Chapter 10: The N.E.W.Ts. and other things
The next few weeks flew by for Harry and his friends. Harry was busy squeezing the last few League games in before the League Final, working sixty-hour weeks, and more, again. Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Ginny and her friends were deep into preparing for their exams and of course the last Quidditch game of the season. "And our last game together." Peter reminded them after their final practice. "So let's make it a good one." They all nodded in agreement.
Ginny stood up and moved to the door, she was a bit depressed, Harry hadn't arrived yet and she hadn't heard from him in several days, I hope he's okay, she thought, Maybe he's just too busy to get way. Yeah that's it. I would have heard something if there was anything wrong. But she was still unhappy.
She walked back to the castle ahead of the others and headed straight for Gryffindor Tower, walking quickly through the Common Room and up the girls' staircase. She paused outside her own room and then headed further up the stairs. She didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment, and she knew that Callie and Vanessa would want to. On the other hand, her friends could read her moods easily by now and would leave her in peace. "Falconidae." she murmured and the door to the Gryffindor Suite slid open.
She walked in, and was just about to cross to her favourite sofa when she sensed someone coming up behind her. The unknown person grabbed her from behind. "Surprise!" he yelled but Ginny didn't clock the familiar voice, instead she reacted instinctively, and using barely remembered lessons, she broke his hold and threw him over her shoulder.
He flew through the air in a flurry of scarlet robes and black hair, twisted in mi-air and landed cat-like on the sofa glaring at Ginny. "If that's the way you're going to welcome me from now on love, maybe I shouldn't come?" Harry asked, completely straight-faced.
"You startled me that's all." Ginny told, smiling as she joined him on the sofa. "I was caught up thinking and."
"Sorry. You can usually sense me around you, so when I saw the chance to sneak up on you, I took it." He shrugged, "I guess it's the honorary Weasley in me. Forgive me?"
Ginny looked at him sternly for a moment. Then she giggled at the horror on his face. "Of course I will Harry. Always." Harry shifted so he was in a more comfortable position and Ginny lay down against him in her usual position, her head resting on his chest and her arms around him. Harry curled one arm around her and they lay there for a while, just enjoying each other's closeness, the only movement was Harry's hand stroking Ginny's hair.
After a few minutes, Ginny broke the silence. "So how have you been Harry? You haven't written to me in weeks."
Harry stopped smiling, "Sorry Ginny, I know you expect letters regularly, but." he paused, and sighed, "Lately all I've had time for lately is eating and sleeping, and not as much of that as I'd like." he added. "Conroy's been running us ragged. Now he's got a shot at the League Cup and Europe next session he doesn't want anything to go wrong. Although his players passing out from lack of sleep during the game could qualify."
Ginny looked up at him, concerned. "You haven't?"
Harry grinned, then sobered up. "Not yet. None of us have. But we can't keep this up Gin. I was on my broom for 72 hours last week, and it would've been the same this week, but I managed to persuade Conroy to give me to- night and tomorrow off, Sunday too of course, that's the one day we don't work. I've got a match Tuesday afternoon though, so I have to be back for practice on Monday."
"Who are you playing?" asked Peter who had just come in with Tom, Roger and Sonja close behind.
"The Falcons. I hope it goes better than our last couple of matches. We almost lost the Wasps game, the Wasps' Chasers were a lot more on the ball than ours were. It's the lack of sleep catching up with us. We drew 170- 170. And we lost the Wanders game 260-180. Mark knocked Carrie out at the beginning of the game and she didn't wake up 'till three days later. We're still playing the reserve Keeper, and probably will be until the Final."
"But you'll be in the Final?" Ginny insisted.
Harry nodded. "As long as we win or draw one of our last two games, against Puddlemere or Falmouth, we're through, unless the Arrows win against the Catapults and the Bats. In which case we need to win one or draw both."
"You confident?"
Harry nodded. "Three good nights of sleep and I'll be back to normal, I'm pretty sure the others will be too. I'm looking forward to your game tomorrow though."
Tom frowned, "Yeah. I'm worried though. I can't shake the feeling that Ravenclaw have a surprise up their sleeves for us tomorrow."
"It'll have to be a damn good one." Harry reassured him, "You're 250 points up. I don't see how they can get any edge that'll over come that. Not with the strength of your side. You'll be playing the main team, I take it?"
Tom nodded, "A last hurrah before most of us leave."
"Well don't worry about it." Harry told him, "You'll find out soon enough. Have some fun tonight. Get an early night and do your best. That's my advice."
"Good idea."
----
"Hi everybody, and welcome to the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup Final. For the second time in two seasons, defending champions Gryffindor will be facing RAVENCLAW! For Gryffindor today for the last time we have. Weasley, Parrington, Masters, Falco, Lamina, Monk, and AQUANIS!" Half the stadium erupted in cheers, while the Slytherins booed. "For Ravenclaw. Gorman, Dirking, Swift, Quirke, Lacey, Peach and SHARMA!" announced Ward.
Charlie strode out onto the pitch, his black and white robes swirling around, he kicked open the box and blew his whistle hard. "The Quaffle is in the air and they're off. Weasley of Gryffindor, with the Quaffle. flying fast for the Ravenclaw goal, ducks a Bludger from Peach, which is send back his way by Monk. She shoots, saved by Quirke. Ravenclaw in possession, Swift has the Quaffle, passes to Gorman she shoots, saved by Falco and Gryffindor are in possession, Parrington with the Quaffle."
"That Cup's going to have a Gryffindor's name on it again this year, for the fifth year running." predicted Harry. Hermione nodded. "It does look like it."
"Dirking scores for Ravenclaw and they know lead 20-0!" announced Ward, "Gryffindor in possession, Weasley with the Quaffle, passes to Masters. Weasley continues towards the Ravenclaw goal. Masters, passes to Parrington. She's speeding after Weasley, ducks a Bludger, passes to Weasley, she shoots and Gryffindor narrow the gap at 10-20!"
"That's better." said Harry, he sat there in silence for a few minutes, then spoke again. "I think Bird must have ignored my advice to get some sleep last night. It's not like her to let goals through." At that moment Swift slipped another one passed her to make 60-20 for Ravenclaw. "I don't what she's playing at."
Out on the pitch, Tom was wondering the same thing. He intercepted a Bludger that was flying towards Ginny, and whacked it back at the Beater who had sent it in her direction, Ginny nodded gratefully to him and then manoeuvred past Quirke to put another one through for Gryffindor. Swift snatched the Quaffle as it came through and started for the other goal, but a Bludger sent his way by Tom rattled him long enough for Babs to snatch it and put another one through. "Gryffindor put through a double whammy and are now only thirty points behind at forty to seventy." The game went on for another hour with the scoring remaining fairly even, then at about ninety minutes into the game, with the score at 130-160 in Ravenclaw's favour, Tom shouted a message to the rest of his team as Ginny snagged the Quaffle as it fell through one of their hoops. "Let's pull it back guys. Show me a Charlie Chevron!"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Harry. "Yep, you guessed it, it's one of Conroy's moves. He showed it to Ginny when she was down for Easter."
All the team, apart from Peter and Sonja, flew into a upside-down 'V'- formation and flew towards the Ravenclaw goal, two of the Ravenclaw Chasers met them coming the other way. Ginny rose up and allowed them to meet Tom and Roger, she snatched the Quaffle from Swift as he spin out of the way and then was flattened by a Bludger to the stomach from Roger, then passed it back to Jane.
"Swift goes down and Gryffindor are still heading for the Ravenclaw end. Gorman is trying to circle around to capture the Quaffle from Masters. Too late, she's passed it to Parrington, Parrington shoots and scores. Weasley gets the Quaffle, passes it to Masters she shoots, and scores again. Quirke gets the Quaffle, nice long throw there, intercepted by Gorman who's heading up the pitch fast with Masters in hot pursuit. She shoots and scores, Ravenclaw now lead 170-130!"
"It's not too much of a problem yet." Harry told Hermione, who was beginning to look a little concerned for her old House's chances. "Even if they lose the match, unless Ravenclaw can pull a hundred points ahead before they catch the Snitch, Gryffindor still get the Cup. Although it's not as much of a victory." he admitted, his friend nodded grimly.
"Weasley scores. Gryffindor are now only ten points behind. Wait! Is that the Snitch?!" shouted Ward.
It was. And Lacey was a lot closer to it than Sonja was. Cursing, Sonja bent low on her old Comet 260 broom to it's fastest possible speed and sped after it. Tom noticed her out of the corner of his eye, She's not gong to make it, he thought, not unless I do something. He sped after the Bludgers that was trying to catch up to Ginny, and whacked it as hard as he could in Lacey's direction. She dodged it and Sharma knocked it away before it could come around for another pass, but it gave Sonja enough time to catch up to the Snitch and grab it. "Lamina gets the Snitch again! Gryffindor wins the match by 310 to 170 and they secure the Cup for another year."
----
"Good teamwork." Harry told the older members of the team when he caught up with them at the victory party in the Common Room a couple of hours later. "One thing though Sonja, if I were you I'd get a better broom. It doesn't have to be the best, although a Firebolt or a Nimbus 2500 would make things a lot easier for you, one of the newer Cleansweeps or a slightly older Nimbus would be okay."
"I know Harry." admitted Sonja, taking a slug from the bottle of Butterbeer in her hand. "I've asked my parents for another broom for my birthday in August. I'll have it for the new season."
"Good. Whose going to be Captain next year?" Harry asked.
Tom shrugged. "Don't know. Sonja doesn't want to. probably Babs or Jane, they've got the most experience. It'll be up to Professor Black and the team."
"I'm sure they'll do fine. Between my old reserve team and your new recruits, they've got a strong foundation, and most of them did well in the first Ravenclaw game. But I'd ride Eric pretty hard. He's got a lot to learn." Sonja nodded.
Ginny walked up to Harry and kissed him on the cheek. "Hi Harry. What are you talking about?"
"Oh. Quidditch. I was just wondering about what's going to happen next year when you and most of the gang have left." He told her, taking the large plate of food she offered him. He walked over to one of the big soft chairs and prodded Emma Dobbs, a fifth year, who was sitting in it. She looked up and then realising Harry wanted to sit down, she stood up and went to sit on an empty piece of carpet nearby with her friends, Natalie and Eric.
Harry sank down into the chair and put his plate on one of the broad arms. He patted his lap; Ginny smiled and joined him, shifting her position until she was resting comfortably, her head tucked under his chin, his free arm around her waist. She put her own plate down on the floor and picked a piece of chicken off Harry's plate.
"Open your mouth." she told him. Harry obeyed, nipping her finger playfully as she released it. Ginny giggled and picked up another piece of food. This went on for about ten minutes, then Harry put his hand over the nearly empty plate. "Enough. It's your turn now." He took a swig of Butterbeer and then took a mini-sausage roll off his plate and fed it to her.
They continued with the game for about another forty minutes until both their plates were empty. They walked over to the table where Dobby and Clingy had set up the buffet table, got a couple more Butterbeers each and then went back to their chair.
By about midnight, everyone had had enough food and drink, and at Peter's insistence, they headed up to bed.
"It's been a great day." said Ginny to Harry as she snuggled down next to him in his bed.
"That it has love. That it has."
----
When Ginny woke on Monday morning Harry had already left. She gathered up her stuff and carried it down to her own room. Then she silently crept out of the room again, trying not to wake Callie and Vanessa who were still sleeping.
It was only six am, so Ginny decided to go back up to the Suite for a while and read, her friends wouldn't be up for at least another hour. Clingy had already lit the fire in the hearth, so Ginny curled up on one of the sofas and cracked open the copy of Out of Sight, Out of Mind she'd found in the Hogwarts' Library. When Peter rose about an hour and a half later, they headed down to breakfast together.
"Did Harry get off okay?" Tom asked as the two women sat down with their friends near the top of the Gryffindor Table.
"I think so." replied Ginny, helping herself to some bacon as she spoke. "He'd already gone when I woke up this morning."
"Last Defence lesson today." observed Tom. "Who's confident about the exam?"
Peter and Roger both were. Ginny hesitated for a moment before replying. "I'm not sure. The theory paper, yeah I'm confident about that. But I'm not so sure about the practical, I've a feeling that Remus has something challenging planned."
Her friends nodded. "You could be right. You'll do fine Ginny. Besides, you've got your subjects, Potions'll be a breeze for you, and you're pretty good at Charms."
Ginny nodded, and then glanced at her watch. "We'd better go. We've got DADA in ten minutes and we won't want to be late." The others nodded and rose as a group to follow them, by the time they reached the door they were joined by three of their classmates: Callie, Colin and Vanessa.
----
Three days later, Ginny and the rest of the seventh began their final exams. Colin, Ginny, Tom and Roger's first exams were Potions in the afternoon; Peter and the other two boys had Transfiguration in the morning and Callie and Vanessa had Divination the next day. Both exams went without a hitch and all ten Gryffindors were pleased with themselves. Most of the later exams went fine too, it wasn't until their last exam that a problem arose.
Harry was returning to the Eyrie after a long days practice. He was just about to unlock his front door and go in, when he felt a surge of panic through his link to Ginny. Mare, what's wrong? he asked urgently. What's wrong? He got no response but he could feel her fear through the link. He sent a wave of concern and strength back through and then swiftly unlocked the door.
He ran into the house and dumped his kit in his bedroom. Then he scribbled a quick note to Ron on the kitchen pad and disappeared with a pop. He reappeared in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts. He looked around to see if he could see any familiar faces. Everything looked fine, though the Entrance Hall and the Great Hall beside it were empty for now. Mare. Can you hear me? Still no response, but he could sense that she was in Gryffindor Tower. He dashed up the stairs, taking them three at a time.
Within minutes he reached the Portrait of the Fat Lady. "Password?"
"Quadrans Muralis?" The portrait stayed closed. Harry swore. Padfoot. I need the password to Gryffindor Tower.
You know I can't tell you Lion. You're not a student anymore.
Dammit, Sirius! Ginny's up there practically falling apart from something, I have to get to her!"
Okay, I guess I can stretch it this once. The password is Coma Berenices.
Harry thanked Sirius and told the Fat Lady the password. Reluctantly, she moved to one side and allowed him to enter. Harry scanned the Common Room, although he could sense her inside the Tower, she wasn't there. Ignoring several of the Gryffindors, including the Creeveys who tried to get his attention, he rushed up the girls' stair. When he reached the seventh year dorm, he listened at it. There was no sound inside, he turned and hurried up the stairs again. He muttered the password to the trick wall, and it opened. The gang, Hermione and Charlie were clustered around one of the sofas, Ginny was sitting on it and she was crying.
"Ginny? What's wrong?" Harry asked, frowning. She didn't say anything. He turned to Charlie, "What happened?"
"Ginny had the DADA practical exam today. It didn't go well." he told him, Hermione told up as Harry slid onto the sofa beside Ginny.
He put her arm around her and reached around so he could her hand. "What happened Ginny? What went wrong?"
It was a while before Ginny said anything. She looked up at Harry, tears in her eyes. "I screwed up Harry." He wiped under her eyes. "What makes you think that?"
"I panicked. The exam was in a FogDome - you know, the glass domes that are filled with steam, so you can hardly see what's around you when you're inside and the people outside can't see a thing." Harry nodded, both in confirmation and to prod her to continue. "When I got in there, I lit my wand to try and see better. Then something loomed out of the steam. long, slithery. It was only a Naga Demon, really.."
"Only.?" said Harry incredulously.
"Anyway. I thought it was a Basilisk. I panicked and dropped my wand. I barely managed to avoid its first lunge. I couldn't see my wand anywhere. so I panicked and transformed. When it lunged again, I reared and kicked it in the head. I stove in its skull, but when it fell it trapped me underneath."
"Too bad. I think you did okay though. your tactic was unusual, but Naga Demons are pretty tough, that was probably one of your best bets to take it out anyway. Remus might mark you down for panicking but you should pass. After all, you did take it out." Harry told her. "Take a breather and get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning." He patted her on the back. Padfoot?
What is it Lion? Have you calmed down yet?
Sort of. Mare had her DADA practical this aftermoon. It was inside a FogDome. Moony pit her against a Naga Demon. She freaked out.
I don't blame her. I don't think I could have kept my cool, and I don't have her history. In fact I think I might have a little word with Moony about it. I take it you'd like to stay at Hogwarts tonight?
Yeah, if that'd be okay? I have a game tomorrow afternoon but I'd like to. I think Mare needs me right now.
Sure. See you at breakfast.
Yeah, bye.
"Dobby. Could you get us something to eat? I'm starving and I doubt Ginny has either." Hermione and Peter both shook their heads.
"Of course Harry Potter sir. Dobby will go immediately." replied the tiny creature and disappeared with a loud pop.
After Harry had a good meal and had urged Ginny to eat something, Peter helped him carry her to the big bed in the Head Boy's Room. Then Harry undressed and slipped in beside her, rocking her until she fell asleep.
----
When Harry woke up the next day it was to find Ginny in a much better frame of mind. "You're feeling better then?" he asked her, as they got dressed. Ginny nodded. "What are your plans for today?"
Ginny though for a minute, "I really don't know Harry." she admitted. "I'm in limbo until the exam results come out; no schoolwork, no Quidditch practice, nothing."
"I could ask Sirius if you could come down to London to see the League Final against the Arrows this afternoon?"
"I'd like that. Will Ron be there?"
Harry nodded. "He's commentating. Madame Gordon's ill, so he's filling in."
"Let's go get some breakfast, I'm starving. I ate almost nothing yesterday because nerves."
"I know what you mean. I have to struggle to eat before a big event." Harry offered her his arm and she took it. They walked out of the room and down the stairs. They didn't meet any of their friends on the stairway but Colin approached them as they emerged into the Common Room. "Hi Harry. What are you doing here?"
"Personal business." answered Harry. "How are you Colin?"
"Fine Harry. I got a letter from Bill Libels at the Daily Prophet, he's the managing editor you know?" Harry nodded. He'd had dealings with Libels himself, he was a good editor, but Harry didn't trust him, not after the Rita Skeeter affair. "Well, he's offered me a job at the Prophet as a staff photographer, isn't that great Harry?"
"Yeah, that's great Colin. Would you excuse us? Ginny and I need to get some breakfast."
"Sure Harry. Will I see you later?"
"Maybe. Bye Colin."
"Bye Harry." Colin replied as Harry and Ginny climbed through the Portrait Hole.
"I wish he'd grow up." grumbled Harry as they walked down the main stair to the Entrance Hall. "I hate it when he looks at me with that 'deer in the headlights' look."
Ginny nodded. "It's difficult for him Harry. I understand what it's like for him, when he's around you. Merlin knows, I used to be worse myself." Harry nodded, grinning. "But unlike me, he only really knows the things that have made you famous, he doesn't know you. He'll probably find another hero eventually."
"Have you?" Harry asked.
"Of course not." Ginny told him, pushing open the door to the Great Hall. "You'll always be my hero Harry."
"Thanks love. That means a lot to me."
They walked in companionable silence for a while until they reached the Great Hall. Ginny pushed open the door and they went in. "Feeling better now Ginny?" asked Peter as they sat down. Emma Dobbs moved down to make room for Harry.
"Yeah." Ginny told her friend, helping herself to some food. "Harry was a great comfort."
Harry helped himself to a little food, once he'd finished he sat back and glanced at the Staff Table. The person he was looking for wasn't there. Padfoot?
Hi Lion. Is Mare better?
A little. But I think she needs a distraction.
Probably. What did you have in mind?
It's the League Final this afternoon; I'd like to take Mare down to watch it. She doesn't have anything else to do. Would it be okay?
Yeah sure. What about Bird, Nymph or Simia?
I was just going to make it a day for me and Ginny.
That's fine. Harry told Ginny the good news, then contacted Dobby and asked him to pack a few of Ginny's things in a small bag.
An hour later, they Apparated out of Hogwarts and were on their way for London.
A/N: Please R/R.
The next few weeks flew by for Harry and his friends. Harry was busy squeezing the last few League games in before the League Final, working sixty-hour weeks, and more, again. Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Ginny and her friends were deep into preparing for their exams and of course the last Quidditch game of the season. "And our last game together." Peter reminded them after their final practice. "So let's make it a good one." They all nodded in agreement.
Ginny stood up and moved to the door, she was a bit depressed, Harry hadn't arrived yet and she hadn't heard from him in several days, I hope he's okay, she thought, Maybe he's just too busy to get way. Yeah that's it. I would have heard something if there was anything wrong. But she was still unhappy.
She walked back to the castle ahead of the others and headed straight for Gryffindor Tower, walking quickly through the Common Room and up the girls' staircase. She paused outside her own room and then headed further up the stairs. She didn't want to talk to anyone at the moment, and she knew that Callie and Vanessa would want to. On the other hand, her friends could read her moods easily by now and would leave her in peace. "Falconidae." she murmured and the door to the Gryffindor Suite slid open.
She walked in, and was just about to cross to her favourite sofa when she sensed someone coming up behind her. The unknown person grabbed her from behind. "Surprise!" he yelled but Ginny didn't clock the familiar voice, instead she reacted instinctively, and using barely remembered lessons, she broke his hold and threw him over her shoulder.
He flew through the air in a flurry of scarlet robes and black hair, twisted in mi-air and landed cat-like on the sofa glaring at Ginny. "If that's the way you're going to welcome me from now on love, maybe I shouldn't come?" Harry asked, completely straight-faced.
"You startled me that's all." Ginny told, smiling as she joined him on the sofa. "I was caught up thinking and."
"Sorry. You can usually sense me around you, so when I saw the chance to sneak up on you, I took it." He shrugged, "I guess it's the honorary Weasley in me. Forgive me?"
Ginny looked at him sternly for a moment. Then she giggled at the horror on his face. "Of course I will Harry. Always." Harry shifted so he was in a more comfortable position and Ginny lay down against him in her usual position, her head resting on his chest and her arms around him. Harry curled one arm around her and they lay there for a while, just enjoying each other's closeness, the only movement was Harry's hand stroking Ginny's hair.
After a few minutes, Ginny broke the silence. "So how have you been Harry? You haven't written to me in weeks."
Harry stopped smiling, "Sorry Ginny, I know you expect letters regularly, but." he paused, and sighed, "Lately all I've had time for lately is eating and sleeping, and not as much of that as I'd like." he added. "Conroy's been running us ragged. Now he's got a shot at the League Cup and Europe next session he doesn't want anything to go wrong. Although his players passing out from lack of sleep during the game could qualify."
Ginny looked up at him, concerned. "You haven't?"
Harry grinned, then sobered up. "Not yet. None of us have. But we can't keep this up Gin. I was on my broom for 72 hours last week, and it would've been the same this week, but I managed to persuade Conroy to give me to- night and tomorrow off, Sunday too of course, that's the one day we don't work. I've got a match Tuesday afternoon though, so I have to be back for practice on Monday."
"Who are you playing?" asked Peter who had just come in with Tom, Roger and Sonja close behind.
"The Falcons. I hope it goes better than our last couple of matches. We almost lost the Wasps game, the Wasps' Chasers were a lot more on the ball than ours were. It's the lack of sleep catching up with us. We drew 170- 170. And we lost the Wanders game 260-180. Mark knocked Carrie out at the beginning of the game and she didn't wake up 'till three days later. We're still playing the reserve Keeper, and probably will be until the Final."
"But you'll be in the Final?" Ginny insisted.
Harry nodded. "As long as we win or draw one of our last two games, against Puddlemere or Falmouth, we're through, unless the Arrows win against the Catapults and the Bats. In which case we need to win one or draw both."
"You confident?"
Harry nodded. "Three good nights of sleep and I'll be back to normal, I'm pretty sure the others will be too. I'm looking forward to your game tomorrow though."
Tom frowned, "Yeah. I'm worried though. I can't shake the feeling that Ravenclaw have a surprise up their sleeves for us tomorrow."
"It'll have to be a damn good one." Harry reassured him, "You're 250 points up. I don't see how they can get any edge that'll over come that. Not with the strength of your side. You'll be playing the main team, I take it?"
Tom nodded, "A last hurrah before most of us leave."
"Well don't worry about it." Harry told him, "You'll find out soon enough. Have some fun tonight. Get an early night and do your best. That's my advice."
"Good idea."
----
"Hi everybody, and welcome to the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup Final. For the second time in two seasons, defending champions Gryffindor will be facing RAVENCLAW! For Gryffindor today for the last time we have. Weasley, Parrington, Masters, Falco, Lamina, Monk, and AQUANIS!" Half the stadium erupted in cheers, while the Slytherins booed. "For Ravenclaw. Gorman, Dirking, Swift, Quirke, Lacey, Peach and SHARMA!" announced Ward.
Charlie strode out onto the pitch, his black and white robes swirling around, he kicked open the box and blew his whistle hard. "The Quaffle is in the air and they're off. Weasley of Gryffindor, with the Quaffle. flying fast for the Ravenclaw goal, ducks a Bludger from Peach, which is send back his way by Monk. She shoots, saved by Quirke. Ravenclaw in possession, Swift has the Quaffle, passes to Gorman she shoots, saved by Falco and Gryffindor are in possession, Parrington with the Quaffle."
"That Cup's going to have a Gryffindor's name on it again this year, for the fifth year running." predicted Harry. Hermione nodded. "It does look like it."
"Dirking scores for Ravenclaw and they know lead 20-0!" announced Ward, "Gryffindor in possession, Weasley with the Quaffle, passes to Masters. Weasley continues towards the Ravenclaw goal. Masters, passes to Parrington. She's speeding after Weasley, ducks a Bludger, passes to Weasley, she shoots and Gryffindor narrow the gap at 10-20!"
"That's better." said Harry, he sat there in silence for a few minutes, then spoke again. "I think Bird must have ignored my advice to get some sleep last night. It's not like her to let goals through." At that moment Swift slipped another one passed her to make 60-20 for Ravenclaw. "I don't what she's playing at."
Out on the pitch, Tom was wondering the same thing. He intercepted a Bludger that was flying towards Ginny, and whacked it back at the Beater who had sent it in her direction, Ginny nodded gratefully to him and then manoeuvred past Quirke to put another one through for Gryffindor. Swift snatched the Quaffle as it came through and started for the other goal, but a Bludger sent his way by Tom rattled him long enough for Babs to snatch it and put another one through. "Gryffindor put through a double whammy and are now only thirty points behind at forty to seventy." The game went on for another hour with the scoring remaining fairly even, then at about ninety minutes into the game, with the score at 130-160 in Ravenclaw's favour, Tom shouted a message to the rest of his team as Ginny snagged the Quaffle as it fell through one of their hoops. "Let's pull it back guys. Show me a Charlie Chevron!"
Hermione raised her eyebrows at Harry. "Yep, you guessed it, it's one of Conroy's moves. He showed it to Ginny when she was down for Easter."
All the team, apart from Peter and Sonja, flew into a upside-down 'V'- formation and flew towards the Ravenclaw goal, two of the Ravenclaw Chasers met them coming the other way. Ginny rose up and allowed them to meet Tom and Roger, she snatched the Quaffle from Swift as he spin out of the way and then was flattened by a Bludger to the stomach from Roger, then passed it back to Jane.
"Swift goes down and Gryffindor are still heading for the Ravenclaw end. Gorman is trying to circle around to capture the Quaffle from Masters. Too late, she's passed it to Parrington, Parrington shoots and scores. Weasley gets the Quaffle, passes it to Masters she shoots, and scores again. Quirke gets the Quaffle, nice long throw there, intercepted by Gorman who's heading up the pitch fast with Masters in hot pursuit. She shoots and scores, Ravenclaw now lead 170-130!"
"It's not too much of a problem yet." Harry told Hermione, who was beginning to look a little concerned for her old House's chances. "Even if they lose the match, unless Ravenclaw can pull a hundred points ahead before they catch the Snitch, Gryffindor still get the Cup. Although it's not as much of a victory." he admitted, his friend nodded grimly.
"Weasley scores. Gryffindor are now only ten points behind. Wait! Is that the Snitch?!" shouted Ward.
It was. And Lacey was a lot closer to it than Sonja was. Cursing, Sonja bent low on her old Comet 260 broom to it's fastest possible speed and sped after it. Tom noticed her out of the corner of his eye, She's not gong to make it, he thought, not unless I do something. He sped after the Bludgers that was trying to catch up to Ginny, and whacked it as hard as he could in Lacey's direction. She dodged it and Sharma knocked it away before it could come around for another pass, but it gave Sonja enough time to catch up to the Snitch and grab it. "Lamina gets the Snitch again! Gryffindor wins the match by 310 to 170 and they secure the Cup for another year."
----
"Good teamwork." Harry told the older members of the team when he caught up with them at the victory party in the Common Room a couple of hours later. "One thing though Sonja, if I were you I'd get a better broom. It doesn't have to be the best, although a Firebolt or a Nimbus 2500 would make things a lot easier for you, one of the newer Cleansweeps or a slightly older Nimbus would be okay."
"I know Harry." admitted Sonja, taking a slug from the bottle of Butterbeer in her hand. "I've asked my parents for another broom for my birthday in August. I'll have it for the new season."
"Good. Whose going to be Captain next year?" Harry asked.
Tom shrugged. "Don't know. Sonja doesn't want to. probably Babs or Jane, they've got the most experience. It'll be up to Professor Black and the team."
"I'm sure they'll do fine. Between my old reserve team and your new recruits, they've got a strong foundation, and most of them did well in the first Ravenclaw game. But I'd ride Eric pretty hard. He's got a lot to learn." Sonja nodded.
Ginny walked up to Harry and kissed him on the cheek. "Hi Harry. What are you talking about?"
"Oh. Quidditch. I was just wondering about what's going to happen next year when you and most of the gang have left." He told her, taking the large plate of food she offered him. He walked over to one of the big soft chairs and prodded Emma Dobbs, a fifth year, who was sitting in it. She looked up and then realising Harry wanted to sit down, she stood up and went to sit on an empty piece of carpet nearby with her friends, Natalie and Eric.
Harry sank down into the chair and put his plate on one of the broad arms. He patted his lap; Ginny smiled and joined him, shifting her position until she was resting comfortably, her head tucked under his chin, his free arm around her waist. She put her own plate down on the floor and picked a piece of chicken off Harry's plate.
"Open your mouth." she told him. Harry obeyed, nipping her finger playfully as she released it. Ginny giggled and picked up another piece of food. This went on for about ten minutes, then Harry put his hand over the nearly empty plate. "Enough. It's your turn now." He took a swig of Butterbeer and then took a mini-sausage roll off his plate and fed it to her.
They continued with the game for about another forty minutes until both their plates were empty. They walked over to the table where Dobby and Clingy had set up the buffet table, got a couple more Butterbeers each and then went back to their chair.
By about midnight, everyone had had enough food and drink, and at Peter's insistence, they headed up to bed.
"It's been a great day." said Ginny to Harry as she snuggled down next to him in his bed.
"That it has love. That it has."
----
When Ginny woke on Monday morning Harry had already left. She gathered up her stuff and carried it down to her own room. Then she silently crept out of the room again, trying not to wake Callie and Vanessa who were still sleeping.
It was only six am, so Ginny decided to go back up to the Suite for a while and read, her friends wouldn't be up for at least another hour. Clingy had already lit the fire in the hearth, so Ginny curled up on one of the sofas and cracked open the copy of Out of Sight, Out of Mind she'd found in the Hogwarts' Library. When Peter rose about an hour and a half later, they headed down to breakfast together.
"Did Harry get off okay?" Tom asked as the two women sat down with their friends near the top of the Gryffindor Table.
"I think so." replied Ginny, helping herself to some bacon as she spoke. "He'd already gone when I woke up this morning."
"Last Defence lesson today." observed Tom. "Who's confident about the exam?"
Peter and Roger both were. Ginny hesitated for a moment before replying. "I'm not sure. The theory paper, yeah I'm confident about that. But I'm not so sure about the practical, I've a feeling that Remus has something challenging planned."
Her friends nodded. "You could be right. You'll do fine Ginny. Besides, you've got your subjects, Potions'll be a breeze for you, and you're pretty good at Charms."
Ginny nodded, and then glanced at her watch. "We'd better go. We've got DADA in ten minutes and we won't want to be late." The others nodded and rose as a group to follow them, by the time they reached the door they were joined by three of their classmates: Callie, Colin and Vanessa.
----
Three days later, Ginny and the rest of the seventh began their final exams. Colin, Ginny, Tom and Roger's first exams were Potions in the afternoon; Peter and the other two boys had Transfiguration in the morning and Callie and Vanessa had Divination the next day. Both exams went without a hitch and all ten Gryffindors were pleased with themselves. Most of the later exams went fine too, it wasn't until their last exam that a problem arose.
Harry was returning to the Eyrie after a long days practice. He was just about to unlock his front door and go in, when he felt a surge of panic through his link to Ginny. Mare, what's wrong? he asked urgently. What's wrong? He got no response but he could feel her fear through the link. He sent a wave of concern and strength back through and then swiftly unlocked the door.
He ran into the house and dumped his kit in his bedroom. Then he scribbled a quick note to Ron on the kitchen pad and disappeared with a pop. He reappeared in the Entrance Hall of Hogwarts. He looked around to see if he could see any familiar faces. Everything looked fine, though the Entrance Hall and the Great Hall beside it were empty for now. Mare. Can you hear me? Still no response, but he could sense that she was in Gryffindor Tower. He dashed up the stairs, taking them three at a time.
Within minutes he reached the Portrait of the Fat Lady. "Password?"
"Quadrans Muralis?" The portrait stayed closed. Harry swore. Padfoot. I need the password to Gryffindor Tower.
You know I can't tell you Lion. You're not a student anymore.
Dammit, Sirius! Ginny's up there practically falling apart from something, I have to get to her!"
Okay, I guess I can stretch it this once. The password is Coma Berenices.
Harry thanked Sirius and told the Fat Lady the password. Reluctantly, she moved to one side and allowed him to enter. Harry scanned the Common Room, although he could sense her inside the Tower, she wasn't there. Ignoring several of the Gryffindors, including the Creeveys who tried to get his attention, he rushed up the girls' stair. When he reached the seventh year dorm, he listened at it. There was no sound inside, he turned and hurried up the stairs again. He muttered the password to the trick wall, and it opened. The gang, Hermione and Charlie were clustered around one of the sofas, Ginny was sitting on it and she was crying.
"Ginny? What's wrong?" Harry asked, frowning. She didn't say anything. He turned to Charlie, "What happened?"
"Ginny had the DADA practical exam today. It didn't go well." he told him, Hermione told up as Harry slid onto the sofa beside Ginny.
He put her arm around her and reached around so he could her hand. "What happened Ginny? What went wrong?"
It was a while before Ginny said anything. She looked up at Harry, tears in her eyes. "I screwed up Harry." He wiped under her eyes. "What makes you think that?"
"I panicked. The exam was in a FogDome - you know, the glass domes that are filled with steam, so you can hardly see what's around you when you're inside and the people outside can't see a thing." Harry nodded, both in confirmation and to prod her to continue. "When I got in there, I lit my wand to try and see better. Then something loomed out of the steam. long, slithery. It was only a Naga Demon, really.."
"Only.?" said Harry incredulously.
"Anyway. I thought it was a Basilisk. I panicked and dropped my wand. I barely managed to avoid its first lunge. I couldn't see my wand anywhere. so I panicked and transformed. When it lunged again, I reared and kicked it in the head. I stove in its skull, but when it fell it trapped me underneath."
"Too bad. I think you did okay though. your tactic was unusual, but Naga Demons are pretty tough, that was probably one of your best bets to take it out anyway. Remus might mark you down for panicking but you should pass. After all, you did take it out." Harry told her. "Take a breather and get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning." He patted her on the back. Padfoot?
What is it Lion? Have you calmed down yet?
Sort of. Mare had her DADA practical this aftermoon. It was inside a FogDome. Moony pit her against a Naga Demon. She freaked out.
I don't blame her. I don't think I could have kept my cool, and I don't have her history. In fact I think I might have a little word with Moony about it. I take it you'd like to stay at Hogwarts tonight?
Yeah, if that'd be okay? I have a game tomorrow afternoon but I'd like to. I think Mare needs me right now.
Sure. See you at breakfast.
Yeah, bye.
"Dobby. Could you get us something to eat? I'm starving and I doubt Ginny has either." Hermione and Peter both shook their heads.
"Of course Harry Potter sir. Dobby will go immediately." replied the tiny creature and disappeared with a loud pop.
After Harry had a good meal and had urged Ginny to eat something, Peter helped him carry her to the big bed in the Head Boy's Room. Then Harry undressed and slipped in beside her, rocking her until she fell asleep.
----
When Harry woke up the next day it was to find Ginny in a much better frame of mind. "You're feeling better then?" he asked her, as they got dressed. Ginny nodded. "What are your plans for today?"
Ginny though for a minute, "I really don't know Harry." she admitted. "I'm in limbo until the exam results come out; no schoolwork, no Quidditch practice, nothing."
"I could ask Sirius if you could come down to London to see the League Final against the Arrows this afternoon?"
"I'd like that. Will Ron be there?"
Harry nodded. "He's commentating. Madame Gordon's ill, so he's filling in."
"Let's go get some breakfast, I'm starving. I ate almost nothing yesterday because nerves."
"I know what you mean. I have to struggle to eat before a big event." Harry offered her his arm and she took it. They walked out of the room and down the stairs. They didn't meet any of their friends on the stairway but Colin approached them as they emerged into the Common Room. "Hi Harry. What are you doing here?"
"Personal business." answered Harry. "How are you Colin?"
"Fine Harry. I got a letter from Bill Libels at the Daily Prophet, he's the managing editor you know?" Harry nodded. He'd had dealings with Libels himself, he was a good editor, but Harry didn't trust him, not after the Rita Skeeter affair. "Well, he's offered me a job at the Prophet as a staff photographer, isn't that great Harry?"
"Yeah, that's great Colin. Would you excuse us? Ginny and I need to get some breakfast."
"Sure Harry. Will I see you later?"
"Maybe. Bye Colin."
"Bye Harry." Colin replied as Harry and Ginny climbed through the Portrait Hole.
"I wish he'd grow up." grumbled Harry as they walked down the main stair to the Entrance Hall. "I hate it when he looks at me with that 'deer in the headlights' look."
Ginny nodded. "It's difficult for him Harry. I understand what it's like for him, when he's around you. Merlin knows, I used to be worse myself." Harry nodded, grinning. "But unlike me, he only really knows the things that have made you famous, he doesn't know you. He'll probably find another hero eventually."
"Have you?" Harry asked.
"Of course not." Ginny told him, pushing open the door to the Great Hall. "You'll always be my hero Harry."
"Thanks love. That means a lot to me."
They walked in companionable silence for a while until they reached the Great Hall. Ginny pushed open the door and they went in. "Feeling better now Ginny?" asked Peter as they sat down. Emma Dobbs moved down to make room for Harry.
"Yeah." Ginny told her friend, helping herself to some food. "Harry was a great comfort."
Harry helped himself to a little food, once he'd finished he sat back and glanced at the Staff Table. The person he was looking for wasn't there. Padfoot?
Hi Lion. Is Mare better?
A little. But I think she needs a distraction.
Probably. What did you have in mind?
It's the League Final this afternoon; I'd like to take Mare down to watch it. She doesn't have anything else to do. Would it be okay?
Yeah sure. What about Bird, Nymph or Simia?
I was just going to make it a day for me and Ginny.
That's fine. Harry told Ginny the good news, then contacted Dobby and asked him to pack a few of Ginny's things in a small bag.
An hour later, they Apparated out of Hogwarts and were on their way for London.
A/N: Please R/R.