'Harry! Harry! Wake up!' Someone whispered in his ear.

"No, that turtle is too green,' Harry mumbled as he struggled into consciousness.

'What?' Ron said, laughing, for it had been Ron who had woken Harry up. 'Anyway, Harry, get up! Get ready! It's Saturday! Quidditch! Ravenclaw!' Ron was shaking in excitement. He'd put a lot of effort into practicing, staying behind after practices for extra help, etc.

'Hey, you're right. Ron, do you think Ginny will show up at the game?' Harry asked, looking worried.

'I don't know Harry. You've been treating my little sister pretty badly these last two weeks, and frankly, I'm not too happy about it. Wait, I'm not happy about it at all,' Ron said, while struggling into his Quidditch robe.

'But she knows how much I care about her, doesn't she? She has to!'

'Even if she did, your behaviour lately could fill her mind with some not so pleasant thoughts. Harry, you're my best friend, but if you hurt my little sister in any way, I will beat the living snot out of you, got it?' Ron and Harry were nose to nose.

"Got it! Calm down!'

'Come on. Finish getting ready, and then we'll meet the rest of the team, and see if you're still in Ginny's good graces, although I doubt it. Harry, calm down. Remember, we still have the opening breakfast and ceremonies before our game,' Ron said as he finished tying his shoes and waited for Harry at the door. Seamus and Neville were just beginning to awaken.

***~~~***

The team met in the Common Room before everyone was up.

'Ok guys,' Wood said. 'This is it. This is the day. The first game, your first game. I'm supposed to give you some sort of pep talk but I don't feel like droning on forever. Felicia and I just want to let you all know that whatever happens out there, we're proud of you.'

'Oh Wood, that's so sweet,' Ron said, wiping pretend tears from his eyes. 'It just makes me want to cry. Oh, I need a hug.'

'But seriously you guys, we just want you all to have fun,' Felicia said. 'Quidditch is not supposed to be a job, it's a game. I've noticed that a lot of you have been concentrating totally on Quidditch, not naming any names. Cough*Harry* Cough. Sorry, I had to do it. For now, lets just go and have some breakfast.'

'Yeah!"

***~~~***

The teams were told to wait in a special room while the rest of the students found their seats. Each team stood separately, talking quietly amongst each other, shooting the other teams glances. Draco and the Slytherin team were making their way over to the Gryffindors when Professor Snape poked his head around the door.

'Slytherins, come with me!' The Slytherins filed out and Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

The Hufflepuff team was called next, leaving Ravenclaw and Gryffindor to face each other for the first time as a whole.

'So, uh…' Wood started. 'It's, uh… a nice day for playing, huh?'

'Yes, it looks really nice. A little chilly though,' Cho replied.

'True,' Felicia said. The room lapsed into an uncomfortable silence.

Professor Moray came in. 'Whoa, you could the air in here with a knife. Lots of tension, I guess. Well, anyway, Ravenclaw, your turn. Come with me.'

'We'll see you guys in there,' Cho said as she and her team left.

'All alone,' Felicia said, cracking her knuckles.

'No, its time to go.' Professor McGonagall appeared out of nowhere. (Actually, everyone had been so preoccupied that they hadn't seen a cat walk in and transfigure into her.)

The team grabbed their things, and filed out after Professor McGonagall.

'Honey, don't crack your knuckles. I like you without arthritis,' Wood said, and then kissed Felicia's hands.

'Oh, such the romantic,' she shot back.

As the Gryffindors walked to the Hall, they could hear all of the students cheering for Ravenclaw. The team was stopped outside of the open doors.

'And now,' Dumbledore was heard to say. 'The School Quidditch champions for the past 5 years, Gryffindor!'

The team was pushed forward and the room erupted. It was a slow process for Harry and his teammates to get to their seats as kids kept slapping them on the back and saying 'Good luck!'

Harry maneuvered over to an empty seat next to Ginny.

'Is this seat taken?' he asked.

'No.'

"Can I sit here then?'

'It's a free country,' Ginny said curtly, not meeting Harry's eyes.

Harry was about to say something to Ginny when Dumbledore stood up to speak. All of the students remembered the 'Studenti Whisperus' spell and the room fell silent quickly.

'Welcome to the first day of our In-House Round Robin Quidditch tournament! Whoa, that was a mouthful. It proves to be an exciting event for everyone, not only the players and coaches. Six games will occur over the next six weeks, and I am pleased to have our first occur today. As all of you know, the winning team of our tournament will be presenting Hogwarts at the 1st ever World School Quidditch Championships which will occur later in the year here!'

The students were silent, not wanting their voices to be taken away again.

'You may applaud,' Dumbledore said.

The Hall burst into applause. Everyone was crazy with nerves and excitement.

'Quiet! I just wanted to wish all of the teams good luck! As for the non-playing students, I hope to see all of you out there today and in the future, cheering on your houses! Let's eat!'

Once again, Harry was too nervous to eat. Ron wasn't. He was gobbling down food like it was his last meal.

'Ron, you might want to slow down. There won't be any food left for the rest of us,' Wood called down the table.

'Yeah,' Harry quipped. ' If you eat any more, your broom won't be able to lift you.'

'Speak for yourself. The way you're eating, the wind will just blow you off your broom. Hang on tight, skinny boy,' Ron shot back.

'Uh, Harry?' Ginny said timidly. 'Perhaps it would be best if you ate something. Anything.'

'You're right, Gin. Thanks,' Harry said as he reached for an apple. He flashed her a bright grin, and Ginny began to hope that he was back to his old self.

The rest of the meal passed with good-natured jokes and laughter.

'Ahem,' Dumbledore called from the head table. 'If you please, I would like for the two competing teams to head to the field for preparation. The rest of us will follow soon.'

The Gryffindor and Ravenclaw teams filed out quickly. They grouped together outside the front doors, where Hagrid met them.

' 'Ow's every 'un of you doin' this mornin'? I'm supposed to bring yous to tha field, and go over some rules. This way.' Hagrid turned and led towards the pitch. Although he was supposed to tell them things, the trip was mostly silent. The group entered onto the Quidditch pitch, and some emitted a gasp. It was a very cold morning, but soon as the teams entered the field, they felt like they were in the Bahamas. The air was warm and the sky was sunny.

'You like it?' Hagrid asked, beaming.

'Like it? Hagrid, its prefect! Thanks! We don't even have something like this in the pros!' Wood said as he slapped Hagrid on the back.

'Oh, I'm supposed to tell ya that 'play fair, play clean', 'have fun', and , there was one more thing. Ah, I forget it. Well, you can go get ready for the game. Dumbledore and the rest of the students will arrivin' soon. Oh, now I remember that last thing; the games are bein' timed now, so that'll be new. Have fun!'

The teams took that as their cue to head to their respective dressing rooms. In the Gryffindor room, the team got ready silently. When they were ready, they all looked to Felicia and Wood for the next steps.

'Well,' Wood said, and then cleared his throat. 'Here we are, your first game. Wow, I'm not good at making these speeches. Felicia?'

'Ok, numbskull. Well, I'm going to make this short and simple. I'm proud of you guys. You've worked hard over the past few weeks. I want you guys to go out there and have fun, and show the Ravenclaws exactly why you are the House Champions!'

'Yeah!'

***~~~***

The two teams lined up on either side of the center of the pitch after all of the students had found seats. Harry searched the crowd for Ginny, but eh couldn't see her. Professor Dumbledore appeared on the field wearing the robes of an official.

'Yes', he said. 'I will be officiating this game. That'll show you youngsters that I still have some young blood in me. Shall we begin?' The two teams nodded. 'On your brooms, and take your spots.'

The kids leapt onto their brooms and flew into their positions. Professor McGonagall carried the box containing a very excited Snitch to Dumbledore. He quickly let it out, and it flew away with only a golden shimmer. Dumbledore quickly let out the rest of the balls, jumped on his broom (with surprising agility for an older person), and yelled, 'Fly!' The game had begun.

The Gryffindor team scored some quick goals early on. The led the game for a long stretch where there was no scoring. The Snitch was very elusive this game and so far, Harry hadn't been able to locate it for more than a few seconds. Ravenclaw's seeker had obviously been taking cues from Cho herself, because as soon as the game started, the kid had been right on Harry's broom tail, following him.

The score quickly evened up and then Ravenclaw pulled ahead. Harry looked at the clock and saw that there was only 5 minutes left. He knew that he would have to grab the Snitch soon or Ravenclaw would win.

'Quidditch Turtlum!' Dumbledore called as his wand emitted a sparkly wave over the entire field. Harry felt his broom slow to a stop. When he looked around, he saw that all activity on the field had stopped. It seemed as if al brooms were frozen in midair. The announcer's voice came over the speakers.

'Gryffindor has called a timeout. All players proceed to their respective benches.'

As if by magic (he he), the brooms started moving again, but now in a course headed straight for the benches.

'I didn't know you could call a timeout,' Ron said, as Harry's broom caught up with his.

'Neither did I. Have you seen Ginny? Is she here?' Harry looked around frantically.

'Yes, calm down. She's sitting with Hermione by the announcer's table. See?' Ron pointed.

'Where? I don't see… oh, she came. Do you think she's forgiven me for being such an ass?'

'Depends on whether she takes after me, or after Fred and George. No, Harry, I'm sure she has. But you can ask her after the game. For now, let's go see why Wood's got his panties in a twist.'

Wood was pacing as they got to the bench.

'Wood! What's up? I mean, there is only 5 minutes left in the game. You know, I'm never going to get used to Quidditch having a time limit,' Ron said.

'I just wanted to give you guys a break. OK, the score is really close, but I know you guys can win this. Just a couple of quick goals. Or, even better, capture the Snitch. How close are you, Harry?'

'Not so close. I've seen it a couple of times but the Snitch seems even more hyper today than usual. Plus, I've been spending most of my time trying to away from their seeker. That kid is just on my ass. I wish I could use my wand and I would…-' Harry said, but was interrupted.

'Well, if you can get, I'd appreciate it,' Wood cut in. 'We'd all appreciate it.'

'I'm trying.'

Lee Jordan's voice came over the loudspeaker. 'The game shall recommence. All players to their positions. Professor McGonagall, do I have to say this? It sounds dumb.'

'Just read the script.'

'All players to their positions.'

'Well, here goes nothing,' Harry said to Ron as they got back onto their brooms and flew to their spots.

'Don't be afraid to use any moves I taught you!' Felicia called after the teams.

'Go!' The clock started to count down again. The Gryffindor Chasers grabbed the Quaffles quickly and sped off towards the Ravenclaw net. Two quick goals were put past the keeper and the score now stood at 150-149 for Ravenclaw.

'Come on, come on. Only one more,' Harry thought. The time passed quickly as no more goals were scored. The game entered its last 10 seconds, and Ravenclaw supporters started counting down.

'10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5…'

Harry saw a glimmer of gold at the corner of his eye. The Snitch!  He pulled down into a spiral and followed it.

'4,3…'

The Snitch was right below him now. Oh, he couldn't reach it. The Snitch was too far down.

'2…'

Harry swung down into the monkey and grabbed the Snitch just as the time ran out. The Gryffindors burst into cheers as Harry felt the Snitch beat its wings furiously to get out of his iron grip. He swung back up onto his broom, amazed that he had actually done the monkey and it had worked! Lee Jordan could hardly be heard over the noise.

'Potter gets the Snitch! Potter gets the Snitch! Gryffindor wins! Gryffindor wins!'

Harry was forced down to the ground as his teammates swamped him.

'Harry, that was bloody brilliant!' Felicia yelled after giving him a bone-crushing hug. Harry shook people off as he caught a glimpse of Ginny through the crowd. He pushed through the crowd to get to her.

'I'm sorry, Gin.'

'I know,' Ginny said quietly as she looked up with eyes that plainly showed that she had suffered.

Harry couldn't take it anymore. He rushed forward and kissed her. The tenseness immediately flowed from her.

'Maybe things will be better now. Maybe it was just Quidditch,' Ginny thought.

'Ginny,' Harry said as he pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. 'I'm sorry. I will never be like that again. You believe me, right?'

'Harry, I think the question is do you believe you?'

'Gin, I-' Harry started, but was interrupted as Ron ran up to the couple.

'Hey Gin! Good game, huh? Well, I came to announce that there will be a major celebration in Gryffindor Tower this evening!'

'Cool, but Ron, I'm kind of busy here,' Ginny said, with a gesture towards Harry.

'What? Oh. OH! I'm going to go find Hermione so she can congratulate me, and I'll see you two later.' With that, Ron ran off, shouting Hermione's name.

'Come on Harry. We've got a party to go to! And something tells me that you'll definitely be one of the guests of honour.' Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him off towards the castle.

***~~~***

The party raged in the Gryffindor Tower into the wee hours of the morning. There was plenty of food and butterbeer to go around.

'Hey Ron,' Harry said as he tapped the other boy on the shoulder.

'Yeah?' Ron broke a kiss with Hermione to turn around to face Harry.

'When did you find time to take the Invisibility cloak and go to Hogsmeade for all of this stuff?'

'I didn't do this. It was all here when we got here. I thought you did it.'

'No, it wasn't me. I wonder who went to all this expense just for the winner's of a regular game?'

'Something makes me think that Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall had something to do with it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I was quite busy before you interrupted me. Go back to my sister and have some fun,' Ron said, and the pushed Harry away.

'Ok, see you later. Good game, mate.'

The party went on for hours, and showed no signs of ending when Professor McGonagall came in at 2 AM.

'Students! Please! Go to bed! I'm quite proud of you but it was only one game. It wasn't even the championship. Now, you still have school, and the team still has more games to prepare for. I know you're all very excited, but it is time for you all to pack up, and go to bed. Thank-you!' She turned and left the Common Room.

'Oh, come on! Let's party!' Ron yelled.

'What was that, Weasley?' Professor McGonagall's voice came back through the Portrait hole.

'I mean, no, let's not. Time for sleep! Let's go. Hup, 2, 3,4. Hup, 2,3, 4.' Ron tried to say.

'Smooth, Ron, very smooth,' Harry said as he passed the other boy on his way up the stairs.

'I try.'