find out exactly how her training camp had gone and whether she was getting as nervous as he was at the thought of the upcoming season, but he was also enjoying this physical and passionate side of their relationship. And fortunately, there were certain potions to increase stamina and vitality.
It was the evening before Harry's first match of the season against Puddlemere United when, sitting in the dining room, did he reach the height of his nervousness. He knew how hard he and his teammates had trained and how well they were playing together now. For all the humility that was often attributed to him, Harry was also aware of his skill. He was a good Seeker, he knew that. Still, he felt like he had been before his very first match for Gryffindor, so many years ago. The eyes of the entire wizarding world would be on him tomorrow, as they wanted to know if their shining savior could hold up to the promises.
All this just tired Harry. Several times in the last few days their training had been disrupted by some fans or paparazzi. When their training had to be interrupted for the third time the day before yesterday, Davik and Joey had to hold their coach back, lest he'd end up in Azkaban before the season even began.
Harry shook his head. When could he finally just be himself? Just Harry, not the projection of all possible wishes and dreams of an entire country...
"Are you still eating that?", Ginny's bright voice finally tore him from his thoughts.
Harry looked up to see his girlfriend leaning over the table with a spoon of his chocolate pudding in her mouth, which Harry hadn't eaten yet.
Smiling, he pushed the bowl towards her. Ginny had a real sweet tooth. Noticing how much his hands were shaking, he forced himself to breathe calmly. He had already fought a basilisk, Dementors, dragons, Death Eaters, and, on top of it, the most powerful dark wizard in human history, he wouldn't let himself be ripped off by Quidditch fans and the press!
Once again, he was jolted by Ginny's voice. "Harry, I'm happy," she said, beaming with joy. "Until May there were many moments when I lost all hope. But now? Now I am as happy as I could never have imagined. I'm living my dream, Harry. And all just because of you. We are together. We live in this big house. If that little girl from back then knew that ... Thank you, Harry. You are the greatest treasure in my life. I love you."
"And you are the greatest treasure in my life, Ginny," Harry replied, also smiling. "I love you and now I just want to live a quiet, happy life with you. The dark past is behind us."
Ginny chuckled at his words. "But not too quiet, otherwise it would be boring, wouldn't it? Tomorrow hundreds of people will cheer for you in the stadium. And even more people will be listening through the radio. You're a star, Harry."
Ginny couldn't have known that, but her words had been the completely wrong thing to say. Harry felt his chest tighten. The match would be broadcasted on the radio, too? Why the hell did no one tell him?
"Oh, my Harry," Ginny said in a purring voice. "You're moping way too much again. But I know the perfect remedy for that."
She got up from her chair and walked around the table, waving her hips seductively. Harry couldn't help but admire her slim, athletic body. Ginny was one of the most attractive women he had ever seen.
With a mischievous smile, Ginny sat down on his lap. "As I can see, I'm already affecting you," she whispered in a husky voice as she began to kiss his neck.
Harry shuddered. Indeed, the lower half of his body had begun to respond to Ginny's touch. His hands ran over Ginny's shapely body until they finally came to rest on her breasts, and he began to slowly knead them through the fabric of her clothing. Why were they still dressed?
Ginny must have been thinking the same thing because just then she unbuttoned his shirt. Both moaned lustfully. Maybe they'd better go into the bedroom to –
Suddenly, a bell rang out ... and Harry winced. The doorbell! He paused, but Ginny made no move to stop their foreplay. Sensually, she kissed his bare chest, leaving goosebumps behind.
"Ginny," Harry said reluctantly, pushing Ginny away from him. "The doorbell rang ... Ginny, really. I must open the door. It could be something important."
Ginny let go of Harry now, but not without a frustrated snort. "Then do what you have to do", she said, before adding in a purring voice, "But do it quickly. I'm making myself a little more comfortable in the meantime…"
It was only with great effort that Harry was able to avert his gaze from his girlfriend, who had sat down on the chair again and was stroking her breasts seductively. However, the doorbell rang again, and Harry hurried to the door.
When he opened it, he looked into Daphne's beaming face. He also noticed that she was still wearing her training clothes, and her hair was disheveled. Had she been at the training ground at such a late hour?
"Harry," Daphne exclaimed enthusiastically as soon as she saw him. "Meyers told me that I will play from the start tomorrow! I will start! Isn't that –"
Abruptly, Daphne stopped in her outburst of joy as her eyes wandered over Harry's bare chest. Only then did Harry realize that he hadn't buttoned his shirt again, and his cheeks suddenly felt very warm.
But apparently, he wasn't the only one to blush. Daphne's cheeks also turned slightly pink, which was all the more noticeable on her otherwise pale face.
"Um, that's great, Daphne," Harry said, embarrassed. "I'm very happy for you."
Daphne didn't seem to be able to look him into the eye as she spoke so quickly that Harry almost didn't understand her. "I just wanted to tell you that, and now I don't want to bother you anymore, bye."
She turned around and hurried away. Harry shouted a goodbye after her before closing the door and turning back to the hallway.
There he saw Ginny, leaning against the wall, circling her silk panties around her finger, a smug smile on her face.
Next Chapter: First Match
Release Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2021
Preview:
"I don't want to exaggerate, but she missed the target by miles. Terrible throw from Greengrass. With such plays you usually send your coach to nuthouse – and indeed, Coach Meyers wildly waves his arms in Greengrass' direction. If she doesn't pull herself together soon, he'll probably replace her ... and rightly so, I must say! Even my grandma would've made that goal ... and she's ninety-seven and thinks she's the Grand Duchess of Russia!"
