Chapter Ten

The Surprise of A Lifetime

            Harry and Ginny continued to meet in the library day after day. And in the process they became quite good friends. But when the Weasley twins informed Harry that that night would be the first Quidditch practice. Harry was so excited he told Ron to let Ginny know he had practice.

            "Why?" Asked Ron.

            "Just do it okay?" Said Harry as he ran out to the Quidditch Field with his Firebolt.

            Madame Hooch was on the field when Harry got there. He figured she was going to announce to the team that he was the new captain.

            "I am pleased to announce," she started, "that the new Gryffindor captain is none other than," Harry was just about to step forward when Madame Hooch said.

            "Neville Longbottom!"

            Neville nervously took a step forward and waved to the rest of the team.

            "Mr. Longbottom," she continued," will be taking Mr. Wood's place as captain and keeper. If, by some unfortunate accident or that Mr. Longbottom is somehow unable to fulfill his duties as captain, Mr. Potter will take his place."

            Harry was awestruck! How could they have chosen Neville over me? He wondered to himself.

            "Well, I'll just leave you to attend things Mr. Longbottom," and she left.

            "Now what do we do?" asked Angelina Johnson, annoyed.

            "Well, umm..." stammered Neville, "what normally goes on during Quidditch practice," he said.

            "What a great idea!" Fred and George said sarcastically.

            "T-t-thanks," Neville said.

            "Well, we don't have all day," Katie Bell said she mounted her broom and took off.

            The rest of the team followed suit and soon they were attempting to play a game of Quidditch.

            After practice, Harry went straight up to the boy's dormitory to tell Ron all about practice.

            "How could they have picked that klutz!" Ron said. "We'll loose the cup for sure!"

            "I know," Harry said, somewhat disappointed.

            "Well, maybe he'll fall off his broom or something and you'll get to be captain," Ron jokingly said.

            "Maybe. Well, I'm tired."

            "Me too. G'night Harry."

            "'Night Ron," Harry said as he fell asleep.

            The next morning at breakfast, Harry asked Ron how his brother, Percy, was doing.

            "Well, he won't come home because he thinks Fudge is doing the right thing," Ron said.

            "Oh," said Harry. "I know he loves his job, but I thought he'd care more about family."

            "Me too," Ron said attempting to change the subject, "So, I've noticed you and Ginny spending a lot more time together."

            "So?"

            "So I think you like her."

            "I do not!"

            "Do too."

            "We're just friends okay! Is there something wrong with that?"

            "Sorry, I didn't know it was a touchy subject," said Ron.

            "It's not." And he left the Great Hall.