Title: Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies (5/?)

Author: Atlantis Potter

E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com

Category: Romance, Mystery

Keywords: Year 5, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Petunia

Rating: R

Spoilers: All Four Books

Summary: Harry begins having strange dreams, telling him about future events. He finds help in a very surprising person and fights in his heart between Ginny and Hermione. A Prophecy, intensive training and whether or not a flock of owls is all that scary.

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

A/N: Please R/R!  If you like it, let me know.  If you hate it, let me know! Thank yous are at the bottom of each chapter.

Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies

Chapter Five: The Race

Harry stood in the middle of his room, looking back and forth, obviously searching for something.  He could have sworn that he had left his wand right on the desk.  Harry brought his gaze back to the centre of the room.  Slowly, he let his eyes roam across the room, searching every visible crevice.  He noticed a faint glimmer from the corner of the room where Daryl's bed was. He walked over and his wand was in fact hidden under a blanket and some toys.  Looking suspiciously around, he was unable to locate either his puppy or the teddy bear that Hermione had gotten him for his birthday. 

          Shaking his head at the thought of the two off torturing some neighbourhood cat, Harry shrunk the dog's bed with his wand and put it into his trunk.  He did the same with his cauldron, robes, some textbooks, a few of his Quidditch books, his broom, his left over potion kit and the rest of the dog belongings.  Hermione and Harry would be leaving for Diagon Alley in half an hour and he had just started packing.

          He finished quickly however and checked his room one last time for any forgotten articles.  Finding none, he let out a sharp whistle.  He heard a small bark in the yard outside his window and within a minute, Daryl was running at full speed into Harry's room, with Chief Pip at his heels.

          Harry looked at the two.  They were both covered in dirt and at least Pip had the decency to look rather sheepish.  Muttering a quick cleaning spell, Harry picked up Pip.

          "Pip, I'm thinking that it will be a good idea for you to go into the trunk, at least until we get to the Burrow."

          "But Harry Potter!  Why can't I go into the carrier with Daryl?"

          "Not today.  Sorry.  You'll only be in there for a few minutes, I promise."

          The bear looked greatly saddened at the prospect of going into Harry's trunk.  He brightened however as Hermione entered the room.

          "Are you finished packing yet?"

          "Yep.  Pip's angry with me."

          "Pip, why are you angry with Harry?"

          "Miss, Harry Potter is going to put me into his trunk."

          "I'm sure it'll be fine.  It's nice and roomy in there."

          Pip looked at her with what would have been a disgusted look on his face, had his eyes not been full of admiration.

            Harry laughed immediately when he noticed the look on the teddy bear's face.  He quickly scooped up the bear and set him into the trunk, despite the protests.  Hermione laughed and patted the small bear on the head as Harry shut the lid of his trunk, making sure to leave breathing holes in the lid.  With a whistle, Daryl had run into the carrier Harry had purchased for her.  He stacked the carrier and Hedwig's cage onto the trunk and levitated everything downstairs.

          Hermione's things were already waiting in front of the fireplace.  Arabella had the fireplace temporarily hooked up to the Floo Network so that they could get to Diagon Alley.

          "Ok, remember now, say 'Diagon Alley' nice and clear," Arabella warned them.      

          Harry nearly laughed out loud.  He most certainly did not want to end up in Knockturn Alley again.  Hermione stepped through the fireplace first and Harry followed as soon as she had disappeared.

          He held his breath and tucked in his arms as he felt the familiar but sickening swirling.  He opened an eye and saw other fireplaces rushing by.  Quickly, he scrunched his eyes tight again and soon felt himself tumble into the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron. 

          Hermione was waiting for him.  She had already dusted herself off and smiled as he opened his eyes. 

          "Oh, Harry," she laughed as she took off his glasses and performed a cleaning spell.  He thanked her just as the fireplace behind them flared out and Ron and Ginny stepped out.

          "Harry!" Ginny immediately rushed to Harry and wrapped him in a hug.  Hermione was plastering Ron's face in kisses as he turned several shades of red.  After the greetings, they all trudged upstairs to their rented rooms.  They were staying in ordinary rooms this trip since they would only be staying the night.  Ron and Harry helped the girls with their trunks before settling into their own room.

          "So Harry what do you have to buy?"

          "Well, there are a lot of books we have to buy.  I need new robes, a new cauldron, an entirely different potion supplies kit, a new set of dress robes, a new cloak, an apparition charm, new quills and parchment, oh and of course, a birthday present for Hermione."

          At this, Ron looked shocked and then embarrassed.  Harry laughed, "Ron, do you want to get Hermione a joint gift?"

          "Shouldn't I get her something by myself, since I'm her boyfriend?"

          "Well, yes, but this way you can get her something little from yourself."

          Ron quickly saw the logic and he and Harry headed downstairs to meet the girls.     

***

          Harry squinted as they walked into the courtyard outside of the Leaky Cauldron.  The bright summer sun was warming but Harry couldn't see anything beyond a few feet in front of him. 

          They headed to Gringotts first, where Hermione exchanged money and Harry and the Weasleys headed to their vaults.

          After Gringotts, Hermione insisted that they get their books first.

            "How many books are on the list for the intensive program?"

           "Nearly thirty, it seems that for this program they expect us to have a small library at our disposal."

            Ron gaped at the list Hermione handed him and turned to Ginny, "But Ginny, how are you going to get all of these books?"

            "I already have a few, but not that it matters as the program is done completely through a scholarship fund."

            Ron just nodded and looked again at his list of six or so books.  The children came upon Flourish and Blotts and headed inside to wade through the shelves of books. 

When they emerged from the stacks of books a few hours later, everyone except Ron was laden with heavy books.  Harry, Hermione and Ginny struggled to the counter and the owner of the bookstore gave them appraising looks.

"So, you three must be in that new Hogwarts program.  I've already had a few of your friends in here getting their books as well.  I'll need your names then."

The three students volunteered the necessary information as Ron watched them.  The owner checked off their names and books on a sheet of parchment and began bagging all of their textbooks.  This process took the better part of an hour and Ron went through the checkout process in under five minutes.

As they left Flourish and Blotts, Ron was laughing fit to burst at all of the books that Harry, Hermione and Ginny were struggling with.  Despite the use of levitation charms, they still had a number of cumbersome bags that were difficult to handle. 

            Hermione stared huffily at Ron before levitating one of her heavier bags right into Ron's arms.  Ron buckled under the weight and crashed to the ground.  Hermione's books flew all over the cobblestone sidewalk.

            Despite his friend's precarious situation, Harry burst out laughing. Hermione and Ginny, both furious at Ron's rudeness dumped the rest of their tomes by Ron's feet and stalked off. 

          Harry reached a hand down to Ron, "Come on, get up.  We can take all of these books back to the Leaky Cauldron and then get Hermione's birthday present."

          "Sounds like a plan."

          The boys trudged up the street, now bearing the loads of their books as well as those of Ginny and Hermione.  After dropping off the books, they headed back to Diagon Alley. 

          "What should we get her?" asked Ron.

          "How should I know?  You're her boyfriend."

          "Yeah, well, you lived with her all summer.  What about a book?"

          "Which one?  She just got thirty new books, I'm sure she'll need some time to read those.  Besides, I think she'll need a break from all the books this year."

          "What about some sort of game?"

          "I don't think so.  How about a broom?" suggested Harry.

          "She hates to fly!"

          "Yeah, but it could come in handy. Besides, she hasn't flown all that much.  Perhaps with a slower broom, she could learn to like it."

          "Well, why don't we go look?  It's the best idea you've had all day."

          "Well, it's better than a book."

          "Shut it.  So, do you think she'll want a Tornado XE?"

          "Ron, why on earth would Hermione need the world's fastest racing broom?"         

          "So she could race you."

          "I think that's a horrible idea.  How about a nice Cleansweep?"

          "Now that's a horrible idea! Do you want her to sweep with the broom or fly it?"

          Harry gave Ron a mock-disgusted look as they arrived at Quality Quidditch Supplies. 

          The reaction from the boys upon entering the revered shop was standard.  Discussion ceased and they both stared open-mouthed around the store.  The far wall was lined with broomsticks.  Wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling.  Broomsticks of every make and model glistened under the bright lights.  Immediately near the door was a vast array of items.  Harry noticed pads, sets of Quidditch balls, beater bats, broom polish, twig clippers, cushioning charms, all-weather Quidditch gear, and other paraphernalia.  Harry and Ron quickly made their way to the back of the store.  Centred on the wall, given ample berth from the bother brooms was the brand-new top of the line Tornado XE.  The broom was sleeker than Harry's.  It had a dark handle and straighter than straight twigs.  Harry gently laid a hand on the broom handle, but quickly drew it away when the slight tingle of magic entered his fingers.  Ron's eyes glazed over as he reached out hand.  He too touched his hand to the broom and was evidently shocked by its power. 

          Harry recovered from the broom hypnosis first.  He shook his head and pulled Ron farther down the wall.  They perused the rows of brooms before Harry picked up a Comet 260. 

          "Ron, how about this?  It's not too fast, but it's decent enough that she could have some fun with it."

          "Comets are easy to control, it's a good broom for a girl too."

          Harry looked at Ron questioningly.

          "Well, it's the truth.  Comets are definitely a girly broom," Ron said with an indignant air.

          Harry just shook his head, "Does this have something to do with the fact that Malfoy owned one first year?"

          "Well, Malfoy is rather prissy."

          Harry just looked at Ron, trying to puzzle out his best friend.  Shrugging inwardly, Harry sighed and picked up the Comet 260.  He appraised the broom and looked at the tag.  It was on sale and the price was fair besides. He quickly took the broom to the counter in the centre of the store.

          When Harry and Ron emerged from QQS, they were empty-handed.  The broom would be arriving at Hogwarts on Hermione's birthday.

          The two boys headed down Diagon Alley towards the Leaky Caldron, hoping to run into Ginny and Hermione.  They stopped briefly on the street in front of Madam Malkin's to chat with a Ravenclaw that Harry knew.

          Suddenly, Ron was tugging at Harry's shirt and pointing into Madam Malkin's.  Harry, irritated, spun around to peer into the windows and nearly fell over at the sight that met his eyes.

          Hermione and Ginny were inside, flouncing about in very expensive and lavish looking dress robes.  Harry and Ron gaped at them for a few moments before heading into the shop themselves.

          "Oh Ginny, what a beautiful colour on you!"  Exclaimed Hermione as Ginny sauntered out of the dressing room in a silvery, shimmering dress robe.  It was a sleeveless number with a low-cut neckline and slit up the thigh.  The straight line of the gown fitted Ginny's slender and tall form.        

          Harry thought Hermione looked amazing as well.  She was wearing a strapless midnight gown that had a tight fitting bodice with a flowing, full skirt.  It was made of a material that Harry had never seen the likes of before.  Like water, the midnight blue gown billowed and swayed as Hermione moved.  The strange material was imbued with a silver shimmer that caught the light and accented the shape of the dress beautifully.  Hermione turned towards them, not at all surprised to see them standing there.  She grinned as she caught Harry's eye and he returned the grin as his eyes ran down her dress.  She noticed this and blushed slightly.  He quickly closed the gap between them under the presumption that he was wiping something off of her shoulder.  His heart raced as he touched her soft, cool skin.

          "Hermione, you look beautiful," Harry breathed near her ear.  She bowed her head and turned as Ron walked to them, quickly enveloping her in a hug.  She looped her arms around his neck and beamed at him.

          "Hermione! You look incredible!  Gin, you look good too!" Ron exclaimed.

          Harry nodded his agreement as Ginny moved to stand next to him.  She placed her hand protectively on his arm as he once again focused on Hermione. 

          Madam Malkin bustled over to them.

          "So ladies, what do you think?'

          "I'll take it!"  Hermione exclaimed, looking at Ginny excitedly.  However, Ginny's euphoria lessened greatly at this statement.  Hermione noticed and turned back to Madam Malkin.

          "I'll take both.  And may we begin trying on our school robes now?"

          The witch nodded and hurried back to wherever she had come from.  Hermione and Ginny disappeared into the dressing rooms and appeared a few minutes later clutching their new possessions.  They headed towards the section of the store where the school robes were located.  Everyone needed new robes and began trying them on. 

          About an hour later, the four students were laden with new school robes, as well as the girls' dresses and new dress robes for both Harry and Ron. 

          They continued through Diagon Alley stopping for their other necessary school supplies.  Hermione and Harry headed to Magical Menagerie and Eeylop's Owl Emporium as Ginny and Ron returned to the Leaky Cauldron.

          "Hermione, you looked amazing in that dress," Harry said as he and Hermione browsed through the owls.  Hermione was looking for a smaller owl that she could use for post.  Harry had accompanied her so that he could buy some food and treats for Hedwig. 

          "Thank you, Harry.  I must say, you looked quite dashing in your dress robes as well.  The dark silver contrasted beautifully with your eyes."

          "Thanks.  Hermione, what about this owl?" he asked, pointing to a medium sized, tawny coloured owl.  His dark eyes looked out from the cage and Harry found himself staring at them.  The eyes had a calming power and seemed vaguely familiar to him.  Hermione looked over the owl and instantly fell in love with the bird.

          They exited the two magical creature shops, Hermione with her new owl, whom she had named Wilbur ("I wanted to be silly."), and Harry with supplies for Daryl and Hedwig.  When they returned to the Leaky Cauldron, Ron and Ginny were waiting in the dining room and dinner was about to be served.

***

          After a satisfying dinner and friendly banter, the exhausted wizards and witches retired to their separate rooms for the evening.  Tomorrow they would all be returning to the Burrow for a week before fall term began.

***

          Harry was the last to travel by Floo to the Burrow.  He arrived in the Weasley family kitchen and was not surprised by the hustle and bustle accompanied by the high volume in the very comfortable room.

          Ginny and Hermione were standing in the midst of their purchases, having stopped to show Molly Weasley their new formal wear.  She fussed over the low-cut dresses, the long slit in Ginny's and the lack of straps on Hermione's.  Harry noticed that she did this all with a glint in her eye and a wide grin plastered on her face.  She quickly gave up the motherly hen act and became rather giggly and excited over the new gowns.

          Harry rolled his eyes at the fawning women and flicked his attention to Ron, who was strategizing on the carrying of his various supplies up several flights of stairs.  Harry laughed at this and with a few flicks of his wand, had miniaturized all of his possessions, along with Ron's and was carrying two miniature trunks up to Ron's room.

          Once the trunks had been returned to normal size, the young men began sorting through their belongings.  Harry noticed the superfluous amount of purchases Ron had made.

          "Ron, did you make some extra money over the holidays?"  Harry questioned with as much tact as he could muster.

          The question didn't faze Ron in the least.  "Well, Weasley's Wizard Wheezes took in a lot of customers this summer, so George and Fred paid me to help them out.  I'm going to be helping while we're at school, too."

          Harry thought this sounded much more pleasant than the odd jobs he'd done for Arabella over the summer.  Harry was about to mention this to Ron, but was interrupted by Mrs. Weasley's announcement of dinner.  Harry and Ron, absolutely famished, raced down the stairs to find the entire immediate Weasley clan in the room, and some extras that Harry did not instantaneously recognize.

          Charlie Weasley was already seated at the table, along with a raven-haired witch with sky blue eyes.  She looked to be about twenty-eight and was conversing rather excitedly with Charlie, Fred and George.  Bill Weasley was standing at the kitchen sink with his arm around a small, blond witch and they were both talking to his mother.  Percy was holding the hand of one Penelope Clearwater, whom Harry vaguely recognized, and Ginny and Hermione were chatting with both of them. 

          "I remember when I became a prefect.  It's a very important job, one must remember to impose punishment for any infraction of the rules…" as Percy droned on to Hermione, Harry caught her eye and made a face, to which Hermione giggled.

          This caused Percy's attention to turn to Harry.  "Ah, Harry! How good to see you.  I was just explaining the importance of being a prefect to Hermione.  Are you excited about being in such a high position?"

          Stifling a giggle, Harry answered, "Of course.  I completely understand the importance of being a prefect.  Rules, regulations, all very important.  Anything that makes Mione's head a little bigger, right? 

          Hermione gave him a sharp elbow in the chest and stuck her tongue out at him.  She turned to Percy, "So, Perce, how do you like your new job?"

          Hermione had hit the nail on the head.  Percy loved nothing more than to talk about his new job as Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.  After the death of his old boss, Barty Crouch, Sr. ("May he rest in Peace."), Percy had been appointed the job, since he had been practically running the Department during Mr. Crouch's absence.  Percy droned on and on about the department, and to Harry's amazement, Hermione listened intently. 

          Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley was calling everyone's attention.  Dinner was about to be served and everyone headed out into the garden, where two tables had been set up.

          Dinner was a huge, family affair.  Discussion ranged from the Ministry to Cornelius Fudge, to Quidditch to the new study program, to a hundred other subjects. 

          Mrs. Weasley began hunting around for information about the three oldest boys' girlfriends.  Charlie explained that his girlfriend, Viridian, had taken the teaching job of Defense Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts.  Fred, George and Ron were extremely interested in this and began to question her on their upcoming classes. 

          The latest news from the other two Weasley men served the purpose of shocking the family.

          "Well, as you all know, Penelope and I have been dating for almost three years now.  Upon my promotion to head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, I asked Penelope to marry me and she accepted."  At this announcement, Percy kissed Penelope's hand with a flourish as Mrs. Weasley squealed with delight.  An excited air descended on the table as Bill cleared his throat.

          "I have an announcement as well."

          Mrs. Weasley looked at her oldest son with pure happiness on her face.

          "Lucy and I have decided to move back to London, where we'll be renting a flat together."

          The excitement that Bill expected was not delivered.  In fact, the silence that descended upon the dining room was downright deafening.  Harry looked between Mrs. Weasley and Bill.  Bill had a look of love on his face as he looked at Lucy and Mrs. Weasley had a look of pure terror.  She looked scandalized. 

          "William Weasley! I thought we taught you better than that!  I can't believe that you would make a home with a witch who's not your wife!"

          "Mum, this is no timed to be old fashioned.  I would think that with everything going on the world, you would have more to be worried about than whether or not, I'm going to be getting married."

          "Don't you understand, Bill?  With everything going on lately, it's the joys like marriage that make it all bearable."

          However, before Bill could respond, the voice of the youngest Weasley rang out.

          "Mother!  I think it's wonderful that Bill and Lucy are moving in together.  They're both old enough to do whatever they want and I, for one, think it's fantastic."

          The shocked silence deepened.

          "Virginia!   I cannot believe you just said that.  You are fourteen years old and couldn't possibly understand."

          "Well, it is the nineties' isn't it?"
          Everyone broke out at once.  Arthur did not offer an opinion and most of the Weasley children were excited for Bill and Percy.  Molly continued to stew in her anger and quickly set about clearing away the table.  She was huffily tidying up the kitchen as everyone discussed Percy and Penelope's wedding. 

***

                    It was Hermione who suggested the after dinner stroll.  Ginny, Ron and Harry readily agreed, if only to escape the discussion that had inadvertently turned back to Bill and Lucy.

          The four walked down the dirt road in front of the Burrow, heading towards the small village.  Ron and Hermione were trailing a little behind Harry and Ginny.

          "I think it's sweet about Percy and Penelope.  I bet that's a huge surprise for my parents.  I don't think they thought that Percy would ever get married."

          "Doesn't surprise me that they thought that though.  Its not like Percy, is real, shall we say, sociable."

          "Oh, he's really not that bad, Harry.  He was always the nicest brother.  Bill and Charlie treat me like a kid, which I guess in their eyes, I am.  Fred and George use me as some sort of test guinea pig and Ron treats me like a baby.  I guess they're just protective though."

          "Yeah, I'm glad I haven't had to experience any of that wrath," he gently chided her.

          Ginny simply grinned at him and reached for his hand.  Intertwining her fingers with his, she gave his hand a light squeeze.  "Harry, can I ask you a question?"

          "Of course."

          "Are we, er, you know - boyfriend and girlfriend?"

          "That's a good question.  I'm not sure.  Do you want to be my girlfriend?"

          "Yes, I do.  I've always liked you Harry and thought you were such a good friend."

          "Likewise, Gin."

          She looked at him then and gave him the smallest of smiles.  He grinned back at her and gave her a peck on the cheek.  She blushed and Harry smiled to himself.  She really was a beautiful young lady.  He felt another squeeze and looked to where she was currently gazing.  Behind him, Hermione and Ron were locked in a tight embrace.

          "They really do love each other."

          "I suppose so, although it seems that at our age, its too young to know."

          "I guess you could say that.  But it doesn't necessarily have to be true love."

          Harry did not respond.  He stopped and looked at Ginny.  She had a somewhat dreamy expression on her face as she gazed up at him.  Smilingly ever so slightly, he wrapped Ginny in a tight hug and gave her a light kiss on the lips.  She responded in the like.  After a few moments, Harry broke the kiss and the young couple continued on their journey into the village.

          Once they reached the village, Harry and Ginny headed down the main thoroughfare, stopping occasionally to peek into a window.  They happened upon a small store advertising in the window bunches of teddy bears that were called Sweet Dream Bears.  Harry pulled Ginny inside.

          "Harry, what are you doing?"

          "Look!  Hermione has been having awful nightmares, so I thought I could get her one of these for her birthday."

          "But her birthday isn't for three weeks."

          "Yeah, but I won't be able to buy her anything once we get to Hogwarts."

          "I doubt these actually work."

          "Why?  It's just an aromatherapy bear that uses, err, different aromas to make you sleep soundly," Harry responded knowingly, nodding his head to convince himself.     

          Ginny gave him a look that said she seriously doubted any of this, but Harry ignored her and found a bear that he thought Hermione would like.  After paying for the bear with the little muggle money he had remaining, they exited the store and stumbled upon Hermione and Ron who still had eyes only for each other.

          After some more browsing through the shops, the four headed back to the Burrow.

***

          Harry awoke on their last day at the Burrow to a rather large ruckus coming from the garden behind the Burrow.  He peered out of the window next to his bed and was amused by the sight that met his eyes.

          Hermione's cat Crookshanks, who had been staying at the Burrow over the summer, was currently hiding behind a bush with Daryl and Chief Pip.  Harry immediately reminded himself that he needed to find out who had let the crazy stuffed animal out of the trunk.  The three animals were peeking through the branches towards the garden, which was flurried with garden gnome activity. As if they had pre-ordained the entire operation, the three leapt from behind the bush all at once.  Pip dashed to the right, Daryl to the left and Crookshanks right over the top.  The gnomes stood stupidly in the middle of the garden, very curious as to what was going on.  Suddenly, Ron and the twins appeared out of nowhere and began levitating the gnomes and flinging them as far as they could over the fence. 

          Daryl, Pip, and Crookshanks chased the small creatures about, running to and fro and living it up.  Harry saw Ginny standing in the shade of a large tree watching the fray.  He wondered where Hermione was and was surprised when she entered the room.

          Immediately, she hugged him.

          "Hermione! Is something wrong?" Harry asked, completely shocked.

          "I've missed you! I've hardly gotten to talk to you in the past few days.  I can't believe that the hols are almost over, can you?"

          "No, this has been the best summer I've ever had."

          Hermione nodded in agreement and looked out the window on the scene in the garden.  She simply laughed and pulled him off the bed.

          "Let's go out with them, maybe we can decide what to do today."

          After shooing Hermione from the room, Harry dressed quickly and met her in the hallway.  Together they went downstairs to where Operation Gnome Toss was winding down.  Suddenly, George perked up.

          "How about a game of Quidditch?  I can dash in and get Bill and Charlie and we can play a quick game."

          Hermione looked panic stricken.  "I don't know how to play."

          Everyone looked at her in shock.

          "Well, I don't mean to say as I don't know how to play as much as I don't want to."

          Ron gave Hermione a peculiar look, followed by giving Harry a very worried look.

          "Maybe we can just have broom races, instead?" suggested Harry.

          "Yeah, but you'll win on the Firebolt."

          "Fine, then I won't use the Firebolt.  I'm sure you have an old broom or two lying around that I could use.  I'll let Ron take the Firebolt and then Hermione can use his broom."

          Everyone agreed, even Hermione, who looked terrified.  Fred began spouting the rules for the race.  They were to start out right next to the house, fly through the garden with lots of loops through and around the trees, around the shed, twice around the house, and a straight shot across the yard towards the very edge of the field.

          The circuit had to be completed twice.  After Fred established the course, the six racers lined up next to the back door.  Each mounted their respective booms and kicked off, hovering a few feet above the overgrown grass.  With a flick of his wand, George had conjured some sort of device as a starting clock.  A chime sounded and they were off.

          Harry felt surprisingly comfortable on Ron's old broom.  The wind whipped through his hair and he laughed as he zoomed past Ron.  He couldn't figure out why Ron always complained about his broom.  It was relatively responsive and quick.  The cushioning charm wasn't too worn and the broom was pretty nimble.  Harry began looping through the trees just as Ron was on his tail.  He leaned forward and the broom got a burst of speed.  As Harry closed in on the shed, he snuck a look back to see that Ron was a few yards back, with a very determined look on his face.

          Harry finished his first circuit as Ron closed in on his last turn around the house, Ginny was on her first, Fred and George had just reached the house and Hermione was quickly putting distance between herself and Mr. Weasley's old shed.

          Harry nudged his broom harder and quickly zipped to the edge of the field where he did a complete 180 and started back to the grove of trees.  Ron was on his tail every step of the way.

          The two boys had just finished a loop around the shed when they heard a yell. Harry stopped quickly and Ron, not used to the speed, slammed into him.  He felt himself lose his grip on the broom and tumble to the side.  Ron was tumbling too, but Harry had hooked a leg over the broom and clumsily up righted himself.  He whispered a charm and with a flick of his wand, Ron just barely missed colliding with a boulder in the yard.  Harry turned towards the scream and saw Hermione hanging by two hands from a rather tall tree.  Fred and George had not heard the yell and where already back to the Burrow to complete their final circuit.  Ginny was way out by the field, having lost control of her broom at some point.  Harry leaned forward and his old broom zoomed towards the grove of trees.  The broom shook and teetered from the sheer amount of power flowing through it.  Harry reached the trees and was almost to Hermione's tree when he saw her loose her grip.

          In a split second, she was plummeting, screaming, towards the ground.  Harry dipped after her and amazingly planted himself between her and the ground.  She crashed into him and her slight weight knocked him from the broom.

          They hit the ground in a tumble of arms and legs.  Harry landed flat on his back and Hermione landed on top of him.  Harry cried out in pain.  He picked himself up, his back and left ankle protesting horribly.  Ginny, Fred, George and Ron had reached them at this point.  They immediately closed in on all sides and began trying to see if Harry and Hermione were okay.  Angrily, Harry shoved them off and bent to Hermione, who was unconscious.  He scooped her up, despite the shooting pain throughout his entire body.  He pulled her close to his chest and began to carry her into the house.  Ron followed, begging Harry to let him take her.  Harry ignored him and looked down at Hermione, who was slowly coming to.  She opened her eyes and looked up at him, betraying more in her stare than Harry was willing to admit he felt in his heart.

          "Thank you…" she whispered before slipping off into a dark unconsciousness again. 

***