Lee Lee Potter: Well, as you were the only one who put an item in your review, this chapter gets dedicated to you. Though, you were only number 91. Oh well, your item can easily be worked into this chapter.
Karri: Thank you!
Saavik: I haven't dealt with Draco yet, I still haven't decided if I want him to be with or against his father. All my other fics, he's a good guy. I think in this one, he's gonna be bad. I can work Ginny in there, but if I do, she'll be bad too. Hehe…just kidding…or am I? *smirks evilly*
Hippy Flower-et all: Here's some more, but could you torment him anyway?
Pineapplehead: Yet another penname that I do not want to know the origins of. ;) Just kidding. I also haven't decided Ron's reaction. In most of these fics, he's a prat in the beginning, but he comes around. Also, I don't think I'm gonna let them know until Voldie's gone. It's really too much of a risk.
Little Suzi: You're a hopeless romantic…but that's ok, because I am too. Yes, a birthday party…Harry's first if I'm not mistaken.
Lady Lightning: Another to add to my dedication list (I really hope I have enough chapters for everyone). Hermione like Harry? Come on, this is me you're talkin' about.
Draconis: Draco and Harry friends? As I told Saavik, I still haven't decided if Draco's good or bad in this fic. Only time will tell.
Phoenix Flight: Thanks! Much more to come.
Silvermists: Ya know, you were reviewer 100, but as you didn't put an item in your review, I can't give it to ya (see notice at the end of Ch 16). I like the penname. It's not about being a good writer, but that you like to write. Write about what you like, and as long as grammar and spelling are alright, you should be fine. I'll even beta for ya if you ever start writing. Just email me the chapters, and I'll proof them and send them back. Anything for a fellow writer. *fends off starving authors begging for money* HOW MANY TIMES TO I HAVE TO SAY IT?!? I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANYTHING RELATED TO IT!!
Queen Hotaru: That is just the type of reviews I like. If you can find nothing wrong, then I'm doing a good job. Here's an update for ya!
Lydia: I make up words too (I believe sneakily is mine) so don't feel bad. Snape as Harry's father isn't a new story…they're all over the place. An author named Severitus (I really recommend her stories) came up with the challenge, and it's evolved into a movement. Answers to Severitus' challenge can be found all over the place.
Xikum: Thank you for the wonderful review. It's always nice to get in depth descriptions of how my writing comes across to the readers. Snape is my favorite character, so I tend to focus more on him and his thoughts and actions, and thus I find myself understanding him more. I always endeavor to keep them all in character, but as the situations change, so too do the characters.
Teri: Actually, you were 104, but as Lee Lee Potter was the only one to put an item in her review, she gets the chapter. Better luck next time! And the whole review prize thing got a lot of people's attention. Thanks for reviewing!
Zarra Rous: Thank you for taking the time to read.
Charma1219: Here's some more! Thanks for reviewing!
Takari4ever7: I'm a H/Hr shipper, but it really depends on the fic (my other fic "The Last Sorcerer" is R/Hr). And as I said, the romance isn't the fic, but I'll put semi-sweet moments in there for ya!
Selke: Remus comin' up! Yes, it is going to get very confusing. But not so much as the whole Boxing Day chapter in "The Last Sorcerer." You think it's difficult to read, think about writing that. Glad you love it!
Whew! That was great! I BROKE 100 REVIEWS!! I HAVE NEVER DONE THAT!! WHOO HOO!! I LOVE YOU ALL! I'll repost the notice now, since many people skip over review chapters.
NOTICE: In your review, name one object (anything you like) and the 125th reviewer will have the next chapter (after the review) dedicated to them personally, and I will include the item somehow (promise it won't be hokey…unless it's something totally off the wall). If it ever gets that high, I will also do that with 150th reviewer, 175th, etc…so review away people!
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Dear Harry,
A whole summer at Hogwarts? Imagine the things you could find! George and Fred are jealous beyond belief. I talked to Mum, she said we could all come for your party. Charlie and Bill are coming too, but Percy's too busy at the Ministry. Dad's not going to make it either. But all of us (except Mum of course) are bringing our brooms, so we can have a great game. Who knew Ginny was such a good Keeper? Well, we'll see you in a few days mate.
Ron
PS ~ That's not a normal school owl, is it? Where'd it come from?
Harry smiled and stroked Hedwig, who seemed extremely happy to be back with Harry. Adrian flew through seconds later, a note tied to his leg. Harry quickly untied it and petted the owl, giving it a treat for its trouble. For once, Hedwig didn't seem to mind sharing her perch or water, as this was obviously a well-trained and respectable owl. Harry smiled at the two birds and opened Hermione's note, something inside him swelling.
Hey Harry! A whole summer at Hogwarts? Imagine all the reading you could do! Sure I can be there. Do you mind if my parents come as well? They've never been, and it's a good opportunity. I'm sure Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't mind. I don't think I'll play Quidditch, but I'll keep score for you. I'm not really a fan of flying. And don't even mention Krum's name around me. The minute I got to Bulgaria, he started showing me off like some trophy…really disgusting. I left almost a day after I got there. Anyway, that's the past, and I'm looking forward to the future, whatever it might bring. Ugh, I'll stop rambling now. See you soon.
Love, Hermione
Love? Harry re-read the last line over and over, wondering what it meant. Probably loves you as a friend, nothing more. Still, it was there; maybe there was hope. He smiled to himself and looked up from the table to see his father and Covial staring at him. Lupin had been told by the Headmaster to be in disguise from then on out, and no one but Harry and the staff could know who he was; not even Ron and Hermione. Harry didn't care too much. With Lupin "gone," he really didn't have to worry about Sirius showing up unexpected. Sirius! He suddenly realized that he hadn't written him back since the note a month ago! He probably thought Harry hated him. Without finishing his lunch, he bolted from the Hall (after apologizing and excusing himself) and into his room.
Once there, he realized he really didn't know what to say. He dipped his quill in ink and began the letter.
Dear Sirius,
Thank you for your letter, and I apologize for not getting
back to you. I've had a lot to sort
through in the past month. I talked with
Professor Snape and heard his side of the story. He's given me no reason not to believe he's
telling the truth. I don't fully trust
him yet, but that comes with time right?
I can't lie to you though. I'm
still a little upset that you would keep something like that from me. I think that was very irresponsible of
you. You forced Mum out of love because
of something you thought you saw and heard, then you keep me from my
only real family because of your misunderstanding! And before you tell me to calm down, I'd like
to remind you who blew up at who in the Headmaster's office. I'm not saying that I don't still care about
you, because I do, but I think I should give Professor Snape a chance as
well. He deserves a family just as much
as I do. I'd like to include you in that
family, but for now, you are my godfather.
When you think you can grow up and talk to me and Professor Snape
civilly, we'll talk about you being my uncle.
Be careful wherever you are.
Harry
Harry looked over his letter and, once satisfied, he walked up to the Owlrey. Hedwig came down immediately, but Harry merely petted her and found a small school owl.
"Sorry, girl, but you're a bit too obvious. Why don't you go back up with Adrian? You two seem to be getting along." She nipped his ear in forgiveness and Harry tied the note to the school owl's leg. "Take this to Sirius Black." The owl hooted and flew out one of the holes into the mid-day sun.
"I trust you weren't too harsh with him?" Harry whirled in surprise at the presence of the man behind him.
"Do you make it a habit to give people heart attacks?" He looked up at Snape as he caught his breath.
"I did not mean to frighten you. I was merely looking for Adrian."
Harry gestured up to the top. "He and Hedwig seem to be getting along nicely. I think that's the first non-school owl Hedwig's met that's not crazy or incompetent." From above, Hedwig hooted her assent, and Adrian his thanks. "And no, I wasn't too harsh with him. But he does need a swift kick in the pants."
Snape chuckled, agreeing whole-heartedly. "Be that as it may, I believe the Headmaster wishes to see you in his office." Harry nodded and walked with his father in silence to the gargoyle.
"Bertie Botts," Harry said cheerfully, noticing the disdainful look on the potions master's face. He was now convinced the man hadn't had any sugar in twenty years. Snape knocked swiftly on the office door, and they were admitted immediately. Dumbledore stood and smiled at both of them.
"Good afternoon! How are you?" A nod from Severus and a shrug from Harry was his answer. He beamed at them just the same. "Well, Harry, I just wanted to know if you've thought of anything you want for your birthday. It's only a few days away, after all."
"Yes sir. I think I'd like a pensieve. With Voldemort returned to power, my dreams will probably be more vivid. I'd like to record them for you." Snape spluttered, and Harry was treated to the sight of the fearsome potions master fumbling for words.
"What do you mean dreams?" he finally managed. Harry opened his mouth to answer, but the Headmaster beat him to it.
"Severus, Harry's scar links him to the Dark Lord. Whenever Voldemort is near or when he's feeling particularly murderous, Harry scar burns, or if he's asleep, he dreams about it. He's smart to want to record them. If we act quickly enough, it could save lives."
Harry, feeling very self-conscious at the look he was getting from his father, shuffled on his feet. "Uh, can I go now? I need to practice some new maneuvers on my XS before Ron gets here." Snape was about to protest when the Headmaster once again broke in.
"Of course, Harry. We will see you at dinner." Harry waved and practically ran out the door. Snape turned back to Dumbledore, but the Headmaster was already busying himself with paperwork. Sighing to himself, he walked out, bidding goodbye to his mentor. Just outside his chambers, he suddenly realized the perfect thing to get the boy for his birthday.
Five excruciatingly long days later, Harry waited anxiously in the Headmaster's office for his friends to arrive. He heard the Floo activate and stood back, preparing for the lot of Weasleys that were sure to come barreling out. But instead, only three figures emerged, one he recognized immediately. He beamed his brightest smile at her and collected her in a hug.
"Herms! How are you!" He didn't know what made him do it, but he lifted her off the ground and spun her a few times. She seemed just as shocked as he, and they quickly composed themselves and turned to the two adults.
"Harry, these are my parents."
"How do you do, Mr. and Mrs. Granger?" Harry offered his hand politely. Mr. Granger shook it and chuckled.
"Please, Harry, David and Vanessa. We've heard a lot about you from Hermione."
"Dad!" Hermione blushed crimson, but Harry waved it off.
"Don't worry, everyone knows me anyway. What's two more?" he laughed. He picked up Hermione's trunk and took them to Gryffindor Tower. Professor McGonagall had unlocked it and was allowing all the visitors to stay there. Ron, Harry, and Mr. Granger were staying in Harry's dormitories. Hermione, Ginny, Vanessa, and Mrs. Weasley were in Hermione's dorm, and Fred, George, Bill, and Charlie were in the dorm next to Harry's. Harry deposited Hermione's trunk in her room, along with Vanessa's things, then they went to his dorm.
"Harry, where are all your things?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, still down in my room. The Headmaster didn't think I'd like to be up here all alone, so I got one of the guest chambers for the summer. It's not too bad. But I'm staying up here tonight with everyone else."
"Well, Dumbledore said Ron, Fred, George, and I could stay the rest of the summer. My parents already said it was okay, so what do you say?" Harry beamed again.
"That's great Herms! We'll have so much fun. And no, we're not spending 90 percent of our time in the library."
"But Harry! There's so much to learn in there!" she protested as they walked down the stairs, back to the Headmaster's office.
"Why you weren't sorted into Ravenclaw is the biggest Hogwarts mystery of them all."
Hermione just smiled knowingly, like the smile the Headmaster got when he knew something you weren't supposed to. Even on Hermione, it was really annoying. So he did what he always did with her when he wanted information. He leveled his puppy dog eyes on her. He could see she was breaking, and he almost had her when he was tackled by a mass of red hair.
"Harry mate, how are you!"
"We have load of things to show you!"
"Mum confiscated half our stuff, but we managed to save some of the good stuff."
"Boys, don't suffocate him!"
"Harry, how have you been! It's been a while!"
"Norbert's doing great, Harry. You should see him!"
"Honestly, I don't know what the big deal is. It's not like you haven't seen him in years. It's only been less than two months." Harry smiled thankfully at Ginny, but something was different. This was no longer the young, innocent girl he'd saved in his second year. His head was shaken clear by a bear hug from Mrs. Weasley. He wrapped his arms around her, smiling, breathing in her motherly scent. This was something he'd never experience for himself, so he took solace in Ron's mother, who had looked after him like her own since she first met him. He stepped back and surveyed the lot. After proper introductions were made, and things were dropped into the Tower, they headed out to the lake.
The entire staff was already outside, awaiting the arrival of the guests. Many of them started at seeing the potions master there, but one glare sent them looking in another direction. Harry ignored the pile of presents (that had suddenly gotten bigger with a wave of Mrs. Weasley's wand) and stripped down to his boxers, jumping into the lake.
After seeing their startled and lost expressions, McGonagall transfigured their clothes into swimming suits, and all the children dove in. Mrs. Weasley and Vanessa sat out, Mrs. Weasley turning their clothes back to normal, but David jumped in with the kids, not caring one bit about all the magic around him.
Harry dove under and grabbed Hermione's legs, pulling her under. She came up spluttering and looked around for the perpetrator. Fred and George were having a chicken fight with Bill and Charlie, and Ron and Ginny, so that only left two people: her father or Harry. Her dad had waded out and was now sunbathing next to her mom. So where was Harry? Her question was answered as she was suddenly lifted into the air. She grabbed on to the mop of black hair that had appeared under her as she began moving. Soon, she was struggling with Ginny to stay on while Harry and Ron threw meaningless insults at each other. Fred and George had won their match with Bill and Charlie and were now watching the battle, ready to face the victor. With a final shriek, Ginny toppled off and Hermione raised her fists in the air.
"Yes! I win!" Fred and George jumped right in and she quickly had to throw her hands down to avoid a shove. In doing so, she knocked Fred forward, and the twins went under. Harry began jumping up and down, careful not to drop her.
"We won! We are awesome!" Hermione back-flipped off his shoulders and when she came up, she was tackled by Harry, sending both under.
After much splashing, soaking most of the faculty as well, the eight emerged from the pool smiling and dripping. Dumbledore, complete with flowered trunks, sunglasses, and a streak of sunscreen on his nose, cleared his throat.
"Now, I believe it is time for the birthday boy to open his presents." Harry looked around and noticed that Snape was nowhere to be found. Dumbledore leaned in and whispered so no one else could hear him.
"He wants to give you your present in private. You understand." Harry nodded, smiling, and began tearing into his presents. The first being one from Dobby, who had shown up unexpectedly.
"Harry Potter got Dobby a Christmas present, so Dobby is getting Harry Potter a birthday present!" he squeaked. He opened the box, which had been rattling, and saw a handful of old marbles. Thanking his elven friend, he set it aside and opened another.
From the staff, he received a pensieve, just as he had asked. It was made of onyx, and had an inscription running the circumference. From Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, he had gotten an owl whistle that summoned your owl to you. He tried it out, and Hedwig came swooping down not a minute later.
"Thanks! This is very useful!" He tucked it away and grabbed the present from Charlie and Bill. He noticed Percy's name on the tag as well, and looked up at them skeptically.
"He's, uh, busy…you understand, Harry." Bill tried to explain.
"No, that's alright. I'm sure whatever's he's doing will change the course of the wizarding world." This set the group into peals of laughter, but Harry regained his composure and opened the gift. It was a set of dueler's robes. They were leathery, but light, magically so, and Harry lifted them out of the box to get a better look. They shimmered in the light, going from scarlet to gold when the light hit the fabric at certain angles.
"I don't know what to say. Thank you." He smiled at each of them, carefully folded the robes, and placed the box aside. Next, he grabbed the present from the Grangers. Lifting it out of the box, it looked like a simple tube. David handed him a set of instructions.
"Hermione said you liked Astronomy. You just program the date in, and it shows you the night sky." Harry did just that, and marveled at the gift.
"Thank you, sir, ma'am. This will really help in Astronomy." He put it away and grabbed Ron's gift. Predictably, it was full of sweets. Along with it was a wizard's chess set, from Fred and George. Harry smiled, wondering if they'd used the money he'd given them. He clapped his friends on the back and thanked them before grabbing Ginny's present; a simple book on counter curses. He smiled up at her, and thanked her for the useful gift. He was going to need to know some whoppers to survive now.
Last, well for now anyway, was Hermione's. He grabbed the small box and opened it, gasping at its contents. Unlike what he'd been expecting, it wasn't a book, but a ring. It was sterling silver with a golden snitch in the center. He lifted it out of its box, and slipped it on his right ring finger, completely missing the inscription on the inside of the band.
"It's perfect, Herms! Thank you!" He hugged her and she blushed, but smiled just the same. Dumbledore clapped his hands and grinned.
"Well, now that the presents are finished, why don't we all go into the Great Hall for an early dinner." He motioned to everyone, and Ron and Harry collected his presents. They dumped them beside the table and clambered into their seats. Harry sat between Ron and Hermione, and everyone filled in around them, including the faculty. Snape had rejoined them, but was sitting as far away from Harry as possible; they still had appearances to keep up after all. Dumbledore stood and cleared his throat.
"Before we eat, I'd like to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Jaren Covial. Professor?" Covial stood, nodding to everyone.
"All I can say is I'm sure you're all looking forward to my classes! I promise, they will be entertaining and informative. How could they not be? I'm teaching them!"
"Thank you, Professor," Dumbledore interrupted, and Harry had to hide his laugh under a cough. He looked around, and even Hermione was staring incredulously at the man. He heard Ron mutter from behind him.
"Oh no, not another Lockhart!" Harry smiled at him as if to say, You haven't had to live with him for a month, and Ron choked. "Sorry mate."
"Now, if we're done, I'm sure everyone is hungry, so tuck in!" Food magically appeared, and the Grangers let out a startled cry before Hermione explained to them. They laughed at themselves and dug in to the banquet. After the feast, Ron and Harry hauled all his things up to the dorms and Ron challenged Harry to a game of wizard's chess, but he shook his head.
"The Headmaster wanted to discuss something with me after dinner. Something about my safety this year, or some such nonsense."
"Oh Harry! It's not nonsense!" Hermione countered, "A lot of people would be lost without you!" He bit back a scathing comment and smiled at her, though weakly. He knew she meant well, but that particular comment wasn't really heartening. He walked swiftly to his room, ensured that he wasn't followed, then trekked the remaining distance to the dungeons. He gave the portrait the password and called to Snape before he came in fully.
"Yes, come in." Snape was sitting in his chair, reading a book.
"Sorry I came in unannounced. I didn't want to stay in the hallway too long." He sat down on the couch and exhaled deeply. "This day has been exhausting."
"Indeed. I'm sure the Headmaster informed you of why I left earlier today?"
"Yes. I'm surprised you showed up at all. You should have seen Ron's face when he saw you by the lake." Harry grinned.
"The Headmaster informed the entire staff that we had to attend. I left as soon as I could, for appearance sake, of course. The same goes for dinner as well." Harry nodded.
"I think you being nice to me, or even not nasty, would have been a little too suspicious anyway."
"Right. Now, for your present." Snape pulled a box out from under the chair and handed it to the boy. He gave his father an accusing glare at the Slytherin green wrapping paper, and Snape merely sneered at him, mirthfully. Harry opened it and pulled out a silver chain. Hanging from it was an obsidian stone, shaped like a teardrop, no larger than a Galleon. He looked up at his father quizzically, only to see a similar stone hanging from his neck.
"These will allow us to communicate through our thoughts. There is no distance limit that I know of, though both of us must be conscious. I thought this would come in handy if you were ever in trouble. With recent events and developments, you are in more danger than ever before, as am I. This will benefit me as much as it will you. If I'm ever in danger, I can contact you and you can relay it to the proper people, namely, Dumbledore."
"I knew there was a selfish reason behind this," Harry scoffed.
"I am a Slytherin," Severus answered, smirking. Harry rolled his eyes.
"So am I, remember?" he countered. Accepting defeat, Snape stood.
"Your friends are no doubt wondering where you've been. Good night, I will see you tomorrow." Harry stood quickly, tossing the necklace about his neck.
"But, can't we talk a little longer? I have a question."
~Then use the stone~ Harry stumbled as he heard Snape's voice in his head. He tried it back, but it didn't work. ~You have to think as though you're talking to me. It takes some getting used to, but you should pick it up quickly~ Harry tried again, this time thinking as though he were speaking to the man.
~Did you notice anything about Hermione?~
~You mean despite the fact that she was sneaking glances at you throughout dinner?~
~Really? What do you think that means? You don't think she sees through the charms, do you?~
~No, if there was one thing your mother was perfect in, it was charms. Her reactions did not reflect that she saw through them. Perhaps if she'd fallen out of her chair choking…~
~Professor!~ Harry had walked out the portrait, and threw a glare over his shoulder at the remark. Snape merely nodded and shut the portrait.
~Don't think I missed the way you signed her letter~ Harry stopped dead in his tracks, then chuckled to himself.
~Would you like to join us for Quidditch?~ He continued on his walk up to the Tower and found that talking to Snape through the stone was becoming easier by the minute.
~If the Headmaster makes me. He's here now, begging me to come out~
~Begging?~ Harry asked skeptically.
~In his own way, yes. You know how he can get~
Harry laughed as he entered the common room, earning him stares from its occupants. He waved them off.
"What do you say to a game of Quidditch?" Trampling ensued, and soon all the Weasleys, save their mother, came barreling down the stairs, brooms in hand. Ron looked at Harry.
"Where's your Firebolt, Harry?"
"Down in my room. I'll get it on the way out." Harry hid a smirk at the double meaning, and almost jumped for joy when Snape informed him that he would be joining them. He sent back a message along the lines of "shocking Ron out of his mind" and smiled all the way outside. He dashed into his room and came out with his broom wrapped in a cloth.
"It's for protection. You can never be too careful with a broom."
Fred clapped him on the back. "That's our boy!" he laughed at Harry's face.
"Who's captain this year?" Harry asked suddenly
"I am," Fred said with an evil glint in his eye. George looked at him wide-eyed.
"Oh no, I know that look. Wood used to get that look all the time. We're doomed Harry! Gred is going to kill us all!"
"Don't worry Forge, all will be well, you'll see! This year we'll—" he stopped short as he saw who was on the pitch. The foul potions master stood there, Nimbus 2001 in hand, eyeing them hungrily. Dumbledore, who had Madam Hooch's whistle about his neck, smiled at them all.
"Some of the faculty agreed to play to even out the teams. I think that since Harry won't get to be captain this year, he should be captain now. And Ron, why don't you captain the other team." Harry smirked at Ron, and Snape coughed to hide his chuckle. The boy was picking up way too many things from him. Harry went over to his side of the group and carefully unwrapped his broom. Fred grabbed onto George for support at the sight of the XS, Ron started choking on nothing, and Bill and Charlie laughed at Ron. Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, why don't you pick first."
"No, that's alright. I'll let Ron go. He's going to need all he can get." Ron narrowed his eyes at his friend and puffed up importantly, not unlike Percy.
"I'll take Charlie." Charlie smiled and leveled a fake-sneer at Harry. This was going to be a good game between the Seekers. Of course, Charlie didn't show it, but he was intimidated by the broom. Even with his Nimbus 2000, he didn't feel like it was much of a match.
Harry nodded, "George," he stated proudly.
"Fred."
"Bill."
"Madam Hooch."
"Professor Snape." A stunned silence filled the pitch as Snape joined Harry, a sneer plastered to his face.
"Potter, if you think I'm out here for fun, you are sorely mistaken."
"Slytherin's hate to lose, Professor. I can't see you throwing the game just because of me." Fixing the boy with a scowl that, to the others, promised later punishment, he pursed his lips and waited.
"Ginny."
"Hermione." Hermione marched over to Harry and whispered in his ear.
"Harry, I can't play! I don't even know how to play! Besides, I'm a horrible flyer."
"Then you can be our Keeper. They don't do much flying. And you're good with trajectories and such, you should do fine!"
"I don't have a broom," she pointed out. He motioned to the pile of Cleansweep 7's that lay beside Madam Hooch.
"You can use a school broom. Oh come on, you're not going to make me face Ron outnumbered are you?" he asked. She sighed.
"No, of course not," she grabbed a broom and mounted it. Dumbledore grabbed the Quaffle, one Bludger, and the Snitch.
"Since each team only has one Beater, we'll only use one Bludger. The rules are the same as every other game, so no foul shots. I'll be watching all of you." He eyed Severus knowingly, who merely sneered and turned away. Bill looked a little uneasy at playing with Snape and against Hooch, but he hid it well. Hermione flew up to the goals while Harry and Charlie took to the skies. George and Fred eyed each other with mock-hatred, and Ron and Madam Hooch looked at Snape and Bill. Ginny shook her head, steeling herself for the game. She was going to prove to her brothers she could play just as well as they could.
Soon, the game was underway, and Snape and Bill seemed to make a very good team. Outmaneuvering Ron easily, Bill tossed the Quaffle to Snape, who barreled past Hooch and straight for the goal. He rolled over in midair to avoid the Bludger and launched the ball to the goals. Ginny was barely able to save it and tossed it back out to Ron. Snape, coming out of seemingly nowhere, intercepted it and once again made a run for the goals. He passed to Bill, who easily scored on his little sister, who had been faked by Snape. Harry laughed and searched around for the Snitch. Ron passed to Madam Hooch, but she was diverted by a well-aimed Bludger from George, and Bill took the Quaffle. Darting in and out, he made his way to the goals. Throwing a deliberately bad shot, he counted on Snape's rebounding skills. Sure enough, Ginny knocked it away with her broom, but Snape was there, caught it, and scored.
Harry reveled in the feel of his broom, and began literally flying circles around Charlie, who was not amused. Madam Hooch had broken away and was flying to the goal. Hermione didn't look too pleased, but she kept calming herself. Relax, it's just physics. Trajectories and velocities, nothing major. I just have to divert the direction of the energy and it will go away. She didn't have much more time to think as Madam Hooch threw the ball at the highest goal. Hermione shrieked and flew up, intercepting the Quaffle. She stuck up her hand, and the Quaffle bounced off and over the goal. She whooped with joy as Bill smiled and tossed it to Snape, who again scored. The Weasleys heard their mother scream, and they all diverted their attention to her, except for Charlie, who was busy at the moment. She was watching Harry and Charlie in a neck-to-neck vertical dive. It didn't look like either boy was going to pull up either. Charlie, noticing the speed with which the ground was coming up on them, pulled up. Harry reached out a hand, closing it around the Snitch, and pulled up, executing a perfect barrel roll in the process. Ron was shocked and ecstatic at the same time. There was no way Gryffindor could lose now!
They all landed, thoroughly winded, and clapped each other on the back. Harry let everyone have a go on his broom. He nodded discreetly as Snape made his exit.
~That was fun, thanks for playing.~
~Not at all. I enjoyed myself, though I may not have shown it. Good night~
~See you tomorrow~ Harry laughed as Ron tested the broom thoroughly. He landed and gave the broom back to Harry. Mrs. Weasley walked over with the Grangers.
"My, my, that is an interesting game," David commented. Hermione smiled, glad that her parents weren't feeling too alienated here. That had been her main concern in bringing them, but Mrs. Weasley seemed only too pleased to play "tour guide" for them. Speaking of, Mrs. Weasley cleared her throat.
"Boys, Ginny, upstairs. You will all be clean before you go to bed." Groans were heard from the Weasley clan as they waved to Harry. The Grangers turned to Hermione.
"I think we're going to go settle down as well. Don't stay out too late." Hermione nodded and breathed in deeply. The Quidditch pitch had been cut by the temporary groundskeeper for the game, and it smelled like a freshly cut lawn, one of her favorite smells. Harry tapped her on the shoulder.
"Want to go for a ride?" he asked.
"Harry, I wouldn't be able to do much. I don't even like flying all that much."
"Come on, I'll fly, you just ride." He mounted and waited for her to climb on behind him, which she did seconds later. He flew up and around the Quidditch pitch, loving the feel of Hermione's arms around his waist. Soon, she relaxed and enjoyed herself, looking around.
"Oh, you can see so much more from up here!" she commented.
"Yeah, but you've got to see this." He flew up to the Astronomy Tower and landed. They both dismounted and Harry turned Hermione into the direction of the sunset. She gasped at the array of colors lighting up the sky.
"Harry," she whispered, "it's…indescribable."
"What, the bookworm at a loss for words?" he scoffed. She cuffed him on the shoulder. "You never told me why you're not a Ravenclaw. Come on, I know you know why." She blushed slightly and sat down. He sat down next to her, letting her know he was listening whenever she was ready.
"Harry," she began in a small voice, but it startled him just the same. This was unlike her. She was never this shy, never one to be introverted. He didn't say anything though; he knew how hard it was to talk with someone interrupting your train of thought. "The hat didn't put me in Ravenclaw because I asked it not to. I wanted to go into Gryffindor. I'd read about your parents, who were both Gryffindors, and knew that there was a good chance that you would be put there, too. So I asked it to put me there, so I could be friends with you." Unintentionally, he laughed aloud, but sobered at her look.
"I'm sorry, Herms, I was just thinking…you know, the hat wanted me in Slytherin." She looked at him wide-eyed. "I told it anything but Slytherin, and it put me in Gryffindor. I'm glad it did, because Ron and I had already become good friends. And I got to be with you." Surprisingly, she didn't blush, but reached for his hand. She gently slid the ring off his finger and handed it to him. He raised an eyebrow questioningly, but the fading sunlight caught the band just right and he noticed the inscription on the inside. He squinted to read it, and smiled.
For the Seeker of my heart…you won the game.
He took the ring and slipped it back on his hand, then took hers. "It's getting cool out here. Let's get back inside." He stood and helped her up and squeezed her hand. They mounted and he kicked off, sailing into the air. "Hang on, Herms." He felt her grip tightened and he did a barrel roll. She shrieked and clamped down, squeezing him for dear life. He came out laughing and choking, descending so she would let up.
"Harry James Potter! Don't ever do that again!" She scolded.
"I told you to hang on, Herms." He landed softly and she dismounted, shaking. He dropped his broom and pulled her into a hug. "I'm sorry, Hermione, I didn't mean to scare you. I thought you might like it…sorry." He soothed as she stopped shaking.
"It's ok, just unexpected. I've decided I definitely don't like flying. That is one mode of transportation I will avoid at all costs."
"Like me and portkeys," he nodded, "Let's get inside," he added hastily at her questioning stare. They trudged up to the Tower after he showed her his room and deposited his XS.
Ron was playing Hermione's dad in chess, and he was actually sweating. Harry and Hermione sat down on the couch, enthralled that someone could actually rival Ron in chess. Her mom flashed her a knowing smile, and she leaned on Harry, who wrapped his arm around her loosely. No one commented if they noticed, they all just shared looks that said "It's about time."
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Ok, everyone love me…this thing is 11 pages in Word, single spaced. That's crazy. But, I never found a good stopping point, so it kept going and going. I think the next chapter will be the Opening Feast. Don't know when it will be out, but hopefully soon. Things are heating up at work, so I can't make any promises.
Yours in Salazar's name,
Rickman's Girl