Chapter 18: A Quidditch match and a ball
Harry returned to his room right after the ceremony. He didn't want to be congratulated time and time again, he just wanted to sleep...He fell backwards onto his bed and closed his eyes. After about 30 seconds he heard the portrait open and close. Someone walked across the room and sat beside him. Harry wrenched his eyes open and saw Sirius, grinning down at him, Daniel and Remus behind him. Harry pulled himself up and smiled at the three of them
"Hey Sirius, Remus, Daniel"
"Hey Harry"
Remus said, smiling warmly at him. Harry smiled back, confused at why they were here.
"Would you like some tea?"
Harry asked, standing and walking into his kitchen. He received a chorus of 'Yes please!' from the three of them and got busy. He could here them talking in the living room
"Does he seem depressed to you?"
Daniel whispered
"Sort of...I think he's still a little scarred from the funerals yesterday, he did lose a number of his good friends"
Sirius replied. Harry entered the room and handed them each a cup of tea before plopping down on his couch
"So, what exactly do you guys want?"
Harry asked. Remus grinned
"Got any plans after you graduate?"
He asked. All three of the men before him now had similar wicked grins on their faces
"Why?"
Harry said, looking at them accusingly
"Well..."
Daniel began
"The summer WE graduated, although Danny wasn't there, the Marauders did something that we thought was EXTREMELY entertaining, and we thought that maybe us four could do it this summer...."
Sirius said.
"Uh-huh"
Harry said, raising his eyebrows
"We think we should go on a trip....to different places around the world. When we went we visited Ireland, Spain, Australia, Paris, and some place in South America...it was very educational"
Remus said
"Was not! We didn't learn anything, but this time we think we should go to America, you know, the United States, Canada, Rome, Russia, maybe Asia...it would be fun!"
Sirius said, grinning. Harry smiled, relieved they didn't want him doing anything like...well....like something he knew the Marauders would do
"Sure, sounds fun"
Harry said. Sirius clapped happily
"And you can bring Ron, it'll be a guys month off or something!"
He said, jumping up
"Night Harry"
Daniel said before the group filed out. Harry rolled his eyes and trudged back to his bed. He fell into the pillows and was out immediately.
~*~
The next morning Harry awoke early. He rolled out of the bed and opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was a broom and a pair of robes laying over his couch. He approached them and picked up a note that was attached
Harry, These are the robes you'll wear for the game today. We also got you the newest model of broom, count this as all the birthdays Daniel missed and Remus missed, and the two recent ones I missed. See you at the game! All my love Sirius.
Harry grinned and looked at the broom. It was beautiful. The handle was dark wood and in golden writing on the side was *Lightning Bolt*. It was perfect. Another note was attached to the front of the handle
We had it made special. Don't ask how, but we have connections with (cough) broom companies. We told them we wanted to make a broom for Harry Potter and they got right on it. Only one ever made, and the fastest broom in existence. Bring your firebolt too, there no telling what the OTHER staff members will be riding.
Harry chuckled and looked back at the broom. Wow Was all he could say to explain what he was looking at. He glanced at the clock on the wall and was surprised to see that he needed to be in the locker rooms in ten minutes. He ran to the bathroom, took a quick shower, put on the robes, grabbed both his brooms and ran out of the room. He shot through the halls, nodding to anyone he passed. When he skidded into the locker room 5 minutes later he almost died when he saw who his team mates were. They were all dressed in robes like his. Black with a G, S, H, or R on the back in red, silver, yellow, or blue. Just to show their past house. Sirius was in the corner tying his shoe and leaning happily on his broom. A firebolt. Harry rolled his eyes. He was holding a beaters club under his arm. This must be adults vs. the school... Harry thought. Beside Sirius was Daniel, also holding a beaters club. Harry noticed he had no broom. That's why Sirius said bring the broom. Across from them was a young female Auror Harry had seen around the school before. Obviously a chaser. Remus was beside her holding a Nimbus 2001. Beside him was Charlie Weasley. Harry couldn't make out what his broom was, but it looked new, and he was sure Charlie would do fine anyway, though he was a seeker, not a chaser. And lastly was their keeper. In the corner, his back turned to Harry holding a firebolt under his arm. Black robes with a large silver S scrawled across the back, Snape. Harry walked up to Daniel and handed him the broom
"I didn't know you guys played Quidditch"
He hissed. Daniel and Sirius grinned
"We live for Quidditch"
Sirius replied
"Do you like your broom?"
"Do I like it? I love it! It's amazing Sirius, you really need to stop buying these for me"
"You think I'm bad, if your father were alive you'd have it worse..."
The three of them laughed and Remus and Charlie walked over
"Chaser now Charlie?"
Harry asked
"Yeah, if I wasn't a seeker this is my second best position"
Charlie said, grinning.
"By the way Harry, this is Abigail Winters, I believe this is the only person you don't know"
Remus said, glancing at Snape who had turned around and was staring at the group, a smirk on his face. Abigail shook Harry's hand
"Nice to meet you Harry"
She said kindly. Snape walked over to them
"Ah, Mr. Potter, ready to play?"
Snape asked, grinning. Harry and Remus glanced at each other and made a silent agreement, Snape was on something.
"Ready as I'll ever be Professor"
Harry said cheerfully
"Good, because you do know who the school's seeker is, right?"
And with that he walked off. Harry turned and looked at Sirius, Remus, Daniel, and Charlie. They all suddenly looked very nervous
"Who is it?"
Harry asked
"Uh..., well, er, it's...ummm"
"Spit it out! I want to know what my competition is!"
"Ginny"
Charlie said simply
"WHAT?!"
Harry cried
"Ginny? She plays Quidditch?"
"Yeah...I mean she's not half as good as you are, but, she took over your spot when you left"
Remus said. Harry sat down quickly and closed his eyes. There went all his tricky idea's and moves he'd planned
"But your playing just as hard, right?"
Sirius said, an annoyed tone appearing in his voice. Harry sighed
"Right, just as hard"
Sirius grinned
"Wonderful, lets go!"
Sirius grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him towards the door. They could hear the cheering from the pitch and Harry swallowed hard. They mounted their brooms. Harry felt the Lightning Bolt vibrating with power.
"Let's go"
Daniel said, opening the door. The team zoomed out onto the pitch. More stands were set up. It was packed full, people were everywhere, almost like the world cup.
"And playing for the Staff team we have Black, Evans, Winters, Lupin, Weasley, Snape, aaaaaaaaaaaaannddd Potter!"
The crowd cheered, clapping excitedly as the team made a lap around the field. Harry glanced at the commentary box. Fred and George Weasley were sitting in their, waving furiously at him. Harry nearly fell off his broom, which was better than his firebolt, he could feel it, the rush was amazing.
"And playing for Hogwarts we have Flinch-Fletchy, Rocky, Creevy, Banks (Celestine), Bones, Malfoy aaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnddddddd Weasley!"
Harry's eyes widened as he heard Malfoy. He was a seeker, not a keeper. He watched Draco sail onto the field, right in front of Ginny. He took his place in front of the goal post and smiled evilly at Harry. Ginny rose into the air right in front of him
"Hiya Harry"
She said, grinning cheekily. Harry glared at her
"And you never mentioned this to me because?"
"You never asked"
She said back.
"And Madam Hooch walks onto the field, she eyes both teams, and the snitch and bludgers are released. Ready, and the game begins! The Quaffle is up, Lupin takes it away, passing it to Weasley, Winters, Weasley, Lupin, Winters, Lupin and he SCORES! Nice try by Draco Malfoy, seeker gone keeper two years ago. And now Creevy's in possession, Banks takes it from him, oh, bad team work, Bones, Creevy, Bones, Banks catches the Quaffle in mid toss, she throws, saved by Severus Snape! In his day he was named one of the best keepers Hogwarts had ever seen, just adding to the rivalry between him and James Potter, the Gryffindor seeker."
The game raged below Harry and Ginny as they circled the field. Ginny was tailing Harry, knowing very well that he would spot the Snitch before she did.
"And Black makes perfect contact with that bludger, it's heading straight at Creevy, he dodges, the Quaffle is dropped. Winters in possession!"
Harry smiled at Sirius who was now chasing off another bludger that was pelting at Remus. Harry was getting bored, the scores were rising quickly. Snape was good, very good, but he couldn't keep out all of Creevy and Bones's shots. When they worked together they were unstoppable. The score was 80:60, the Staff. Then Harry saw it, the Snitch, he bowed his broom and began speeding towards it. Ginny saw this, and knowing she wouldn't be able to catch him, decided to stop him. She urged her broom forward and threw herself between Harry and the snitch. Harry swerved to the side, missing Ginny by a hair.
"Quick thinking by Ginny Weasley, nice way to mess with your boyfriends head!"
Fed roared. She glared at them. Harry shot back up above the game, almost being hit by a bludger hit by Rocky, the fifth year he'd met earlier. The game never slowed. Harry hadn't seen the snitch since Ginny had thrown him off. It was starting to get bloody. Harry was convinced Daniel's arm was broken, but he didn't say anything. He'd tried the Wronski Feint, he'd tried leading her off, but Ginny obviously didn't buy any of his tricks. After about an hour in a half Harry was really starting to get annoyed, they needed to get that snitch. He was scanning the game below him when he saw a bludger rushing towards Malfoy, he didn't see it, none of beaters saw it, no one was even paying attention to it, the Quaffle was on the other side of the field, it was going to hit Draco right in the head.
"DRACO!"
Harry shouted
"BLUDGER!"
Harry was so concentrated on Draco getting out of the way he didn't see the bludger below him change course and rocket up towards him. Draco saw the bludger and he managed to dodge out of the way. It hit the center pole and bounced off, heading back to the game. Harry calmed slightly, but then something hard hit him in the stomach. He was shot twenty feet in the air with the bludger. The air was knocked out of him. Everyone gasped. He was falling, falling hundreds of feet. He pulled his wand from his robes
"Accio Lightning Bolt!"
He cried. The broom hurled towards him and he caught it, about 30 feet from the ground. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, then began cheering. Harry looked down, ten feet below him Ginny was shooting across the field. The Snitch was hovering on the opposite end. Harry yelped in surprise and urged his broom forward. He was ten feet above the snitch, having no time to slant down. He passed Ginny easily and was now just ten feet above the snitch. Hovering below it was Sirius, waiting patiently for a bludger. Harry grinned then leapt off his boom, he shot through the air, grabbed the snitch, then landed on Sirius's broom, nearly scaring his godfather to death.
"Bloody hell Harry!"
He cried out in surprise, spinning the broom as a bludger shot towards them. Everyone was screaming and cheering. Remus flew over the top and grabbed Harry's broom. Harry took it and got back on. His team smiled happily and patted him on the back. Both teams landed and Ginny hugged him tightly
"Good game sport, but try NOT leaping off brooms in the future"
She said, grinning
"Yes dear"
He said, chuckling and hugging her again. He was then attacked by Charlie, Daniel, Remus, and Abigail. They all hugged him and thanked him. Then Snape even patted him on the back. The crowds flooded towards the great hall where lunch was being served. When Harry entered Hermionie and Ron immediately hugged him
"Great show Harry!"
Ron cried
"Yeah, it was pretty amazing"
Hermionie said. She had red finger marks on her cheeks, obviously he'd scared her too
"Thanks guys"
He said, taking a seat at one of the tables. Suddenly a tall handsome man appeared behind him, a big smile on his face
"You little shit Potter, when you ran from Hogwarts you should have some to me, I could have put you on a professional team!"
Harry spun around
"Oliver!?"
Harry cried leaping up. Sure enough, it was Oliver Wood. He hugged Harry and patted his head
"That was amazing Harry, you've improved a lot"
Oliver said, taking a seat
"Thanks"
Harry replied, sitting too
"And that's why..."
Wood began
"Next year you are going to be the seeker for the English Quidditch team!"
Harry spat his pumpkin juice clear across the table, hitting some old woman in the back of the robes, she didn't notice
"What?!"
"Yeah, I'm the keeper for the team. Our seeker fell off his broom not to long ago and is in no shape to play Quidditch...his bad seeking was what kept us from the cup, but with you, we could go all the way!"
Wood cried happily
"Play! Please Harry, you MUST play"
Oliver begged. Harry grinned
"I'll think about it Oliver"
"Yes!"
Wood said, grinning
"Think about it! Now, I must go chat with the public, I'll catch up with you later Harry"
And with that he stood up and walked off. The group enjoyed lunch immensely. Numerous Quidditch scouts approached Harry, even Bulgaria, who said he was better than Krum. That just tickled Ron to no end. Harry told them later that if he played, it would be for England. He also asked Ron about the trip with Sirius, Daniel, and Remus. He was very excited, though he didn't know if him Mum would want him going around the world with Sirius Black. Harry also talked to Fred and George for what seemed like days. They were doing wonderful and their business was doing well to. They walked around the grounds all day, just chatting and having a good time. At dinner, Harry saw Oliver sitting with the teachers. Girls kept approaching him and asking him for his autograph. Harry found that hilarious, until the same group asked him too. Harry glared at Oliver who was absolutely howling. But the best part of the night was when that very same group asked Snape for his too. The look on the mans face was priceless. Harry finally went to his room at around 4 in the morning. Fred and George insisted on throwing a party. It would have been fun were it not for the fact that no one would eat because Fred and George bewitched all the food. He crawled into bed and went to sleep right away.
~*~
The next morning Harry went to breakfast alone. Not to many people were there when he arrived so he took his seat at the teachers table. Hedwig arrived almost immediately with the Daily Prophet. On the Front page was a picture of him being hit by the bludger, then him catching the snitch. At the bottom was a picture of just him now, next to him in his fourth year. The difference was drastic. He ignored it and read the column
center Harry Potter, the boy who lived, played Quidditch for the first time in many years yesterday and put up an outstanding performance. No one expected any less of course. He left the crowd amazed at his daring and skill. The boy has proven himself many a time. With the defeat of Voldemort not to long ago, the boy has gotten back on his feet quick. At this point he is dating Ginny Weasley, the younger sister of his best friend Ron Weasley. As his final week at Hogwarts draws to an end, many of his classmates and teachers have a lot to say about him. His close friend, Neville Longbottom states "Harry is a wonderful person. I never would have survived Hogwarts without him". It's touching to know that even with the fame this boy holds he still has a heart. We asked a few of his teachers if they had ever thought the boy selfish "No, no. Harry was never selfish. He was a bit shy actually, I believe Mr. Weasley fixed that after the two grew so close. I am very proud of Harry, he was a wonderful student" Says Minerva Mcgonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Headmaster states "Harry is selfless...he has never done anything selfish in his life, at least not to my knowledge" It seems that the boy is well liked throughout the school as well. One of Potters former enemies, Mr. Draco Malfoy, says "Potter is one of those people that no matter how hard you try you can't hate forever. At some point he'll crack you" Yes, the school has produced nothing but good things about the boy. The final person we were able to get a word out of was Severus Snape, the Potions master. "Potter is...unique. Very talented, yes, but he is very headstrong. Not selfish, not at all, but very proud. He tries hard to prove himself, and I must say he's done a very good job of it" Words from a superior who, we are told, at one time hated Potter, just like his student Draco Malfoy. It seems Harry Potter has enchanted us all, we cant wait to here more, English Quidditch captain Oliver Wood states that he might be playing Quidditch for England next year. /center
Harry sighed and shook his head, folding the paper in half and glancing down at Snape. He to was reading the paper, the look of shock on his face told Harry that he'd just read his own line in the article. Not wanting to embarrass Snape further Harry tucked the paper away and pretended as though he hadn't read anything. Sure enough, seconds later, Snape was looking straight at him. Harry ignored him, placing his goblet to his mouth to hide his smile. Sirius suddenly slid into the seat beside Harry
"Quidditch huh?"
He asked. Harry raised an eyebrow
"What?"
"The paper says you might play for England"
"Yeah, Oliver wants me to"
"And..."
"I might"
"Might?"
"Yeah, I love Quidditch and all, but..."
"But"
"Well, I don't know if I should put all my time in effort into a game when I should be helping the ministry"
"You mean you don't know if you would rather do something you love for a career or do something that will just get you in trouble?"
Sirius asked. Harry sighed
"So you think I should play?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course I think you should play!"
Harry grinned
"I'll think about it, Oliver will be here tonight"
"Okay"
Breakfast passed without incident and Harry returned to his room. He pulled off his cloak and put on a pair of blue jeans and a red T-shirt. He grabbed his wand, a bit of money and left. He went to Hogsmede, bought a butter beer, some dress robes, then went back to Hogwarts. By the time he got back it was lunch time. He didn't even stay. He went to his room and laid his dress robes out. He grabbed a clean pair of Hogwarts robes and a pair of muggle cloths and laid them out too. Then he packed up everything else. He put everything back in his trunk. The room was clean again. All his stuff was over in the corner. The cloths he had removed we hanging over the couch. Before graduation tomorrow he would go get all the letters and his mothers diary from Hagrids. Oh! Harry suddenly realized he still had his fathers wand. He pulled it from his trunk and examined it. He didn't feel nearly as powerful with it resting in his hands as his did with his own. He raised his wand
"Accio dress robes"
The dress robes flew across the room and landed soundlessly in Harry's arms. Harry bowed his head and sunk to the floor, his back up against the bed. He wasn't even in his dormitory and he didn't want to leave. He knew Hogwarts was his home, and, just didn't like the thought of never coming back. He was sure Quidditch would be great, he was sure he'd be fine, but he know that every time he had time alone his mind would drift back to his life here. He knew everyone had memories from this place, but none like his. Not even Ron and Hermionie's memories of Hogwarts matched Harry's. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly a quiet knock sounded in the room. Harry waved his fathers wand and the door opened. Ginny stepped into the room. She was wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants and a white T- shirt. Her hair was up in a towel. She smiled at him and walked over, taking a seat beside him. She looked around the room and immediately noticed all his things were packed
"What am I going to do without you?"
She asked, looking at him with her big brown eyes
"The better question is what am I going to do without YOU"
Harry said, kissing her. She smiled
"Play Quidditch"
She said
"Do Home work"
Harry mumbled, grinning. She sighed
"I really don't know though Harry, it will be so dull without you three blowing something up or almost getting yourselves killed"
She said. Harry laughed
"I didn't almost kill them this year"
Harry said
"Did to, that snake bit Hermionie and You-know...Voldemort almost killed Ron"
"Right"
It was Ginny's turn to laugh
"You've almost killed them every year you were here"
"It wasn't always MY fault"
Harry retorted
"It always had something to do with you"
Ginny said
"You took them to the sorcerers stone your first year, Hermionie got petrified and Ron nearly got squashed your second year because Tom was after you, your third year Ron broke his leg and almost got bit by a werewolf, as did Hermionie, in your fourth year..."
She trailed off
"Ha! I didn't almost get them killed then!"
Harry said, smiling triumphantly
"Dumbledore took them to the bottom of the lake, you almost killed your friendship with Ron-"
"His fault"
"And that whole Voldemort thing"
"Nothing happened till my fifth year, and can we DROP this conversation"
Harry said, crossing his arms
"Okay"
Ginny said. Silence
"Well, I'm going to get dressed, see you at seven!"
She kissed him quickly and ran out of the room. Harry sighed and glanced at his watch, 5:30. He got up and went into the bathroom, took a long, hot shower, got dressed, combed his hair, then left the room. He entered the common room and walked over to Ron who was talking happily to Devon about Quidditch. Neville was sitting over a little, reading a book.
"Hey"
Harry said, dropping down beside Neville. Ron and Devon didn't answer.
"Heya Harry"
Neville muttered, not even looking up.
"Ron! Harry! I want a picture!"
Harry looked up. Collin was standing there in navy blue robes holding his camera. Harry smiled slightly and grabbed Ron. He put his arm around his best friend and Ron did the same. They both grinned and Collin took the picture. Hermionie, who had come down only seconds ago ran over
"Take one of all three of us Collin!"
She wedged herself between the boys and Collin took the picture. Hermionie looked beautiful once again. She and Ron were going together....once again. Ginny arrived too, wearing robes of emerald green. She kissed Harry lightly. Then Collin yelled
"Group Picture!"
Everyone in the common room crowded into the picture, smiling and laughing. It was great. Harry and Ron stood tall in the middle, their arms around Hermionie. Collin set the camera then ran into the picture, laying on his stomach in front. The picture snapped and Collin went back and got it. The Gryffindors left the room, laughing and chatting. When they entered the Great hall it was set up much like the night before, except now, there was a dance floor. On the stage was a group of witches Harry had never seen before. They were singing and people were dancing. Draco caught up with them quickly, Celestine still hanging from his arm. She gave Harry and Ginny a cold look, which Ginny returned. Harry really did not like this girl. The ball turned out to be a lot of fun. Harry told Oliver he would attend the first practice of the year, leaving Oliver absolutely ecstatic. Fred and George also showed up with Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell. Alicia Spinnet, another of Harry's old friends had shown up with Oliver. She received never ending teasing from the Weasley twins. Ginny and Harry danced the night away, having the time of their lives. The only time they didn't dance was when Dumbledore held a dancing contest. Draco and Hermionie won with their perfect tango. Ron had refused. Instead he sat on the side, grinning like an idiot as the two danced away. He thought it was hilarious. Oliver and Alicia had done the swing, coming in seconds and Remus and Abigail Winters had come in third with some retro crap that Harry had laughed at. Sirius, who saw the entire thing, was absolutely dying when they finished. Daniel was holding him up so he wouldn't fall to the floor laughing. At around midnight Harry led Ginny back to her common room, gave her a good night kiss, then went back to his room, dreading the next day, dreading graduation.
((That's that chapter! The next Chapter is graduation and leaving Hogwarts! I will be writing a sequel, it will be started before this one is done! Hope you keep reading! PLEASE review! Thanx! ~ Kay))
Harry returned to his room right after the ceremony. He didn't want to be congratulated time and time again, he just wanted to sleep...He fell backwards onto his bed and closed his eyes. After about 30 seconds he heard the portrait open and close. Someone walked across the room and sat beside him. Harry wrenched his eyes open and saw Sirius, grinning down at him, Daniel and Remus behind him. Harry pulled himself up and smiled at the three of them
"Hey Sirius, Remus, Daniel"
"Hey Harry"
Remus said, smiling warmly at him. Harry smiled back, confused at why they were here.
"Would you like some tea?"
Harry asked, standing and walking into his kitchen. He received a chorus of 'Yes please!' from the three of them and got busy. He could here them talking in the living room
"Does he seem depressed to you?"
Daniel whispered
"Sort of...I think he's still a little scarred from the funerals yesterday, he did lose a number of his good friends"
Sirius replied. Harry entered the room and handed them each a cup of tea before plopping down on his couch
"So, what exactly do you guys want?"
Harry asked. Remus grinned
"Got any plans after you graduate?"
He asked. All three of the men before him now had similar wicked grins on their faces
"Why?"
Harry said, looking at them accusingly
"Well..."
Daniel began
"The summer WE graduated, although Danny wasn't there, the Marauders did something that we thought was EXTREMELY entertaining, and we thought that maybe us four could do it this summer...."
Sirius said.
"Uh-huh"
Harry said, raising his eyebrows
"We think we should go on a trip....to different places around the world. When we went we visited Ireland, Spain, Australia, Paris, and some place in South America...it was very educational"
Remus said
"Was not! We didn't learn anything, but this time we think we should go to America, you know, the United States, Canada, Rome, Russia, maybe Asia...it would be fun!"
Sirius said, grinning. Harry smiled, relieved they didn't want him doing anything like...well....like something he knew the Marauders would do
"Sure, sounds fun"
Harry said. Sirius clapped happily
"And you can bring Ron, it'll be a guys month off or something!"
He said, jumping up
"Night Harry"
Daniel said before the group filed out. Harry rolled his eyes and trudged back to his bed. He fell into the pillows and was out immediately.
~*~
The next morning Harry awoke early. He rolled out of the bed and opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was a broom and a pair of robes laying over his couch. He approached them and picked up a note that was attached
Harry, These are the robes you'll wear for the game today. We also got you the newest model of broom, count this as all the birthdays Daniel missed and Remus missed, and the two recent ones I missed. See you at the game! All my love Sirius.
Harry grinned and looked at the broom. It was beautiful. The handle was dark wood and in golden writing on the side was *Lightning Bolt*. It was perfect. Another note was attached to the front of the handle
We had it made special. Don't ask how, but we have connections with (cough) broom companies. We told them we wanted to make a broom for Harry Potter and they got right on it. Only one ever made, and the fastest broom in existence. Bring your firebolt too, there no telling what the OTHER staff members will be riding.
Harry chuckled and looked back at the broom. Wow Was all he could say to explain what he was looking at. He glanced at the clock on the wall and was surprised to see that he needed to be in the locker rooms in ten minutes. He ran to the bathroom, took a quick shower, put on the robes, grabbed both his brooms and ran out of the room. He shot through the halls, nodding to anyone he passed. When he skidded into the locker room 5 minutes later he almost died when he saw who his team mates were. They were all dressed in robes like his. Black with a G, S, H, or R on the back in red, silver, yellow, or blue. Just to show their past house. Sirius was in the corner tying his shoe and leaning happily on his broom. A firebolt. Harry rolled his eyes. He was holding a beaters club under his arm. This must be adults vs. the school... Harry thought. Beside Sirius was Daniel, also holding a beaters club. Harry noticed he had no broom. That's why Sirius said bring the broom. Across from them was a young female Auror Harry had seen around the school before. Obviously a chaser. Remus was beside her holding a Nimbus 2001. Beside him was Charlie Weasley. Harry couldn't make out what his broom was, but it looked new, and he was sure Charlie would do fine anyway, though he was a seeker, not a chaser. And lastly was their keeper. In the corner, his back turned to Harry holding a firebolt under his arm. Black robes with a large silver S scrawled across the back, Snape. Harry walked up to Daniel and handed him the broom
"I didn't know you guys played Quidditch"
He hissed. Daniel and Sirius grinned
"We live for Quidditch"
Sirius replied
"Do you like your broom?"
"Do I like it? I love it! It's amazing Sirius, you really need to stop buying these for me"
"You think I'm bad, if your father were alive you'd have it worse..."
The three of them laughed and Remus and Charlie walked over
"Chaser now Charlie?"
Harry asked
"Yeah, if I wasn't a seeker this is my second best position"
Charlie said, grinning.
"By the way Harry, this is Abigail Winters, I believe this is the only person you don't know"
Remus said, glancing at Snape who had turned around and was staring at the group, a smirk on his face. Abigail shook Harry's hand
"Nice to meet you Harry"
She said kindly. Snape walked over to them
"Ah, Mr. Potter, ready to play?"
Snape asked, grinning. Harry and Remus glanced at each other and made a silent agreement, Snape was on something.
"Ready as I'll ever be Professor"
Harry said cheerfully
"Good, because you do know who the school's seeker is, right?"
And with that he walked off. Harry turned and looked at Sirius, Remus, Daniel, and Charlie. They all suddenly looked very nervous
"Who is it?"
Harry asked
"Uh..., well, er, it's...ummm"
"Spit it out! I want to know what my competition is!"
"Ginny"
Charlie said simply
"WHAT?!"
Harry cried
"Ginny? She plays Quidditch?"
"Yeah...I mean she's not half as good as you are, but, she took over your spot when you left"
Remus said. Harry sat down quickly and closed his eyes. There went all his tricky idea's and moves he'd planned
"But your playing just as hard, right?"
Sirius said, an annoyed tone appearing in his voice. Harry sighed
"Right, just as hard"
Sirius grinned
"Wonderful, lets go!"
Sirius grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him towards the door. They could hear the cheering from the pitch and Harry swallowed hard. They mounted their brooms. Harry felt the Lightning Bolt vibrating with power.
"Let's go"
Daniel said, opening the door. The team zoomed out onto the pitch. More stands were set up. It was packed full, people were everywhere, almost like the world cup.
"And playing for the Staff team we have Black, Evans, Winters, Lupin, Weasley, Snape, aaaaaaaaaaaaannddd Potter!"
The crowd cheered, clapping excitedly as the team made a lap around the field. Harry glanced at the commentary box. Fred and George Weasley were sitting in their, waving furiously at him. Harry nearly fell off his broom, which was better than his firebolt, he could feel it, the rush was amazing.
"And playing for Hogwarts we have Flinch-Fletchy, Rocky, Creevy, Banks (Celestine), Bones, Malfoy aaaaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnnnddddddd Weasley!"
Harry's eyes widened as he heard Malfoy. He was a seeker, not a keeper. He watched Draco sail onto the field, right in front of Ginny. He took his place in front of the goal post and smiled evilly at Harry. Ginny rose into the air right in front of him
"Hiya Harry"
She said, grinning cheekily. Harry glared at her
"And you never mentioned this to me because?"
"You never asked"
She said back.
"And Madam Hooch walks onto the field, she eyes both teams, and the snitch and bludgers are released. Ready, and the game begins! The Quaffle is up, Lupin takes it away, passing it to Weasley, Winters, Weasley, Lupin, Winters, Lupin and he SCORES! Nice try by Draco Malfoy, seeker gone keeper two years ago. And now Creevy's in possession, Banks takes it from him, oh, bad team work, Bones, Creevy, Bones, Banks catches the Quaffle in mid toss, she throws, saved by Severus Snape! In his day he was named one of the best keepers Hogwarts had ever seen, just adding to the rivalry between him and James Potter, the Gryffindor seeker."
The game raged below Harry and Ginny as they circled the field. Ginny was tailing Harry, knowing very well that he would spot the Snitch before she did.
"And Black makes perfect contact with that bludger, it's heading straight at Creevy, he dodges, the Quaffle is dropped. Winters in possession!"
Harry smiled at Sirius who was now chasing off another bludger that was pelting at Remus. Harry was getting bored, the scores were rising quickly. Snape was good, very good, but he couldn't keep out all of Creevy and Bones's shots. When they worked together they were unstoppable. The score was 80:60, the Staff. Then Harry saw it, the Snitch, he bowed his broom and began speeding towards it. Ginny saw this, and knowing she wouldn't be able to catch him, decided to stop him. She urged her broom forward and threw herself between Harry and the snitch. Harry swerved to the side, missing Ginny by a hair.
"Quick thinking by Ginny Weasley, nice way to mess with your boyfriends head!"
Fed roared. She glared at them. Harry shot back up above the game, almost being hit by a bludger hit by Rocky, the fifth year he'd met earlier. The game never slowed. Harry hadn't seen the snitch since Ginny had thrown him off. It was starting to get bloody. Harry was convinced Daniel's arm was broken, but he didn't say anything. He'd tried the Wronski Feint, he'd tried leading her off, but Ginny obviously didn't buy any of his tricks. After about an hour in a half Harry was really starting to get annoyed, they needed to get that snitch. He was scanning the game below him when he saw a bludger rushing towards Malfoy, he didn't see it, none of beaters saw it, no one was even paying attention to it, the Quaffle was on the other side of the field, it was going to hit Draco right in the head.
"DRACO!"
Harry shouted
"BLUDGER!"
Harry was so concentrated on Draco getting out of the way he didn't see the bludger below him change course and rocket up towards him. Draco saw the bludger and he managed to dodge out of the way. It hit the center pole and bounced off, heading back to the game. Harry calmed slightly, but then something hard hit him in the stomach. He was shot twenty feet in the air with the bludger. The air was knocked out of him. Everyone gasped. He was falling, falling hundreds of feet. He pulled his wand from his robes
"Accio Lightning Bolt!"
He cried. The broom hurled towards him and he caught it, about 30 feet from the ground. Everyone let out a sigh of relief, then began cheering. Harry looked down, ten feet below him Ginny was shooting across the field. The Snitch was hovering on the opposite end. Harry yelped in surprise and urged his broom forward. He was ten feet above the snitch, having no time to slant down. He passed Ginny easily and was now just ten feet above the snitch. Hovering below it was Sirius, waiting patiently for a bludger. Harry grinned then leapt off his boom, he shot through the air, grabbed the snitch, then landed on Sirius's broom, nearly scaring his godfather to death.
"Bloody hell Harry!"
He cried out in surprise, spinning the broom as a bludger shot towards them. Everyone was screaming and cheering. Remus flew over the top and grabbed Harry's broom. Harry took it and got back on. His team smiled happily and patted him on the back. Both teams landed and Ginny hugged him tightly
"Good game sport, but try NOT leaping off brooms in the future"
She said, grinning
"Yes dear"
He said, chuckling and hugging her again. He was then attacked by Charlie, Daniel, Remus, and Abigail. They all hugged him and thanked him. Then Snape even patted him on the back. The crowds flooded towards the great hall where lunch was being served. When Harry entered Hermionie and Ron immediately hugged him
"Great show Harry!"
Ron cried
"Yeah, it was pretty amazing"
Hermionie said. She had red finger marks on her cheeks, obviously he'd scared her too
"Thanks guys"
He said, taking a seat at one of the tables. Suddenly a tall handsome man appeared behind him, a big smile on his face
"You little shit Potter, when you ran from Hogwarts you should have some to me, I could have put you on a professional team!"
Harry spun around
"Oliver!?"
Harry cried leaping up. Sure enough, it was Oliver Wood. He hugged Harry and patted his head
"That was amazing Harry, you've improved a lot"
Oliver said, taking a seat
"Thanks"
Harry replied, sitting too
"And that's why..."
Wood began
"Next year you are going to be the seeker for the English Quidditch team!"
Harry spat his pumpkin juice clear across the table, hitting some old woman in the back of the robes, she didn't notice
"What?!"
"Yeah, I'm the keeper for the team. Our seeker fell off his broom not to long ago and is in no shape to play Quidditch...his bad seeking was what kept us from the cup, but with you, we could go all the way!"
Wood cried happily
"Play! Please Harry, you MUST play"
Oliver begged. Harry grinned
"I'll think about it Oliver"
"Yes!"
Wood said, grinning
"Think about it! Now, I must go chat with the public, I'll catch up with you later Harry"
And with that he stood up and walked off. The group enjoyed lunch immensely. Numerous Quidditch scouts approached Harry, even Bulgaria, who said he was better than Krum. That just tickled Ron to no end. Harry told them later that if he played, it would be for England. He also asked Ron about the trip with Sirius, Daniel, and Remus. He was very excited, though he didn't know if him Mum would want him going around the world with Sirius Black. Harry also talked to Fred and George for what seemed like days. They were doing wonderful and their business was doing well to. They walked around the grounds all day, just chatting and having a good time. At dinner, Harry saw Oliver sitting with the teachers. Girls kept approaching him and asking him for his autograph. Harry found that hilarious, until the same group asked him too. Harry glared at Oliver who was absolutely howling. But the best part of the night was when that very same group asked Snape for his too. The look on the mans face was priceless. Harry finally went to his room at around 4 in the morning. Fred and George insisted on throwing a party. It would have been fun were it not for the fact that no one would eat because Fred and George bewitched all the food. He crawled into bed and went to sleep right away.
~*~
The next morning Harry went to breakfast alone. Not to many people were there when he arrived so he took his seat at the teachers table. Hedwig arrived almost immediately with the Daily Prophet. On the Front page was a picture of him being hit by the bludger, then him catching the snitch. At the bottom was a picture of just him now, next to him in his fourth year. The difference was drastic. He ignored it and read the column
center Harry Potter, the boy who lived, played Quidditch for the first time in many years yesterday and put up an outstanding performance. No one expected any less of course. He left the crowd amazed at his daring and skill. The boy has proven himself many a time. With the defeat of Voldemort not to long ago, the boy has gotten back on his feet quick. At this point he is dating Ginny Weasley, the younger sister of his best friend Ron Weasley. As his final week at Hogwarts draws to an end, many of his classmates and teachers have a lot to say about him. His close friend, Neville Longbottom states "Harry is a wonderful person. I never would have survived Hogwarts without him". It's touching to know that even with the fame this boy holds he still has a heart. We asked a few of his teachers if they had ever thought the boy selfish "No, no. Harry was never selfish. He was a bit shy actually, I believe Mr. Weasley fixed that after the two grew so close. I am very proud of Harry, he was a wonderful student" Says Minerva Mcgonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Headmaster states "Harry is selfless...he has never done anything selfish in his life, at least not to my knowledge" It seems that the boy is well liked throughout the school as well. One of Potters former enemies, Mr. Draco Malfoy, says "Potter is one of those people that no matter how hard you try you can't hate forever. At some point he'll crack you" Yes, the school has produced nothing but good things about the boy. The final person we were able to get a word out of was Severus Snape, the Potions master. "Potter is...unique. Very talented, yes, but he is very headstrong. Not selfish, not at all, but very proud. He tries hard to prove himself, and I must say he's done a very good job of it" Words from a superior who, we are told, at one time hated Potter, just like his student Draco Malfoy. It seems Harry Potter has enchanted us all, we cant wait to here more, English Quidditch captain Oliver Wood states that he might be playing Quidditch for England next year. /center
Harry sighed and shook his head, folding the paper in half and glancing down at Snape. He to was reading the paper, the look of shock on his face told Harry that he'd just read his own line in the article. Not wanting to embarrass Snape further Harry tucked the paper away and pretended as though he hadn't read anything. Sure enough, seconds later, Snape was looking straight at him. Harry ignored him, placing his goblet to his mouth to hide his smile. Sirius suddenly slid into the seat beside Harry
"Quidditch huh?"
He asked. Harry raised an eyebrow
"What?"
"The paper says you might play for England"
"Yeah, Oliver wants me to"
"And..."
"I might"
"Might?"
"Yeah, I love Quidditch and all, but..."
"But"
"Well, I don't know if I should put all my time in effort into a game when I should be helping the ministry"
"You mean you don't know if you would rather do something you love for a career or do something that will just get you in trouble?"
Sirius asked. Harry sighed
"So you think I should play?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course I think you should play!"
Harry grinned
"I'll think about it, Oliver will be here tonight"
"Okay"
Breakfast passed without incident and Harry returned to his room. He pulled off his cloak and put on a pair of blue jeans and a red T-shirt. He grabbed his wand, a bit of money and left. He went to Hogsmede, bought a butter beer, some dress robes, then went back to Hogwarts. By the time he got back it was lunch time. He didn't even stay. He went to his room and laid his dress robes out. He grabbed a clean pair of Hogwarts robes and a pair of muggle cloths and laid them out too. Then he packed up everything else. He put everything back in his trunk. The room was clean again. All his stuff was over in the corner. The cloths he had removed we hanging over the couch. Before graduation tomorrow he would go get all the letters and his mothers diary from Hagrids. Oh! Harry suddenly realized he still had his fathers wand. He pulled it from his trunk and examined it. He didn't feel nearly as powerful with it resting in his hands as his did with his own. He raised his wand
"Accio dress robes"
The dress robes flew across the room and landed soundlessly in Harry's arms. Harry bowed his head and sunk to the floor, his back up against the bed. He wasn't even in his dormitory and he didn't want to leave. He knew Hogwarts was his home, and, just didn't like the thought of never coming back. He was sure Quidditch would be great, he was sure he'd be fine, but he know that every time he had time alone his mind would drift back to his life here. He knew everyone had memories from this place, but none like his. Not even Ron and Hermionie's memories of Hogwarts matched Harry's. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly a quiet knock sounded in the room. Harry waved his fathers wand and the door opened. Ginny stepped into the room. She was wearing a pair of flannel pajama pants and a white T- shirt. Her hair was up in a towel. She smiled at him and walked over, taking a seat beside him. She looked around the room and immediately noticed all his things were packed
"What am I going to do without you?"
She asked, looking at him with her big brown eyes
"The better question is what am I going to do without YOU"
Harry said, kissing her. She smiled
"Play Quidditch"
She said
"Do Home work"
Harry mumbled, grinning. She sighed
"I really don't know though Harry, it will be so dull without you three blowing something up or almost getting yourselves killed"
She said. Harry laughed
"I didn't almost kill them this year"
Harry said
"Did to, that snake bit Hermionie and You-know...Voldemort almost killed Ron"
"Right"
It was Ginny's turn to laugh
"You've almost killed them every year you were here"
"It wasn't always MY fault"
Harry retorted
"It always had something to do with you"
Ginny said
"You took them to the sorcerers stone your first year, Hermionie got petrified and Ron nearly got squashed your second year because Tom was after you, your third year Ron broke his leg and almost got bit by a werewolf, as did Hermionie, in your fourth year..."
She trailed off
"Ha! I didn't almost get them killed then!"
Harry said, smiling triumphantly
"Dumbledore took them to the bottom of the lake, you almost killed your friendship with Ron-"
"His fault"
"And that whole Voldemort thing"
"Nothing happened till my fifth year, and can we DROP this conversation"
Harry said, crossing his arms
"Okay"
Ginny said. Silence
"Well, I'm going to get dressed, see you at seven!"
She kissed him quickly and ran out of the room. Harry sighed and glanced at his watch, 5:30. He got up and went into the bathroom, took a long, hot shower, got dressed, combed his hair, then left the room. He entered the common room and walked over to Ron who was talking happily to Devon about Quidditch. Neville was sitting over a little, reading a book.
"Hey"
Harry said, dropping down beside Neville. Ron and Devon didn't answer.
"Heya Harry"
Neville muttered, not even looking up.
"Ron! Harry! I want a picture!"
Harry looked up. Collin was standing there in navy blue robes holding his camera. Harry smiled slightly and grabbed Ron. He put his arm around his best friend and Ron did the same. They both grinned and Collin took the picture. Hermionie, who had come down only seconds ago ran over
"Take one of all three of us Collin!"
She wedged herself between the boys and Collin took the picture. Hermionie looked beautiful once again. She and Ron were going together....once again. Ginny arrived too, wearing robes of emerald green. She kissed Harry lightly. Then Collin yelled
"Group Picture!"
Everyone in the common room crowded into the picture, smiling and laughing. It was great. Harry and Ron stood tall in the middle, their arms around Hermionie. Collin set the camera then ran into the picture, laying on his stomach in front. The picture snapped and Collin went back and got it. The Gryffindors left the room, laughing and chatting. When they entered the Great hall it was set up much like the night before, except now, there was a dance floor. On the stage was a group of witches Harry had never seen before. They were singing and people were dancing. Draco caught up with them quickly, Celestine still hanging from his arm. She gave Harry and Ginny a cold look, which Ginny returned. Harry really did not like this girl. The ball turned out to be a lot of fun. Harry told Oliver he would attend the first practice of the year, leaving Oliver absolutely ecstatic. Fred and George also showed up with Angelina Johnson and Katie Bell. Alicia Spinnet, another of Harry's old friends had shown up with Oliver. She received never ending teasing from the Weasley twins. Ginny and Harry danced the night away, having the time of their lives. The only time they didn't dance was when Dumbledore held a dancing contest. Draco and Hermionie won with their perfect tango. Ron had refused. Instead he sat on the side, grinning like an idiot as the two danced away. He thought it was hilarious. Oliver and Alicia had done the swing, coming in seconds and Remus and Abigail Winters had come in third with some retro crap that Harry had laughed at. Sirius, who saw the entire thing, was absolutely dying when they finished. Daniel was holding him up so he wouldn't fall to the floor laughing. At around midnight Harry led Ginny back to her common room, gave her a good night kiss, then went back to his room, dreading the next day, dreading graduation.
((That's that chapter! The next Chapter is graduation and leaving Hogwarts! I will be writing a sequel, it will be started before this one is done! Hope you keep reading! PLEASE review! Thanx! ~ Kay))