Chapter Sixteen

The First Quidditch Match of the Season

Harry and Ron rose early the next morning, greeted by eager faces. Their entire dormitory had woken early, excited about the match ahead. Even though they weren't playing, Seamus and Dean were up and ready to go down to breakfast with the rest of the team. Neville would be siting with Hermione and Colin, watching the game and cheering for all of his friends. They met Ginny and Hermione on the stairs as they made their way into the common room.

"Nervous?" Ron asked his baby sister.

"Not really, I'm just ready to get out there and kick Slytherin ass." She said receiving a loud tut from Hermione.

"Ginny, watch your language," Hermione said.

"What? Don't you feel the same way?"

"Well, I do, but don't say it quite so loudly."

Ginny just rolled her eyes as they made their way out of the common room and down to breakfast.

Hermione was allowed to eat with the team at the end of the table. She had been granted such honorary privileges as eating with the team; something Ron had probably worked out.

The team ate quietly, answering each other in grunts. Ron had taken to being quite jittery. He even jumped when the mail was delivered and Pig swooped down in front of him. "Pig, what's that you have?" Ginny asked taking the hyper bird from the table and untying the letter he was carrying. Harry read the letter over her shoulder.

Dear Ron and Ginny,

I'm happy to tell you we will be coming to watch the match. Good luck! We will come and talk to you after the game. Be sure to wish Harry good luck from us too!

Love,

Bill and Fleur

"I'm glad they are coming," Ginny said handing Hermione the letter. Just as they spoke Hedwig landed in front of Harry. She never came to Harry during school. All of the people he wrote to were here, at the castle. After quickly untying the letter from her leg Harry read it.

Harry, Ron, and Ginny,

Good luck! I'll be watching with Remus and Albus in the teachers box! I can't wait to watch you kick Slytherin's ass. Wipe that grin off Malfoy's face!

Love,

Sirius

Harry grinned passing the note over to Ginny who passed it to Ron and Hermione, having read it over Harry's shoulder.

"Maybe Malfoy will see him and think he is a grim and fall off his broom," Harry told Ginny. Harry really wanted Malfoy to pay for the things he had said about Hermione, and especially Ginny. He had a feeling Ron would have Malfoy pay for the comments about Hermione; Harry would only have to concentrate on Ginny.

Ginny just grinned, "Wow, Dumbledore is going to be there?"

"Yeah, that's not normal. He's likely going to make sure nothing fishy happens."

It wasn't long before Harry found himself changed and sitting in the dressing room waiting for Angelina's pep talk. Harry was beginning to get butterflies that only appeared when he was about to go onto the pitch for Quidditch.

"Okay team. We can do it. We have trained for today for the past few months and I think we have the best team at this school. So, let's go out there and win. Oh, and Harry, Oliver sent me this letter; he told me to tell you to 'catch the snitch or die trying,' that's not coming from me, but you get the idea," Angelina said smiling. They all moved out of the room and soon were on the pitch, brooms in hand.

Lee Jordan could be heard announcing, "Here comes the Gryffindor team. They have a new keeper this year, Ron Weasley and one of their reserve players is going to be playing for Katie Bell who is recovering from the flu. So they have four Weasleys playing on the team today!" The Gryffindor team took to the air making several circles around the stadium. All but the Slytherin students were cheering and holding all sorts of signs.

"And here comes the Slytherin team, their captain this year is Draco Malfoy. He has a young team this year. All of the players are new except Malfoy. They will have a difficult time playing against this united Gryffindor team. Madam Hooch is now on the field."

"Captains, shake hands," She commanded once the captains had landed. Angelina and Malfoy took a long time to shake hands. It looked to pain both to even touch one another, let alone shake hands. They finally did and Madam Hooch kicked open the box of balls.

The balls all flew up into the air and Harry then heard the whistle. "And the game begins."

Harry rose quickly to his post high above the game and began to circle, looking everywhere for the familiar glitter of gold. Malfoy soon was in the air tailing Harry. Looking down at the field Harry watched Ginny make the first goal of the game.

"And young Ginny Weasley scores! Gryffindor 10, Slytherin 0," Lee roared not even attempting to hide his glee.

Ginny did a victory lap before the game resumed.

"Slytherin has the quaffle. Smith is flying fast but his broom is no match for the Gryffindor's Firebolts. Ooh, there went a bludger, hit well by Fred Weasley. Smith dropped the quaffle. Gryffindor Captain Angelina recovered the ball."

Harry watched as Angelina flew towards the Slytherin goal posts, but quickly went back to looking for the snitch. Within twenty minutes Gryffindor had scored six more times, leading Slytherin seventy to zero.

"Smith has the quaffle, he is moving quickly towards the Gryffindor goal posts. He shoots, that was a good shot but Weasley blocks it! Slytherin has no chance."

"Jordan, would you at least try to be fair with both teams," Professor McGonagall snapped, but it was clear that she was enjoying Gryffindor's dominance on the pitch.

"Sorry Professor. Weasley, Ginny has the quaffle, she passes to Spinnet who passes to Johnson who then passes back to Weasley. They move like one person. It really is amazing how well they play together. Johnson is back in position, she shoots, and she scores!

"Ooh, that had to hurt, Fred Weasley was just hit in the head by Baker's bludger bat! Foul! That was just a dirty shot!"

"Jordan!"

"Well, Professor it was a dirty thing to do. Madam Hooch agrees; she has awarded a penalty shot to Gryffindor. Spinet takes the shot, and, Peter blocks it. Slytherin is back in position."

Harry decided it was time; he was going to try to do a Wronski feint. He dove quickly listening for Malfoy to follow him. He heard the noises that indicated that Malfoy had quickly gotten on his tail. Harry had to keep himself from out flying Malfoy too much because he wanted to keep Malfoy off guard. Within two feet of the ground Harry pulled up and climbed quickly, but Malfoy was going too fast to stop, he crashed into the ground receiving several groans from the Slytherin fans and much applause from the rest of the school.

"And Potter just performed a beautiful Wronski feint! That was brilliant!!! Malfoy fell for it and is now sprawled out on the ground. His broom has been destroyed."

Harry looked down on these words and it was true; Malfoy's broom had been shattered when he hit the ground. Madam Hooch's whistle was heard. "Time out," she yelled flying down to check on Malfoy. Harry took this opportunity to regroup with the rest of his team.

"Harry, that was bloody brilliant!" Ron roared when they were all in a group.

"Yeah, we knew you would do it, but to shatter Malfoy's broom like that! I want to remember this moment forever," George agreed.

"Harry, that was good. Now team, we are really doing well - better than anyone could have expected, I think, but don't slack now. We don't want Slytherin scoring if possible. They are going to be playing even nastier now that we have hurt their seeker, not to mention their pride. Everyone, be careful," Angelina instructed.

"Harry, you are doing great," Ginny said flying over to him.

"You're not doing too bad yourself," he said grinning, causing Ginny to blush.

"Thanks, but you know you are really doing a great job, I have two others to play off, but you are up there by yourself."

"It's nothing, just watch out. I don't want you to wind up in the hospital wing courtesy of Slytherin. Okay?"

"Yeah, you be careful too. Malfoy doesn't look too happy," she said pointing over Harry's shoulder to where Malfoy was standing on the ground. 'Not happy' was a nice way of putting it. Malfoy looked down right furious. He was scowling as Madam Hooch returned with a school broom. Harry and the rest of the Gryffindor's began to laugh as Malfoy was forced to use a school broom for the rest of the game.

"Malfoy is going to be using a school broom, the old Shooting Star, for the rest of the game. He really doesn't stand a chance now. Potter is using a speed upgrade kit, which adds even more speed to his Firebolt. This game is already won by Gryffindor."

"Jordan, you know that's not true and if you don't start being objective I'm going to find a new announcer."

"Sorry Professor," Jordan mumbled. "The teams are back in the air, Slytherin has the quaffle. They are flying with more fierceness than ever; Weasley is going to really be tested now. Ooh, Baker hit that Bludger right at Weasley as he was trying to keep the quaffle out of the hoops, and yes, Madam Hooch just called that a foul. Ginny Weasley will be making the penalty shot. She shoots and she scores! Gryffindor is now wining by 160 points!"

That's when it happened, Harry saw the familiar gold glitter that indicated the snitch's presence on the field. He shot towards it, tucking his feet into the stirrups as Jordan announced, "Potter had made another dive, does he really see the snitch, or is he doing another daring Wronski feint? Which ever it is, Malfoy is following him, at a distance due to the lack of speed from the Shooting Star."

Harry raced towards the snitch, carefully extending his hand. He clasped his left hand tightly around the snitch before pulling up out of his dive. "Potter has the snitch. Gryffindor won the game, slaughtering Slytherin 310 to 0!" Jordan said with a scream. Even Professor McGonagall didn't object to this statement, purely because it was true. The best way Harry could think of to describe the game was a slaughtering.

"We WON!" George yelled taking Alicia into his arms and giving her a large kiss. Fred was soon doing the same with Angelina. Harry had to laugh as he was soon enveloped in a hug from Ron. "Wow, this is like a dream, that's what it is, it's a dream!" He was screaming into Harry's ear as all of the Gryffindor students took the field. Turning around Harry saw Hermione running towards them. Ron quickly let go of Harry and went to land and to greet his girlfriend. Turning back Harry was then enveloped in an even tighter hug, this one from Ginny. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek obviously overcome with excitement, both turning slightly pink after the fact. Ginny's hug rivaled one of her mother's. "We really won! Harry that was amazing, you should have seen Malfoy's face when he realized you had actually seen the snitch. He seemed to think you were trying to fake him out again," She squealed as they landed.

It was better than winning the Quidditch Cup, Harry thought as he was lifted up by all of the students who had pored onto the field. All of the team was currently on people's shoulders being paraded around the field. Looking around Harry saw Professor Dumbledore, Remus, Snuffles, Bill and Fleur walking onto the field, positively beaming.

The students reluctantly put down the players and Harry ran over to the head master and his company. Ginny, Ron and Hermione were soon standing by him.

"Ron, Harry, Ginny you did a great job, I think you would bring a tear to Charlie's eye," Bill exclaimed giving his sister and brother big hugs. Harry was surprised that he even received one from an over excited Bill.

"Zat wuz amasing," Fleur said grinning.

"I am glad that Gryffindor won. I haven't seen Slytherin loose so badly in many years. Severus looked like death when you caught the snitch," Dumbledore said with an amused look in his eyes.

"Harry, your dad would have been proud," Remus exclaimed taking his turn to hug Harry. The dog to his right sat up and nodded at Harry, it even seemed that the animal was smiling. Harry made a mental not to tell Sirius that this looked odd for a DOG.

"Why don't the four of you join us for dinner. We were going down to Hogsmeade for a celebratory meal, then we can all eat and laugh about the look on Malfoy's face," Bill suggested. "That is of course if Albus doesn't mind."

"Ah, I think we can allow it for the night. Especially since they will be in such safe company."

"So, what do you say?"

"Do you really have to ask?" Ginny said grinning.

"Yeah! That would be great!"

"Good, Rosmerta has a private room reserved down at the three broom sticks. Sirius will be able to eat and talk with all of us. We have everything taken care of," Remus said.

Harry, Ginny and Ron quickly went and changed back into their normal robes and the four made an appearance in the common room, which had become one giant party. Colin had taken a picture of Malfoy when Harry was catching the snitch, and the picture had been copied and posted all over the room.

"Where are the four of you going? We have all sorts of food here. Look, we even have butterbeer," George said giving Harry a wink. He obviously had gotten out and bought butterbeer at the three broomsticks.

"Err, we have dinner plans," Harry said.

"Oh, so the four of you are going out on a double date are you," Fred said, with a wicked grin. "Just don't have them back too late."

"Fred!! No, we are eating with Bill and Fleur," Ginny said hitting her brother lovingly in the arm.

"Oh, sorry, it's a triple date," George corrected.

"GEORGE!!! Remus is going to be there as well! It's not a date," Ginny protested going slightly pink. Harry wouldn't mind it being a date but didn't enjoy the implications coming from the twins.

"Harry, Harry! I have your picture," Colin said rushing over to him and shoving a large picture into his hands. "I made several copies for you and Ginny to send to your relatives," Yeah, I'm sure Dudley would love a picture of me, Harry thought, taking the picture from Colin.

Ginny and Harry looked at the picture and Harry could feel his face changing colors. Why do I have to blush so easily, he asked himself looking on at the picture.

Colin had done a nice job. It was simply beautiful. Harry and Ginny didn't look away. They just stood there starring into each other's eyes. At first Harry thought it was a muggle picture until they blinked. It wasn't muggle; they just weren't taking their eyes off each other.

"That's a really great picture," Hermione said looking over Harry's shoulder. "The two of you really do look nice; like a couple."

Harry turned to face her, about to protest, "I know, you aren't, I'm just making an observation," Hermione said before Harry could protest. "Colin, do you have our pictures?"

"Yeah, here. I made extra copies of yours too," he answered handing her a stack of pictures. She and Ron were looking at each other in a similar fashion. Hermione did have a point, if she and Ron were looking at each other like that Harry and Ginny obviously felt something for each other. Brushing the thought aside he took a copy of his picture and decided to bring it to Sirius. Ginny took the rest up to her room after Harry told her he didn't have anyone to give it to.

"I'll be right back. Hermione do you want me to bring yours up to your room before we leave?" Ginny offered.

"Sure, oh, we should give Bill a copy of our pictures shouldn't we?"

"Yeah, I was going to give him one of ours," Ginny answered taking the stack from Hermione.

After fighting their way out of the common room the group was able to move down the steps and finally arriving in the entrance hall, where they were going to meet Bill, Fleur, Remus and Sirius.

"It took you long enough," Bill joked.

"We had to get away from everyone," Ron explained. "They are having a huge party in the common room to celebrate the victory."

"I'm not surprised," Remus laughed.

"Yeah, the twins got all of the food from the kitchen," Ginny said. "Oh, Bill, this is for you and Fleur."

She handed him the copy of the picture of her and Harry. Hermione following suit handed him her picture.

"Wow, the four of you do clean up nicely. These are really good pictures, who took them?"

"Colin Creevey. A boy in my year, he is a little obsessed with Harry."

"Obsessed is a nice way of putting it. He has worshiped Harry since his first day of school," Ron corrected.

"Well, he gets a little over eager about everything magical."

"Harry, do we not get one?" Remus asked.

"Oh, yeah, here, this is for you and Snuffles," he said handing Remus the picture. The seven turned to look out the giant oak doors where two carriages were waiting for them.

"Shall we go?" Ron asked looking at his companions. They all consented and were soon in Hogsmeade getting out at the Three Broomsticks.