Ginny Weasley and The Boy Who Lived
Chapter 6: Autumn
Dear Harry and Ron,
How are you? I've got some news for you. Bird is Head Girl, big surprise there, she was even more of a cert than Hermione, she's never had a detention in her life, even from Snape! Armen Sharma from Ravenclaw is Head Boy.
McGonagall also announced a couple of new appointments, James Howlett is the new gamekeeper and Hermione is the new Transfiguration Professor.
Nymph has taken over as Quidditch Captain and picked five new players, four second years: Diggory Clarke as Seeker; Meg Jordan as Keeper; Carolina, Angelina's little sister as Chaser and Karen Markham as Beater. The other new player is a third year: Julian Stoakes, he'll be backing up Roger. It seems a bit weird having a girl as a Beater but she took one of Roger's Bludgers in the stomach and she wasn't even winded! I think she might work out. The first Gryffindor match is on October 21st, hope I'll see you then.
Love you both,
Ginny
Dear Harry,
Will you please, get Ron to talk to me!!! I've sent him four letters in the last month and Odin has come back with all of them, he can't be that busy?! He's sulking isn't he? I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I thought you'd probably guess, I did tell you last year that I was interested in a teaching job. Please reply back, I can't stand this, what with all the stress I've been having with my students, especially the younger Slytherins.
Love,
Hermione
Dear Hermione,
I talked to Ron and I think he's over the whole you-being-a-teacher thing. I pointed out that it was a natural thing for you to do. After all, Ron, Neville and I probably would have failed Potions in first year without you, I'd probably have been roasted by that Horntail in the First Task, not to mention all the other things you've taught us things.
In fact, Ginny and I had guessed what you had planned. Although I thought I knew it was a bit of a give away that you disappeared the same day as Sirius. We don't hold it against and I'll see you when I come up for the Gryffindor v Slytherin match on October 23rd.
Love,
Harry.
One afternoon while the gang were relaxing in the suite after a Double Transfiguration class with Hermione, Hedwig arrived with a letter, she landed on Ginny's arm and nibbled her finger affectionately, Ginny took the letter off her leg, Peter offered an Owl Treat, Hedwig swallowed it and took off and flew through the window, Ginny opened the letter and scanned the brief note.
Dear Ginny and the gang,
My first game with the Cannons went well, we got a good win against the Caerphilly Catapults, 220-30. If we beat the Arrows on the 19th and the Tornados on November 9th, we'll have a good chance at the Cup. Wish me luck.
Love,
Harry.
Dear Harry,
Well done against the Catapults, Higgs is supposed to be pretty good. Are you going to come up on Friday? Sirius says he'll give me special permission to come and meet you off the train, as long as Hermione comes too. I asked Dobby to prepare your room from last year; no-one's using it at the minute and it would give us a chance at some privacy. Tell Ron I miss him.
Love,
Ginny.
Dear Ginny,
Coming on Friday as planned, my train gets into Hogwarts at six pm. See you then. Ron misses you too and sends his love.
Love,
Harry.
----
Harry jumped off the train and into Ginny's arms. "Mmmm, I've missed you." He told her, holding her tightly in his arms.
"How much have you missed me?" Ginny asked coyly.
Harry bent down and whispered in her ear, "Not here. I'll show you later if we can get some time alone."
"I'd like that."
Someone clearing their voice behind them interrupted them; Harry broke his embrace with Ginny and tucked his arm around her waist, "Hi Hermione." He grinned. "How are you?" He reached back into the train and Summoned his pack to his hand.
Hermione sighed, "Fine Harry. Just tired. The Slytherins have been running me ragged in class. I can't believe any of us were that bad in first year."
"I don't know. What did they do?"
"Oldham managed to blow up his needle, he burned the desk to ashes, in about three seconds, I just about managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to the rest of the room. And he and his crony, Needles have proceeded to screw up every lesson for the last six weeks." she paused, "Some of the older Slytherins aren't much better, Naga's just as annoying now as he was when I was a student. The Hufflepuffs aren't easy either, but they try. The Ravenclaws, they go through the motions but I don't think most of them, except Gabrielle, the Prefects and Sharma, respect me either. The only bright spot are the Gryffindor classes, the first years are a joy to teach, especially Athena McGonagall and Tyler."
"Don't worry 'Mione." Harry assured her, "You'll get the hang of it. You always do."
"Thanks Harry. How long can you stay and where's Ron?"
"I've got a fortnight off, after that win against the Arrows we all need a break, 150-0, it was the hardest game I've ever played. Ron's busy at work but he'll be up for Halloween."
The three friends walked down off the platform and got into the single horseless carriage waiting there and drove to the main stairs of the castle. The cousins, Roger, the girls and the Creeveys were waiting for them. They escorted Harry back to Gryffindor Tower and Dennis opened the portrait hole, then the Creeveys and the girls then joined their own friends to give Harry some quiet time. The others followed Peter up the stairs to her suite; Harry dropped his bag in the spare room and settled down on one of the sofas with Ginny.
He spent a couple of hours talking with his friends, Hermione was the first to leave and after a game of chess with Tom, he headed off to bed too, Peter didn't comment when Ginny followed him into his room.
----
Harry woke next morning to find Ginny still snuggled in his arms. "I've missed this." he said, stroking Ginny's hair. She stirred and looked up at him, "Morning Harry. What time is it?"
Harry glanced at his watch, which fortunately was on his other arm. "Eight o'clock. Time to get up I think?"
"Okay. I do have a match to win." admitted Ginny and got out of bed. They showered and dressed then went out into the suite. Ginny knocked on the door of Bird's room. There was no answer. "She must be down at breakfast already. Let's join her."
They walked down the stairs into the Common Room. A few students were in there, either doing homework or reading. Harry said hello to the ones he knew then followed Ginny out the Portrait hole. They walked down the main stair hand-in-hand and into the Great Hall where most of the students were still seated eating. The couple joined the cousins and Roger at the top of the table. "Did you have a good night's sleep Harry?" asked Tom, meaningfully.
"As it happens, yes." replied Harry, straight-faced, "You?"
"Fine. Where are you going to sit for the match?"
"I thought I'd sit with Hermione, Sirius and Remus in the teachers stand. You're all playing and I don't have any other friends here."
"Good. You'll have a good seat then."
"I won't miss this for anything."
They chatted for a while and then the team rose, Harry got up too and followed them down to the stadium. At the door to the changing rooms, he reached out and caught Ginny by the arm. "Good luck, love." he said and kissed her. Ginny smiled and squeezed his hand reassuringly, then let go and went into the changing rooms. Harry waited for a breath, then turned and headed for the stairs into the stands. He sat down beside Hermione and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hi 'Mione."
"Hi Harry." She smiled. "It's a bit different seeing it from this angle isn't it?"
"You bet." confirmed Harry, and then nodded to Marcus Ward, a blond second year who had been chosen to take over as commentator. Like Ron and Lee, he was a Gryffindor. He cleared his throat and picked up the magicked microphone. "Welcome everyone. To the first Quidditch match of the year. Today, the defending champions Gryffindor, face off against their traditional rivals, Slytherin. It's going to be some match folks." Tom lead the Gryffindors out onto the pitch, they spread out across the pitch talking up their positions, Tom moved to the centre spot. "Starting for Gryffindor today are Weasley, Parrington, Masters, Falco, Lamina, Monk, and the new team captain, AQUANIS!"
The Slytherin team walked out onto the pitch opposite the Gryffindors, Harry noted there were a lot of new faces. "Starting today for Slytherin are Walker, Redfern, Khosa, Blade, Grantham, Heidler and NAGA!!! Team Captain Richard Naga has put together a strong line-up, but he's facing an older, more experienced Gryffindor team. Hang onto to your hats, folks, it's going to be some match!"
Charlie glared at Naga, "Keep it clean, I'll be watching you." The Slytherin Captain grinned, "Ready.set."
"And they're off. Gryffindor immediately takes possession, Weasley has the Quaffle and she's speeding down the pitch, past one Beater, passed the other. She shoots. Score!!! Gryffindor lead ten to nil!" announced Ward.
"A good start." commented Harry. Hermione nodded and turned back to the game.
"Parrington has the Quaffle, reverse pass to Weasley, she shots, saved by Naga. Slytherin in possession, Heidler has the Quaffle, angling for the goal. He's hit hard from behind with a Bludger by Aquanis. Drops the Quaffle, intercepted by Masters, she shots and a nice long throw it is too! And she scores! Gryffindor now lead by twenty! Gryffindor still in possession, Weasley with the Quaffle, she ducks under a Bludger, hit towards Naga by Roger Monk, she shoots. Another goal for Gryffindor!"
"Slytherin doesn't stand a chance. They have a strong team but they just aren't organised enough." Harry commented to Hermione. "Half the time their Beaters are out of position and their Chasers aren't co-ordinated enough." Hermione nodded again.
"And an excellent use of the Porskoff Ploy by Parrington and Masters gets another Quaffle in the goal and Gryffindor now lead 40-0! Gryffindor still in possession, Weasley maneuvering for a shot. The Slytherin Chasers are closing in a Parkin's Pincer, Heidler snatches the Quaffle, heading towards the goal. He shots. nice Double Eight Loop by Falco. Gryffindor now in possession, Parrington with the Quaffle. She shoots, saved by Naga, Masters catches it on the rebound and scores! Gryffindor lead by 50."
"They've got some good moves. Hufflepuff'll have a challenge. But they're out of their league against Gryffindor." Hermione nodded and they sat quietly watching the match for a while.
Sonja was flying high over the pitch about thirty minutes into the game, with Gryffindor leading 90-0 when she saw a glint of gold near the Slytherin goal. She turned towards it and dived urging her broom faster and faster. She zipped past Naga, knocking him off balance and the Bludger hit him hard in the face.
"Naga gets hit hard by the Bludger, he goes down and Parrington slips another one past to make it 100-0 for Gryffindor! I thought Lamina had spotted the Snitch but it seems to have disappeared."
And it had. Sonja straightened out of her dive and then flew upwards again, searching for the Snitch. Then she spotted it, glistening about a hundred feet away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Khosa diving for it too. She dived, speeding faster and faster. She slammed into him just as he was reaching for it, knocking him away and grabbing it herself.
"Lamina catches the Snitch for Gryffindor and they win by 250-0!" announced Ward to the cheering stadium.
"I told her she could do it." Harry told Hermione.
"You were right."
----
Harry spent the next week quite enjoyably. He joined his friends among the seventh years in the library or their sitting room during their free periods. At other times he swapped Quidditch stories with Charlie, spent time with Sirius and Lupin learning about new Dark creatures or potions. He also helped Hermione with her classes too, the older Slytherins especially were better behaved after Harry showed them his Animagus.
Ron arrived on the day before Halloween on the same train as Harry had. Harry, Hermione, and their seventh year friends went down to Hogsmeade Station to meet him. Harry smiled when Hermione embraced him fiercely as soon he got off the train. They've obviously made up. He said to Ginny as Ron returned her hug and then kissed her hard.
They broke apart after a few moments and Ron greeted his friends, Harry and Ginny first, then the cousins and Roger. He retrieved his bag from the train and followed them to the two horseless carriages they had ridden down to the station in. After settling Ron into Hermione's quarters, they all gathered in the Gryffindor suite. Ron shared his news and brought them up to date on the happenings at the Ministry. In return Hermione and the seventh years told him how their classes had been going.
Halloween weekend was quite busy for the students, Harry, Hermione and Ron joined most of the third years and above on a trip to Hogsmeade. When they walked back along the path back to Hogwarts after a few drinks in the Three Broomsticks, Ron teased Hermione to get her to admit that she enjoyed the day off. Hermione quickly admitted that she had. Damn. Since she became a teacher, we can't have any good arguments anymore. Ron told Harry and Ginny.
Harry smiled and nodded, Don't worry Ron. I'm sure you'll find a way.
I'm sure I will.
At the feast later in the evening, Harry sat with the Gryffindor team and Ron sat with Hermione and the other professors at the Staff Table. The Gryffindor ghosts again provided that year's entertainment.
The next morning was the Hufflepuff v. Ravenclaw match. Sharma's team proved formidable challenge for Hufflepuff and came out 180-100 with Lacey catching the Snitch. A week later, Harry and Ron returned to London on the morning shuttle and headed back to work.
The next few weeks were pretty quiet for the Gryffindors; they spent most of the time studying or practising Quidditch. The snow was just starting to fall around the castle when Ginny received an owl one morning; it was an official Ministry eagle owl. She opened up the envelope and pulled out a heavy parchment invitation.
Virginia Weasley
You are cordially invited to
The Chancery Ball
on
December 26th
at
Chancery House.
8pm to 2am
Full dress robes should be worn.
Dinner and Dance.
Escort is mandatory.
R.S.V.P.
Similar invitations arrived for Roger, the cousins and others. That evening, Ginny sat down to write to Harry.
Dear Harry, I have received an invitation to the Chancery Ball on Boxing Day. I'd like to go, it is a great honour to receive an invitation, but I don't want to go without you. Have you and Ron got invitations and are you coming? Please reply back A.S.A.P.
Love,
Ginny.
She put the note into an envelope and headed downstairs. On her way up to the Owlery she had a thought and paused just as her hand closed on the door handle. Owl?
Yes Mare?
Have you had any owls this morning?
Two. Pig and an official Ministry owl. Why?
Are you going to the Chancery Ball?
I have been invited but I'm not sure. Probably, if you and my other friends are going. Are you?
Simia, the cousins and I all got invitations. I'm sending an owl to Lion to see if he and Fox want to go. If they do I'm going.
Me too. Quite a few of the teachers got invitations: Cat, Padfoot, Moony, Dragonfire, Orion.
The Order.
Yes. They all plan to go. Sprout will be running things while Cat's away.
By that point Ginny had entered the Owlery. Mercury flew down to her and nibbled her finger affectionately. Ginny tied the letter to his leg and carried him to the window. "Take this to Harry. Quick as you can okay?" He hooted reassuringly and took off, flying out into the night.
Ginny stood there for a few minutes, watching the stars. Then she turned and headed out of the vaulted room and into the corridor. Walking quickly but silently she managed to get back to Gryffindor Tower without incident. She gave the password to the Fat Lady ('Leonis Minor.') and slipped into the Tower. The few students that were still up were either to engrossed in what they were doing to notice her arrival or knew her well enough not to comment. Ginny went straight to bed.
Harry's reply came the next morning.
Dear Ginny, Ron and I have received invitations to the Chancery Ball, he's looking forward to it, but I must admit I'm not especially. If you want to go though I would be glad to go with you, balls are never so bad with you on my arm. Who else at Hogwarts is coming? Molly insists that we must join her and Arthur at the House for Christmas dinner and she'd like us all to stay at Chancery House over the holiday. See you on December 18th at Platform 9¾.
Love, Harry.
P.S. We flattened the Tornados 320-40 and we'll be taking on the Harpies just before Christmas. That should be interesting, Cho is playing Seeker for them and I hear she's got herself a Nimbus 2500, but I reckon I can still beat her.
Ginny immediately told Hermione and her friends and they all agreed they would be going to the Ball.
A/N: Another chapter done. Next, it's Christmas time and the gang are 'going to the party'! Please R/R.
Chapter 6: Autumn
Dear Harry and Ron,
How are you? I've got some news for you. Bird is Head Girl, big surprise there, she was even more of a cert than Hermione, she's never had a detention in her life, even from Snape! Armen Sharma from Ravenclaw is Head Boy.
McGonagall also announced a couple of new appointments, James Howlett is the new gamekeeper and Hermione is the new Transfiguration Professor.
Nymph has taken over as Quidditch Captain and picked five new players, four second years: Diggory Clarke as Seeker; Meg Jordan as Keeper; Carolina, Angelina's little sister as Chaser and Karen Markham as Beater. The other new player is a third year: Julian Stoakes, he'll be backing up Roger. It seems a bit weird having a girl as a Beater but she took one of Roger's Bludgers in the stomach and she wasn't even winded! I think she might work out. The first Gryffindor match is on October 21st, hope I'll see you then.
Love you both,
Ginny
Dear Harry,
Will you please, get Ron to talk to me!!! I've sent him four letters in the last month and Odin has come back with all of them, he can't be that busy?! He's sulking isn't he? I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I thought you'd probably guess, I did tell you last year that I was interested in a teaching job. Please reply back, I can't stand this, what with all the stress I've been having with my students, especially the younger Slytherins.
Love,
Hermione
Dear Hermione,
I talked to Ron and I think he's over the whole you-being-a-teacher thing. I pointed out that it was a natural thing for you to do. After all, Ron, Neville and I probably would have failed Potions in first year without you, I'd probably have been roasted by that Horntail in the First Task, not to mention all the other things you've taught us things.
In fact, Ginny and I had guessed what you had planned. Although I thought I knew it was a bit of a give away that you disappeared the same day as Sirius. We don't hold it against and I'll see you when I come up for the Gryffindor v Slytherin match on October 23rd.
Love,
Harry.
One afternoon while the gang were relaxing in the suite after a Double Transfiguration class with Hermione, Hedwig arrived with a letter, she landed on Ginny's arm and nibbled her finger affectionately, Ginny took the letter off her leg, Peter offered an Owl Treat, Hedwig swallowed it and took off and flew through the window, Ginny opened the letter and scanned the brief note.
Dear Ginny and the gang,
My first game with the Cannons went well, we got a good win against the Caerphilly Catapults, 220-30. If we beat the Arrows on the 19th and the Tornados on November 9th, we'll have a good chance at the Cup. Wish me luck.
Love,
Harry.
Dear Harry,
Well done against the Catapults, Higgs is supposed to be pretty good. Are you going to come up on Friday? Sirius says he'll give me special permission to come and meet you off the train, as long as Hermione comes too. I asked Dobby to prepare your room from last year; no-one's using it at the minute and it would give us a chance at some privacy. Tell Ron I miss him.
Love,
Ginny.
Dear Ginny,
Coming on Friday as planned, my train gets into Hogwarts at six pm. See you then. Ron misses you too and sends his love.
Love,
Harry.
----
Harry jumped off the train and into Ginny's arms. "Mmmm, I've missed you." He told her, holding her tightly in his arms.
"How much have you missed me?" Ginny asked coyly.
Harry bent down and whispered in her ear, "Not here. I'll show you later if we can get some time alone."
"I'd like that."
Someone clearing their voice behind them interrupted them; Harry broke his embrace with Ginny and tucked his arm around her waist, "Hi Hermione." He grinned. "How are you?" He reached back into the train and Summoned his pack to his hand.
Hermione sighed, "Fine Harry. Just tired. The Slytherins have been running me ragged in class. I can't believe any of us were that bad in first year."
"I don't know. What did they do?"
"Oldham managed to blow up his needle, he burned the desk to ashes, in about three seconds, I just about managed to extinguish the fire before it spread to the rest of the room. And he and his crony, Needles have proceeded to screw up every lesson for the last six weeks." she paused, "Some of the older Slytherins aren't much better, Naga's just as annoying now as he was when I was a student. The Hufflepuffs aren't easy either, but they try. The Ravenclaws, they go through the motions but I don't think most of them, except Gabrielle, the Prefects and Sharma, respect me either. The only bright spot are the Gryffindor classes, the first years are a joy to teach, especially Athena McGonagall and Tyler."
"Don't worry 'Mione." Harry assured her, "You'll get the hang of it. You always do."
"Thanks Harry. How long can you stay and where's Ron?"
"I've got a fortnight off, after that win against the Arrows we all need a break, 150-0, it was the hardest game I've ever played. Ron's busy at work but he'll be up for Halloween."
The three friends walked down off the platform and got into the single horseless carriage waiting there and drove to the main stairs of the castle. The cousins, Roger, the girls and the Creeveys were waiting for them. They escorted Harry back to Gryffindor Tower and Dennis opened the portrait hole, then the Creeveys and the girls then joined their own friends to give Harry some quiet time. The others followed Peter up the stairs to her suite; Harry dropped his bag in the spare room and settled down on one of the sofas with Ginny.
He spent a couple of hours talking with his friends, Hermione was the first to leave and after a game of chess with Tom, he headed off to bed too, Peter didn't comment when Ginny followed him into his room.
----
Harry woke next morning to find Ginny still snuggled in his arms. "I've missed this." he said, stroking Ginny's hair. She stirred and looked up at him, "Morning Harry. What time is it?"
Harry glanced at his watch, which fortunately was on his other arm. "Eight o'clock. Time to get up I think?"
"Okay. I do have a match to win." admitted Ginny and got out of bed. They showered and dressed then went out into the suite. Ginny knocked on the door of Bird's room. There was no answer. "She must be down at breakfast already. Let's join her."
They walked down the stairs into the Common Room. A few students were in there, either doing homework or reading. Harry said hello to the ones he knew then followed Ginny out the Portrait hole. They walked down the main stair hand-in-hand and into the Great Hall where most of the students were still seated eating. The couple joined the cousins and Roger at the top of the table. "Did you have a good night's sleep Harry?" asked Tom, meaningfully.
"As it happens, yes." replied Harry, straight-faced, "You?"
"Fine. Where are you going to sit for the match?"
"I thought I'd sit with Hermione, Sirius and Remus in the teachers stand. You're all playing and I don't have any other friends here."
"Good. You'll have a good seat then."
"I won't miss this for anything."
They chatted for a while and then the team rose, Harry got up too and followed them down to the stadium. At the door to the changing rooms, he reached out and caught Ginny by the arm. "Good luck, love." he said and kissed her. Ginny smiled and squeezed his hand reassuringly, then let go and went into the changing rooms. Harry waited for a breath, then turned and headed for the stairs into the stands. He sat down beside Hermione and tapped her on the shoulder. "Hi 'Mione."
"Hi Harry." She smiled. "It's a bit different seeing it from this angle isn't it?"
"You bet." confirmed Harry, and then nodded to Marcus Ward, a blond second year who had been chosen to take over as commentator. Like Ron and Lee, he was a Gryffindor. He cleared his throat and picked up the magicked microphone. "Welcome everyone. To the first Quidditch match of the year. Today, the defending champions Gryffindor, face off against their traditional rivals, Slytherin. It's going to be some match folks." Tom lead the Gryffindors out onto the pitch, they spread out across the pitch talking up their positions, Tom moved to the centre spot. "Starting for Gryffindor today are Weasley, Parrington, Masters, Falco, Lamina, Monk, and the new team captain, AQUANIS!"
The Slytherin team walked out onto the pitch opposite the Gryffindors, Harry noted there were a lot of new faces. "Starting today for Slytherin are Walker, Redfern, Khosa, Blade, Grantham, Heidler and NAGA!!! Team Captain Richard Naga has put together a strong line-up, but he's facing an older, more experienced Gryffindor team. Hang onto to your hats, folks, it's going to be some match!"
Charlie glared at Naga, "Keep it clean, I'll be watching you." The Slytherin Captain grinned, "Ready.set."
"And they're off. Gryffindor immediately takes possession, Weasley has the Quaffle and she's speeding down the pitch, past one Beater, passed the other. She shoots. Score!!! Gryffindor lead ten to nil!" announced Ward.
"A good start." commented Harry. Hermione nodded and turned back to the game.
"Parrington has the Quaffle, reverse pass to Weasley, she shots, saved by Naga. Slytherin in possession, Heidler has the Quaffle, angling for the goal. He's hit hard from behind with a Bludger by Aquanis. Drops the Quaffle, intercepted by Masters, she shots and a nice long throw it is too! And she scores! Gryffindor now lead by twenty! Gryffindor still in possession, Weasley with the Quaffle, she ducks under a Bludger, hit towards Naga by Roger Monk, she shoots. Another goal for Gryffindor!"
"Slytherin doesn't stand a chance. They have a strong team but they just aren't organised enough." Harry commented to Hermione. "Half the time their Beaters are out of position and their Chasers aren't co-ordinated enough." Hermione nodded again.
"And an excellent use of the Porskoff Ploy by Parrington and Masters gets another Quaffle in the goal and Gryffindor now lead 40-0! Gryffindor still in possession, Weasley maneuvering for a shot. The Slytherin Chasers are closing in a Parkin's Pincer, Heidler snatches the Quaffle, heading towards the goal. He shots. nice Double Eight Loop by Falco. Gryffindor now in possession, Parrington with the Quaffle. She shoots, saved by Naga, Masters catches it on the rebound and scores! Gryffindor lead by 50."
"They've got some good moves. Hufflepuff'll have a challenge. But they're out of their league against Gryffindor." Hermione nodded and they sat quietly watching the match for a while.
Sonja was flying high over the pitch about thirty minutes into the game, with Gryffindor leading 90-0 when she saw a glint of gold near the Slytherin goal. She turned towards it and dived urging her broom faster and faster. She zipped past Naga, knocking him off balance and the Bludger hit him hard in the face.
"Naga gets hit hard by the Bludger, he goes down and Parrington slips another one past to make it 100-0 for Gryffindor! I thought Lamina had spotted the Snitch but it seems to have disappeared."
And it had. Sonja straightened out of her dive and then flew upwards again, searching for the Snitch. Then she spotted it, glistening about a hundred feet away. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Khosa diving for it too. She dived, speeding faster and faster. She slammed into him just as he was reaching for it, knocking him away and grabbing it herself.
"Lamina catches the Snitch for Gryffindor and they win by 250-0!" announced Ward to the cheering stadium.
"I told her she could do it." Harry told Hermione.
"You were right."
----
Harry spent the next week quite enjoyably. He joined his friends among the seventh years in the library or their sitting room during their free periods. At other times he swapped Quidditch stories with Charlie, spent time with Sirius and Lupin learning about new Dark creatures or potions. He also helped Hermione with her classes too, the older Slytherins especially were better behaved after Harry showed them his Animagus.
Ron arrived on the day before Halloween on the same train as Harry had. Harry, Hermione, and their seventh year friends went down to Hogsmeade Station to meet him. Harry smiled when Hermione embraced him fiercely as soon he got off the train. They've obviously made up. He said to Ginny as Ron returned her hug and then kissed her hard.
They broke apart after a few moments and Ron greeted his friends, Harry and Ginny first, then the cousins and Roger. He retrieved his bag from the train and followed them to the two horseless carriages they had ridden down to the station in. After settling Ron into Hermione's quarters, they all gathered in the Gryffindor suite. Ron shared his news and brought them up to date on the happenings at the Ministry. In return Hermione and the seventh years told him how their classes had been going.
Halloween weekend was quite busy for the students, Harry, Hermione and Ron joined most of the third years and above on a trip to Hogsmeade. When they walked back along the path back to Hogwarts after a few drinks in the Three Broomsticks, Ron teased Hermione to get her to admit that she enjoyed the day off. Hermione quickly admitted that she had. Damn. Since she became a teacher, we can't have any good arguments anymore. Ron told Harry and Ginny.
Harry smiled and nodded, Don't worry Ron. I'm sure you'll find a way.
I'm sure I will.
At the feast later in the evening, Harry sat with the Gryffindor team and Ron sat with Hermione and the other professors at the Staff Table. The Gryffindor ghosts again provided that year's entertainment.
The next morning was the Hufflepuff v. Ravenclaw match. Sharma's team proved formidable challenge for Hufflepuff and came out 180-100 with Lacey catching the Snitch. A week later, Harry and Ron returned to London on the morning shuttle and headed back to work.
The next few weeks were pretty quiet for the Gryffindors; they spent most of the time studying or practising Quidditch. The snow was just starting to fall around the castle when Ginny received an owl one morning; it was an official Ministry eagle owl. She opened up the envelope and pulled out a heavy parchment invitation.
Virginia Weasley
You are cordially invited to
The Chancery Ball
on
December 26th
at
Chancery House.
8pm to 2am
Full dress robes should be worn.
Dinner and Dance.
Escort is mandatory.
R.S.V.P.
Similar invitations arrived for Roger, the cousins and others. That evening, Ginny sat down to write to Harry.
Dear Harry, I have received an invitation to the Chancery Ball on Boxing Day. I'd like to go, it is a great honour to receive an invitation, but I don't want to go without you. Have you and Ron got invitations and are you coming? Please reply back A.S.A.P.
Love,
Ginny.
She put the note into an envelope and headed downstairs. On her way up to the Owlery she had a thought and paused just as her hand closed on the door handle. Owl?
Yes Mare?
Have you had any owls this morning?
Two. Pig and an official Ministry owl. Why?
Are you going to the Chancery Ball?
I have been invited but I'm not sure. Probably, if you and my other friends are going. Are you?
Simia, the cousins and I all got invitations. I'm sending an owl to Lion to see if he and Fox want to go. If they do I'm going.
Me too. Quite a few of the teachers got invitations: Cat, Padfoot, Moony, Dragonfire, Orion.
The Order.
Yes. They all plan to go. Sprout will be running things while Cat's away.
By that point Ginny had entered the Owlery. Mercury flew down to her and nibbled her finger affectionately. Ginny tied the letter to his leg and carried him to the window. "Take this to Harry. Quick as you can okay?" He hooted reassuringly and took off, flying out into the night.
Ginny stood there for a few minutes, watching the stars. Then she turned and headed out of the vaulted room and into the corridor. Walking quickly but silently she managed to get back to Gryffindor Tower without incident. She gave the password to the Fat Lady ('Leonis Minor.') and slipped into the Tower. The few students that were still up were either to engrossed in what they were doing to notice her arrival or knew her well enough not to comment. Ginny went straight to bed.
Harry's reply came the next morning.
Dear Ginny, Ron and I have received invitations to the Chancery Ball, he's looking forward to it, but I must admit I'm not especially. If you want to go though I would be glad to go with you, balls are never so bad with you on my arm. Who else at Hogwarts is coming? Molly insists that we must join her and Arthur at the House for Christmas dinner and she'd like us all to stay at Chancery House over the holiday. See you on December 18th at Platform 9¾.
Love, Harry.
P.S. We flattened the Tornados 320-40 and we'll be taking on the Harpies just before Christmas. That should be interesting, Cho is playing Seeker for them and I hear she's got herself a Nimbus 2500, but I reckon I can still beat her.
Ginny immediately told Hermione and her friends and they all agreed they would be going to the Ball.
A/N: Another chapter done. Next, it's Christmas time and the gang are 'going to the party'! Please R/R.