This chapter is dedicated to Dawnie, and my little brother, Hawkee.
And all the Ginny fans out there. I know you exist.
Read and enjoy!
~Ingy
Harry woke up one morning of Angelina Johnson shaking him. "Angelina," he said, "what are you doing in the boys dorms?" Angelina's eyes were shining. "Quidditch!" she exclaimed. "You didn't know I was the new captain?" Harry's heart sunk. "No." "Well, I am! So get on your robes and bring your Firebolt. We'll win, Harry. Don't disappoint me." Then she rushed down the stairs. Harry yawned, and put on his scarlet Gryffindor robes. He walked down to the quidditch field. There was Fred, George, Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina and, "Ginny?" Ginny smiled nervously. "I'm the new keeper, Harry." Harry looked at her. "That's great!" he said. Ginny blushed. "Well," said Angelina, "it's not long till our first quidditch match. You know Dawn, that 6th year prefect?" said Angelina. Harry knew who she was talking about. She had a crush on him. Nobody knew though, except the whole school. "Yeah, I know who she is," said Harry. Angelina bit her lip. "Well, she's very good. Watch out for her. She's also captain." Harry's heart sunk even lower. Now it was far down in his stomach, floating from side to side. "Okay," said Harry, trying to sound cool. "Fine. Let's start practicing." They'd practiced for several hours when Hermione, Ron and Ingy came to watch. Ingy gave Ginny her thumbs of. Ginny blushed. Harry had caught the snitch six times when Angelina called, "Okay team, that's all for today. You did great!"
Harry walked slowly into the shower. "Angelina is a GREAT captain," said Fred. "I think I'll ask her on the yule ball this year too. Do you have anyone in mind, Harry?" "I was thinking about Cho Chang," he said and blushed. Fred nodded. "I think Ginny wants to ask you, though. I think she loves you or something." Harry blushed worse. "Does she really," he said. George shrugged. "I think so. But ask anyone you'd like." He laughed. "Like you would ever fancy Ginny."
Friday, Harry found out was the shortest and easiest day. It was double potions first, then Care for magical creatures and then charms. The fifth year was really tough, thought Harry. Today it was double potions. Harry wondered what Snape was up to, but he didn't mind. Another new teacher wouldn't be bad, and Fleur was actually good as a teacher. It had finally come to the Friday the first week at Hogwarts, and it was double potions first. That meant three hours in the filthy dungeon with the Slytherins. He walked in, but Snape wasn't there. "Sirius!" exclaimed Harry. "Yes," said Sirius. "This is what I meant with 'sooner than you think'. Snape's doing some missions for Dumbledore. This year, I'll be your potions teacher. Harry couldn't help it, but he grinned widely. He and Ron got quite a good laugh when he saw the expressions on the Slytherins, especially Malfoy. This time, Sirius didn't award points to Goyle because he 'tried to do it right, but unfortunatly didn't manage it'. He took points from Slytherin because he took acid on Neville's cauldron, and Sirius said to Goyle that he should give Neville his cauldron immediately. Finally could Hermione show that she was good in potions too. Harry was happy they got Sirius now, when they were taking all the OWLs. Fred and George were happy too, cause they were taking NEWTs, and didn't exactly look forward to do that with Snape. Harry found out that this year should turn out as the best year; he was going to get good OWLs, he was going to ask Cho to the yule ball, he would make Ingy like him, and he was going to make a conversation with Ginny without her blushing. And he would not care about Malfoy, since Snape wasn't there. And Ron and Hermione would remain friends the whole year without hate each others or something.
Harry had been going in his fifth year for maybe a month when the first quidditch match was taking place. They were playing against Hufflepuff, who had a strong team this year, with the good seeker and prefect, Dawn. The girl who had a crush on Harry. Harry had been practicing six times a week, several hours every day; in the weekends they practiced almost till they collapsed, but Harry caught the snitch more often, Ginny saved more goals, and Fred and George were taking push-ups all the time for training their arms. They also practiced on hitting the bludger, Angelina was training them harder and harder, as she, Alicia and Katie were throwing at Ginny, who saved almost all of them. They were practicing feints. Angelina demanded Harry to practice on the Wronski feint. He hadn't quite a few nose- bleedings and crashing-with-the-ground experiences when it was all stuck in his body. Angelina made him do other things as well: sit-ups. "Why?" asked Harry. "In case a bludger hits you in the stomach," was Angelina's answer. Chin-ups and push-ups. "Because you need to have strong arms in case.well, something." That was the reason for the arms. Balance. He had to stand on the quaffle for five minutes untill Angelina was satisfied. "You never know when you need to stand on your broom, Harry." She was going to make an excellent coach one day. She even made Harry take flic-flacs in the air. It was very useful, she said. And Harry had to believe her. Fred and George made all crazy jokes with Lee Jordan and sold them. Everyone bought. They also started a Gryffindor fan-club. It costed five sickles to join. Whole Gryffindor joined, and soon they had collected enough money. Fred and George was generous and donated some of Harry's Tri-Wizard money too, and they bought Fire-Bolts to the whole team. Gryffindor knew this, and of course they wanted to win. They thought it was great to have good brooms at the quidditch matches. They were working harder than ever. This quidditch season was going to be great.
Harry woke up the morning the match was going to be, and felt like he was glowing with energy. They were playing against Hufflepuff, and they were going to win. He hopped out of the bed, light and ready. He got dressed, and ran down to the Great hall for breakfast. Ginny was the only one who was up. She smiled at him. "Hi," said Harry. "Hi." Ginny smiled. "Nervous?" asked Harry. "Not at all." "Sure?" "Yes, I am sure." "You know Hufflepuff has a very good team this year." "I know that too, and this year doesn't make sence to me since I wasn't on the team last year." "I know that. I justs said it because I'm nervous myself." "Are YOU nervous?" "Extremely." "Well, you'll have my support." "I hope so. Let's hope we win." "Yeah. We'll hope for the best." Harry smiled and thought for himself, now there's one thing I can cross of my fifth year list. He smiled at Ginny too, who smiled back without blushing. Then Dawn came in for breakfast. She almost ran to the Gryffindor table to say "hi" or "break a leg" or something to Harry and Ginny. Maybe Harry most. "Hi, Harry," she said excitedly, "hi Jenny. You know we're playing together right? Well of course you do. I just came here to say - break a leg - I mean Good luck, break a leg doesn't sound really nice, does it?" She smiled. "Well, bye, Harry. Bye, Gillian. Must the best team win." She ran to the Hufflepuff table. "She called me Jenny," said Ginny. "And after that she called you Gillian," said Harry and laughed. Ginny smiled a little too. "At least she wished us good luck," said Harry. "Yeah," agreed Ginny. "Break a leg."
"Harry! Ginny! There you are. I thought you had escaped or something," said Angelina irritated. "Oh, we wouldn't do that," said Ginny. "We're too excited. And happy. Dawn called me Jenny, and after that Gillian. But at least she wanted us to break a leg." "And after that she wished us good luck. And she said we were going to win." "Did she, now?" asked Angelina. "That was nice of her." Ginny grinned. "Actually she said "must the best team win". But we're winning anyway. So she kinda said that." Angelina liked this. She grinned widely, gave them a high-five and said, "that's the spirit!"
When they entered the quidditch field they were met with great applause. The crowd cheered and whisteled as maniacs. Except for Slytherin. The Hufflepuffs applauded politely. Harry could see Hermione and Ron in the crowd, cheering maybe the most of them all. They were all wearing scarlet scarfs. Even Ingy wore a scarf. Harry knew her little brother, Hawk was a chaser for Hufflepuff. Maybe she didn't know who to stick with. But Harry could see she gave Hawk victory sign. Hawk replied with a victory sign, and looped in the air. To Harry's delight, he could see Cho was wearing a red scarf. Dean Thomas had made "Go Gryffindor" banners with Ingy, although she didn't seem too keen on it. But it was clear Gryffindor had more supporters. Slytherin wasn't actually supporting anyone. Madame Hooch flew on the field as the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors found their positions. Dawn winked at Harry. "Captains shake hands!" she called. Dawn and Angelina shook hands. "I release the quaffle!" yelled Madame Hooch. And the balls were released. The game had begun. At once, a bludger flew directly towards Harry. He managed to duck away. He could hear Lee's voice. "Vieeld has the quaffle, passes it to Bones, but Johnson snaps it and YES!! Gryffindor scores! 10-0 to Gryffindor! Yay! Ouch, Professor, that was not nesessary!" Harry was looking for the snitch, but couldn't see it. It didn't look like Dawn could see it either. The Gryffindors were great with their new Firebolts, and soon they were leading "And it's 60-10 to Gryffindor! Scored by Katie Bell, an excellent chaser!" Fred and George were both beating bludgers away from Harry, but an enormous Hufflepuff beater beat the bludger directly towards Ginny. She didn't see it, however, she was busy with saving a ball from Hawk. Fred didn't reach her in time, and the bludger hit her in the face. The crowd gasped. Hermione stood up and looked at Ginny in horror. Harry's heart sunk again. It was like time stopped. Most, he wanted to fly down to her, but he had to continue the game. Madame Pomfrey rushed to her with McGonagall, and Harry believed they got her to the hospital wing.
"Harry, continue the game!" shouted Angelina, and Harry pulled himself together. Ginny was going to make this. And he had to get the snitch too. Gryffindor was leading 90-20 when he saw it. It was shining in the sun. Harry flew all the managed. But Dawn was before him! He was going to reach it! Dawn was about to grab the snitch when Harry slowly stood up on his broom. She gasped. Long enough to lose consentration. Harry dived as high as he could, managed to catch the snitch, and one of his arms caught the broom too. He was safe, with the little golden ball in his hand.
The crowd was cheering like maniacs! "Go Harry! Go Harry!" they called. He blinked some times. Then he got hit by Angelina Johnson. "I told you Harry!" she shouted happily, "you had use for my practices." Then she started to cry. She sobbed. "Without one player.Harry, do you think she'll be okay?" Harry nodded, and they were hit by Katie and Alicia, who were happy, and hugged them. But they went serious too. "Poor Ginny," whispered Katie. "She'll make it," said George. "She has almost.died - before." He swallowed. And then the Gryffindor team sunk down on the ground.
Hermione ran to them and hugged Harry. Ron followed. Ingy too. She didn't say anything, she just stared at Harry. It was like she was thinking; why didn't you follow Ginny. Do you like your house better than your friend, you egoistic bastard. Harry avoided her eyes, and hugged Hermione back. Then she hugged Ron. "She will be okay," she said. "You know Ginny. Then Dawn went to them. "Harry!" she cried, "I'm so sorry. I will have a talk with that beater who sent that bludger on Janet." She sobbed. "I'm sorry." Then she hugged Harry too. Why don't you hug Ron, thought Harry. It's his sister. "You don't have to," said Harry calmly. "He didn't know that would happen." "Oh, Harry!" exclaimed Dawn and hugged him again. "You're too nice. Say hi to Janey from me." Then she left.
Harry went to the hospital wing that night to see if Ginny was okay. Luckily, she was awake. "Hi, Janet," said Harry. Ginny laughed. "How did it go?" she asked. "We won," said Harry. "Great," said Ginny. "What happened to you actually?" asked Harry. "A broken nose and some teeth fell out of me. Nothing serious." Harry smiled, and Ginny yawned. "I'm so sleepy," she said and blinked. Harry got up. "You don't have to go," said Ginny. "You can be here - if you want to, of course." Harry stayed. "I'm glad it wasn't anything serious," he said. "I'm glad we won," said Ginny and closed her eyes. Harry took her hand and squeezed it. Ginny fell asleep at once.
Harry woke up one morning of Angelina Johnson shaking him. "Angelina," he said, "what are you doing in the boys dorms?" Angelina's eyes were shining. "Quidditch!" she exclaimed. "You didn't know I was the new captain?" Harry's heart sunk. "No." "Well, I am! So get on your robes and bring your Firebolt. We'll win, Harry. Don't disappoint me." Then she rushed down the stairs. Harry yawned, and put on his scarlet Gryffindor robes. He walked down to the quidditch field. There was Fred, George, Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina and, "Ginny?" Ginny smiled nervously. "I'm the new keeper, Harry." Harry looked at her. "That's great!" he said. Ginny blushed. "Well," said Angelina, "it's not long till our first quidditch match. You know Dawn, that 6th year prefect?" said Angelina. Harry knew who she was talking about. She had a crush on him. Nobody knew though, except the whole school. "Yeah, I know who she is," said Harry. Angelina bit her lip. "Well, she's very good. Watch out for her. She's also captain." Harry's heart sunk even lower. Now it was far down in his stomach, floating from side to side. "Okay," said Harry, trying to sound cool. "Fine. Let's start practicing." They'd practiced for several hours when Hermione, Ron and Ingy came to watch. Ingy gave Ginny her thumbs of. Ginny blushed. Harry had caught the snitch six times when Angelina called, "Okay team, that's all for today. You did great!"
Harry walked slowly into the shower. "Angelina is a GREAT captain," said Fred. "I think I'll ask her on the yule ball this year too. Do you have anyone in mind, Harry?" "I was thinking about Cho Chang," he said and blushed. Fred nodded. "I think Ginny wants to ask you, though. I think she loves you or something." Harry blushed worse. "Does she really," he said. George shrugged. "I think so. But ask anyone you'd like." He laughed. "Like you would ever fancy Ginny."
Friday, Harry found out was the shortest and easiest day. It was double potions first, then Care for magical creatures and then charms. The fifth year was really tough, thought Harry. Today it was double potions. Harry wondered what Snape was up to, but he didn't mind. Another new teacher wouldn't be bad, and Fleur was actually good as a teacher. It had finally come to the Friday the first week at Hogwarts, and it was double potions first. That meant three hours in the filthy dungeon with the Slytherins. He walked in, but Snape wasn't there. "Sirius!" exclaimed Harry. "Yes," said Sirius. "This is what I meant with 'sooner than you think'. Snape's doing some missions for Dumbledore. This year, I'll be your potions teacher. Harry couldn't help it, but he grinned widely. He and Ron got quite a good laugh when he saw the expressions on the Slytherins, especially Malfoy. This time, Sirius didn't award points to Goyle because he 'tried to do it right, but unfortunatly didn't manage it'. He took points from Slytherin because he took acid on Neville's cauldron, and Sirius said to Goyle that he should give Neville his cauldron immediately. Finally could Hermione show that she was good in potions too. Harry was happy they got Sirius now, when they were taking all the OWLs. Fred and George were happy too, cause they were taking NEWTs, and didn't exactly look forward to do that with Snape. Harry found out that this year should turn out as the best year; he was going to get good OWLs, he was going to ask Cho to the yule ball, he would make Ingy like him, and he was going to make a conversation with Ginny without her blushing. And he would not care about Malfoy, since Snape wasn't there. And Ron and Hermione would remain friends the whole year without hate each others or something.
Harry had been going in his fifth year for maybe a month when the first quidditch match was taking place. They were playing against Hufflepuff, who had a strong team this year, with the good seeker and prefect, Dawn. The girl who had a crush on Harry. Harry had been practicing six times a week, several hours every day; in the weekends they practiced almost till they collapsed, but Harry caught the snitch more often, Ginny saved more goals, and Fred and George were taking push-ups all the time for training their arms. They also practiced on hitting the bludger, Angelina was training them harder and harder, as she, Alicia and Katie were throwing at Ginny, who saved almost all of them. They were practicing feints. Angelina demanded Harry to practice on the Wronski feint. He hadn't quite a few nose- bleedings and crashing-with-the-ground experiences when it was all stuck in his body. Angelina made him do other things as well: sit-ups. "Why?" asked Harry. "In case a bludger hits you in the stomach," was Angelina's answer. Chin-ups and push-ups. "Because you need to have strong arms in case.well, something." That was the reason for the arms. Balance. He had to stand on the quaffle for five minutes untill Angelina was satisfied. "You never know when you need to stand on your broom, Harry." She was going to make an excellent coach one day. She even made Harry take flic-flacs in the air. It was very useful, she said. And Harry had to believe her. Fred and George made all crazy jokes with Lee Jordan and sold them. Everyone bought. They also started a Gryffindor fan-club. It costed five sickles to join. Whole Gryffindor joined, and soon they had collected enough money. Fred and George was generous and donated some of Harry's Tri-Wizard money too, and they bought Fire-Bolts to the whole team. Gryffindor knew this, and of course they wanted to win. They thought it was great to have good brooms at the quidditch matches. They were working harder than ever. This quidditch season was going to be great.
Harry woke up the morning the match was going to be, and felt like he was glowing with energy. They were playing against Hufflepuff, and they were going to win. He hopped out of the bed, light and ready. He got dressed, and ran down to the Great hall for breakfast. Ginny was the only one who was up. She smiled at him. "Hi," said Harry. "Hi." Ginny smiled. "Nervous?" asked Harry. "Not at all." "Sure?" "Yes, I am sure." "You know Hufflepuff has a very good team this year." "I know that too, and this year doesn't make sence to me since I wasn't on the team last year." "I know that. I justs said it because I'm nervous myself." "Are YOU nervous?" "Extremely." "Well, you'll have my support." "I hope so. Let's hope we win." "Yeah. We'll hope for the best." Harry smiled and thought for himself, now there's one thing I can cross of my fifth year list. He smiled at Ginny too, who smiled back without blushing. Then Dawn came in for breakfast. She almost ran to the Gryffindor table to say "hi" or "break a leg" or something to Harry and Ginny. Maybe Harry most. "Hi, Harry," she said excitedly, "hi Jenny. You know we're playing together right? Well of course you do. I just came here to say - break a leg - I mean Good luck, break a leg doesn't sound really nice, does it?" She smiled. "Well, bye, Harry. Bye, Gillian. Must the best team win." She ran to the Hufflepuff table. "She called me Jenny," said Ginny. "And after that she called you Gillian," said Harry and laughed. Ginny smiled a little too. "At least she wished us good luck," said Harry. "Yeah," agreed Ginny. "Break a leg."
"Harry! Ginny! There you are. I thought you had escaped or something," said Angelina irritated. "Oh, we wouldn't do that," said Ginny. "We're too excited. And happy. Dawn called me Jenny, and after that Gillian. But at least she wanted us to break a leg." "And after that she wished us good luck. And she said we were going to win." "Did she, now?" asked Angelina. "That was nice of her." Ginny grinned. "Actually she said "must the best team win". But we're winning anyway. So she kinda said that." Angelina liked this. She grinned widely, gave them a high-five and said, "that's the spirit!"
When they entered the quidditch field they were met with great applause. The crowd cheered and whisteled as maniacs. Except for Slytherin. The Hufflepuffs applauded politely. Harry could see Hermione and Ron in the crowd, cheering maybe the most of them all. They were all wearing scarlet scarfs. Even Ingy wore a scarf. Harry knew her little brother, Hawk was a chaser for Hufflepuff. Maybe she didn't know who to stick with. But Harry could see she gave Hawk victory sign. Hawk replied with a victory sign, and looped in the air. To Harry's delight, he could see Cho was wearing a red scarf. Dean Thomas had made "Go Gryffindor" banners with Ingy, although she didn't seem too keen on it. But it was clear Gryffindor had more supporters. Slytherin wasn't actually supporting anyone. Madame Hooch flew on the field as the Hufflepuffs and Gryffindors found their positions. Dawn winked at Harry. "Captains shake hands!" she called. Dawn and Angelina shook hands. "I release the quaffle!" yelled Madame Hooch. And the balls were released. The game had begun. At once, a bludger flew directly towards Harry. He managed to duck away. He could hear Lee's voice. "Vieeld has the quaffle, passes it to Bones, but Johnson snaps it and YES!! Gryffindor scores! 10-0 to Gryffindor! Yay! Ouch, Professor, that was not nesessary!" Harry was looking for the snitch, but couldn't see it. It didn't look like Dawn could see it either. The Gryffindors were great with their new Firebolts, and soon they were leading "And it's 60-10 to Gryffindor! Scored by Katie Bell, an excellent chaser!" Fred and George were both beating bludgers away from Harry, but an enormous Hufflepuff beater beat the bludger directly towards Ginny. She didn't see it, however, she was busy with saving a ball from Hawk. Fred didn't reach her in time, and the bludger hit her in the face. The crowd gasped. Hermione stood up and looked at Ginny in horror. Harry's heart sunk again. It was like time stopped. Most, he wanted to fly down to her, but he had to continue the game. Madame Pomfrey rushed to her with McGonagall, and Harry believed they got her to the hospital wing.
"Harry, continue the game!" shouted Angelina, and Harry pulled himself together. Ginny was going to make this. And he had to get the snitch too. Gryffindor was leading 90-20 when he saw it. It was shining in the sun. Harry flew all the managed. But Dawn was before him! He was going to reach it! Dawn was about to grab the snitch when Harry slowly stood up on his broom. She gasped. Long enough to lose consentration. Harry dived as high as he could, managed to catch the snitch, and one of his arms caught the broom too. He was safe, with the little golden ball in his hand.
The crowd was cheering like maniacs! "Go Harry! Go Harry!" they called. He blinked some times. Then he got hit by Angelina Johnson. "I told you Harry!" she shouted happily, "you had use for my practices." Then she started to cry. She sobbed. "Without one player.Harry, do you think she'll be okay?" Harry nodded, and they were hit by Katie and Alicia, who were happy, and hugged them. But they went serious too. "Poor Ginny," whispered Katie. "She'll make it," said George. "She has almost.died - before." He swallowed. And then the Gryffindor team sunk down on the ground.
Hermione ran to them and hugged Harry. Ron followed. Ingy too. She didn't say anything, she just stared at Harry. It was like she was thinking; why didn't you follow Ginny. Do you like your house better than your friend, you egoistic bastard. Harry avoided her eyes, and hugged Hermione back. Then she hugged Ron. "She will be okay," she said. "You know Ginny. Then Dawn went to them. "Harry!" she cried, "I'm so sorry. I will have a talk with that beater who sent that bludger on Janet." She sobbed. "I'm sorry." Then she hugged Harry too. Why don't you hug Ron, thought Harry. It's his sister. "You don't have to," said Harry calmly. "He didn't know that would happen." "Oh, Harry!" exclaimed Dawn and hugged him again. "You're too nice. Say hi to Janey from me." Then she left.
Harry went to the hospital wing that night to see if Ginny was okay. Luckily, she was awake. "Hi, Janet," said Harry. Ginny laughed. "How did it go?" she asked. "We won," said Harry. "Great," said Ginny. "What happened to you actually?" asked Harry. "A broken nose and some teeth fell out of me. Nothing serious." Harry smiled, and Ginny yawned. "I'm so sleepy," she said and blinked. Harry got up. "You don't have to go," said Ginny. "You can be here - if you want to, of course." Harry stayed. "I'm glad it wasn't anything serious," he said. "I'm glad we won," said Ginny and closed her eyes. Harry took her hand and squeezed it. Ginny fell asleep at once.