Ready To Go
The rest of Harry's summer went very quickly at the burrow. Mrs Weasley had taken the liberty to buy all their school needs while they were away. It was obvious why she had done so.
"I bet she's afraid of Fred and George rubbing off onto us. Doesn't matter, I mean, they sent me and you." "You and I, Ron" corrected Hermione. "Yes, well, they sent us a whole pile of extendable ears, fireworks and all this other stuff," Said Ron, as he got out his broom, " Wanna game, Harry?" asked Ron. "Sure!" Replied Harry. He was just yearning to play another game of Quiddatch. He hadn't played since Professor Umbridge had locked up his, Fred and George's locked up their brooms and banned them from ever playing again, but that was soon lifted. Harry and Ron went to a small clearing, covered by some tall trees. As Harry played chaser, Ron played as keeper to catch up on some practice. Harry had seen Ron play keeper before, but he had obviously kept practising, because he had greatly improved since last year. Hermione and Ginny sat on the ground. Hermione was reading one of her books; meanwhile Ginny watched Harry and Ron play. She watched Harry especially, and when Harry noticed this, he dropped the tennis ball representing the quaffle. Ginny looked away, her face blushing. Hermione had noticed and began chatting away to Ginny. Harry wondered what they were talking about. There was slight feeling in his stomach as he saw Ginny smile up at him when she saw him looking down. Harry quickly looked away and continued playing with Ron. The evening before leaving for Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione were arguing in the lounge room. Harry had decided to leave and pack instead of being dragged into another argument. While he was packing, Ginny arrived, her suitcase and some extra clothes still in hand. "Mind if I pack in here? It's just that I can hear Ron and Hermione arguing downstairs really clearly and it's just annoying!" Ginny said as Harry looked at her. "Sure!" said Harry. He watched as Ginny packed the rest of her things. Harry saw her sway her hair as she packed her things. Was it possible? Could he actually like her? Maybe. Just maybe. After Ron and Hermione had settled down, Harry and Ginny felt safe to come back downstairs. They played a game of exploding snap, before Mrs Weasley came back into the room, holding a plate full of biscuits. She sat down as she placed the plate down. Harry and Ron dug in, with Hermione and Ginny. "Now off to bed," said Mrs Weasley, as the biscuits on the plate disappeared, "we don't want you to be tired for your train journey, do we?" The four tried to protest but Mrs Weasley did not listen to their pleas. "Off to bed!" said Mrs Weasley and pointed to the stairs. They trundled up the stairs in a big jumble. They all said goodnight to each other and headed into their rooms. As Harry walked in, Ginny waved goodnight as she entered the room and closed the door. Did Ginny like him as she once did before? Is it Possible? No. It couldn't be. Harry got changed and got into bed. He was awake for a while, thinking of what he had thought at the door that night. While thinking about this, his dreary eyes fell and he slipped into a soft, light sleep. It was eight O'clock when Harry got up. As he got changed, Ron stirred and awoke very suddenly. He quickly got changed and together, Harry and Ron went down to breakfast. There was the usual pre-departure chaos and confusion. Mrs. Weasley was yelling out to get ready. The kitchen table had 6 plates with one slice of toast. "All we have time for today!" said Mrs. Weasley quickly as Harry and Ron looked at their small breakfast. Hermione and Ginny were already sitting down. Ron took the seat next to Ginny and Harry, the one next to Hermione. Harry looked up and saw Ginny's face lighten up when Harry began talking to her. The back-flips in his stomach started up again. What was with this? He thought as he chomped away on his Marmalade and toast. Breakfast was quickly eaten and they went upstairs to get their things. Mr. Weasley had been able to get a ministry car for their journey. He had enchanted the car once again to enlarge on the inside. The boot had been expanded to accommodate the large piles of luggage. The clan got in and Harry sat between Ron and Hermione. "I hear we are to host the championship this year," said Hermione, "great isn't it?" she gave a sigh and looked out the window. "She's only saying that because Viktor Krum is supposedly making an appearance!" Said Ron stiffly. It was obvious that it bothered Ron a lot that Viktor was coming. They arrived King's Cross Station at about 11:45am. The station was bustling with Students and Muggles. They walked to the wall between platform nine and ten. Mrs. Weasley walked through the enchanted wall, followed by Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione. Then Harry and Ginny were left. Ginny stood there before Harry motioned for her to go through. He had remembered the time when the house elf, Dobby, had made the wall seal itself and he and Ron had used Mr. Weasley's car to get to Hogwarts, following the Hogwarts Express. With this thought, destined not to be left behind again, Harry walked through the wall into Platform nine and three quarters. As Mr. and Mrs. Weasley waved goodbye, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny boarded the Hogwarts Express. The train began its journey and they found an empty cabin. Ron and Hermione placed their things in the cabin and began to walk up to the prefect cabin. Ginny and Harry sat in the cabin for a few minutes talking. They leant in closer and closer, though neither noticed. As they did though, Harry felt drawn to her and before he knew it. He was actually KISSING Ginny. It was a funny sensation. His stomach exploded as they did so. It had lasted only a minute or so, but Harry had thought that he had been sitting there for hours. It was so good; it just felt right when Ron and Hermione came to the door, seconds after they had stopped. "We forgot Ginny, you are supposed to come to." Said Ron. Hermione said goodbye to Harry as the three of them walked up the train. Neville Longbottom walked by and came to join Harry. Harry had decided not to tell anyone about what had just happened and so he and Neville began to talk about the championship, while eating some magical chocolate frogs and swapping tales about their summer holidays. The train was about to come to the station and Hermione, Ron and Ginny came back into the cabin. The train arrived and the five of them got off the train. They waited beside a thestral drawn carriage while Neville went back to get his Remembrall. It was a tight squeeze into the carriage but they didn't notice. They talked about what had been said in the prefect carriage. "They said we had no real duties this year due to the championship, which is good. I wasn't going to obey the rules really anyway." Said Ginny. "Ginny!" exclaimed Hermione; "you're a prefect! You are SUPPOSED to obey the rules!" "Oh, give it a rest Hermione!" said Ron, exhausted from the train trip. "Well you can talk!" Hermione came back with. They began to argue as the carriage stopped outside the Hogwarts School. Hermione and Ron gave up their argument, deciding that it would be better to just get along. They placed their belongings inside and went into the Great Hall. The candles hovered in the air under a gentle sea blue sky with stars on the roof. The banners of the houses hung proudly off the walls and the four tables were set up. As the five of them sat down, the first years arrived. They were wet and cold. Hagrid came in and walked by Harry muttering, "How they all couldn't get in a boat that's what I'd like to know!" Harry knew what he was talking about. Every year, the first years were brought to the castle by small boats, which went over the lake outside the school. And then, The sorting hat, a magical hat that split them into the four houses, sorted the first years. At this moment, Professor McGonagall came in with the sorting hat on a stool and placed it out the front. The tear at the front of the hat sprung to life and began to sing its thoughts, as per every year. From year to year I sorted you, Placing you in one house But now I see, I should've knew That separation would make you as weak as a mouse. So my warning stays the same, but once again I say Join together and it'll be worth it soon one day The students clapped as Ron leant over to Harry and whispered into his ear, " at least we can eat sooner now that he's changed his song!". But Harry wasn't listening, he was still taking in the song 'it will be worth it one day soon' what had it meant by soon? Was it possible Lord Voldormort was going to rise again? His mind wandered off the subject as he watched the first years get sorted. After the last person got sorted (Mark Whin, now a Hufflepuff), Dumbledore got up and addressed the school. "Just a few announcements. First, for the new students and some that should now know better, the forbidden forest is out of bounds. Also, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has advised me to tell you that a full list of items which are banned are on his office door. And one last announcement, this year, we are proud to host the first Dark Art Defense Championship. Would the people participating please come into the next room after dinner. Thank you. Let the feast begin!'' The gold plates magically filled with food as they do every year, and they began to eat. "I wonder why they want us in the other room for?" said Ginny as she picked up a chicken wing from one of the centre plates. "You got in too?" said Harry surprised that she had got in too. "Yeah. I don't know why though. I'm not as good as some others, or you." Said Ginny glumly. "You're really good though!" exclaimed Harry. Ginny blushed as he said this. She thanked him and continued to eat. After dinner was finished and the tables cleared, all the school rose and departed. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked into the next room. Inside were Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood, who had probably got in due to last year, Some Hufflepuffs from 7th year, Marcia Noin from Ravenclaw, along with two slytherins and Cho Chang. Harry looked away, thinking he might make her cry as she did last year. Professor McGonagall walked in, along with Dumbledore and Professor Snape. "What's that old croney doing in here?" muttered Ron as Snape walked in. " We are pleased to say that you all got in, but there is more training and studying to do. Just knowing what you already know is not enough, thus I have decided to appoint Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall to aid you in your training. Also, our new Defence against the arts teacher has also said that he would be happy to help. I believe that he used to be in the committee for this championship before he joined us, so he should be a great asset. You will have your homework taken away (Hermione gave a gasp of disbelief) instead, you will use that free time to train for the event. That is all." Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny along with Neville walked up to the common room. "I wonder what we will have to do in the tournament?" said Ginny. "I don't even know why I got in!" exclaimed Neville, obviously still in disbelief that he had been chosen. "You're good at this stuff, Neville," Explained Harry, "You were really good in the DA last year!" "That reminds me, are we doing the DA this year?" inquired Hermione. "I think so. We can have it while we train and because we are allowed to do it this year, we can invite all the other people who are in the championship to come and practice if the championship rules say we can. If we can't then it will just be extra practice for us." Said Harry. "You know Draco Malfoy got in as well." Said Ron, "but he said that he didn't need to go and talk to the Professors and so didn't come into the room." "He's going to suffer later though if he doesn't come to any other meetings." Explained Hermione. They approached the portrait of the Fat Lady and said the password, "fruit bowl" The portrait swung open and they walked inside. "I'm going to bed!" said Neville as he yawned. "Me too." Said Hermione "That's for me too." Said Ron. They walked into their dorms and Harry and Ginny were left. "Harry?" said Ginny as Harry and her sat down. "Yeah?" was all that Harry could reply with. "About the train. It was just a kiss, I know. But I think that, well, I think I like you again even though you probably don't like me. I just wanted to say." "But I do!" broke in Harry, "I was thinking that even at the burrow, Ginny." "Well that's good. I thought I was the only one!" said Ginny as a wave of relief swept over her. " I was going to tell you on the train but" Harry said as he and Ginny kissed. Once again, fireworks were let off inside him and he couldn't help feeling it was right. They stopped and Harry asked "Ginny would you go out with me?' "Yes." Said Ginny and they kissed again. "Just don't tell Ron." "I won't" replied Harry. He had no intention on telling him anyway but he played along. "Goodnight Harry." Said Ginny as she walked away to bed. "Yeah. Goodnight." Harry said and he walked upstairs to bed. As he pulled the curtains on his four poster bed, he couldn't help thinking about Ginny. He couldn't stop thinking about her. As he thought about her, he fell asleep, still in his robes.
The rest of Harry's summer went very quickly at the burrow. Mrs Weasley had taken the liberty to buy all their school needs while they were away. It was obvious why she had done so.
"I bet she's afraid of Fred and George rubbing off onto us. Doesn't matter, I mean, they sent me and you." "You and I, Ron" corrected Hermione. "Yes, well, they sent us a whole pile of extendable ears, fireworks and all this other stuff," Said Ron, as he got out his broom, " Wanna game, Harry?" asked Ron. "Sure!" Replied Harry. He was just yearning to play another game of Quiddatch. He hadn't played since Professor Umbridge had locked up his, Fred and George's locked up their brooms and banned them from ever playing again, but that was soon lifted. Harry and Ron went to a small clearing, covered by some tall trees. As Harry played chaser, Ron played as keeper to catch up on some practice. Harry had seen Ron play keeper before, but he had obviously kept practising, because he had greatly improved since last year. Hermione and Ginny sat on the ground. Hermione was reading one of her books; meanwhile Ginny watched Harry and Ron play. She watched Harry especially, and when Harry noticed this, he dropped the tennis ball representing the quaffle. Ginny looked away, her face blushing. Hermione had noticed and began chatting away to Ginny. Harry wondered what they were talking about. There was slight feeling in his stomach as he saw Ginny smile up at him when she saw him looking down. Harry quickly looked away and continued playing with Ron. The evening before leaving for Hogwarts, Ron and Hermione were arguing in the lounge room. Harry had decided to leave and pack instead of being dragged into another argument. While he was packing, Ginny arrived, her suitcase and some extra clothes still in hand. "Mind if I pack in here? It's just that I can hear Ron and Hermione arguing downstairs really clearly and it's just annoying!" Ginny said as Harry looked at her. "Sure!" said Harry. He watched as Ginny packed the rest of her things. Harry saw her sway her hair as she packed her things. Was it possible? Could he actually like her? Maybe. Just maybe. After Ron and Hermione had settled down, Harry and Ginny felt safe to come back downstairs. They played a game of exploding snap, before Mrs Weasley came back into the room, holding a plate full of biscuits. She sat down as she placed the plate down. Harry and Ron dug in, with Hermione and Ginny. "Now off to bed," said Mrs Weasley, as the biscuits on the plate disappeared, "we don't want you to be tired for your train journey, do we?" The four tried to protest but Mrs Weasley did not listen to their pleas. "Off to bed!" said Mrs Weasley and pointed to the stairs. They trundled up the stairs in a big jumble. They all said goodnight to each other and headed into their rooms. As Harry walked in, Ginny waved goodnight as she entered the room and closed the door. Did Ginny like him as she once did before? Is it Possible? No. It couldn't be. Harry got changed and got into bed. He was awake for a while, thinking of what he had thought at the door that night. While thinking about this, his dreary eyes fell and he slipped into a soft, light sleep. It was eight O'clock when Harry got up. As he got changed, Ron stirred and awoke very suddenly. He quickly got changed and together, Harry and Ron went down to breakfast. There was the usual pre-departure chaos and confusion. Mrs. Weasley was yelling out to get ready. The kitchen table had 6 plates with one slice of toast. "All we have time for today!" said Mrs. Weasley quickly as Harry and Ron looked at their small breakfast. Hermione and Ginny were already sitting down. Ron took the seat next to Ginny and Harry, the one next to Hermione. Harry looked up and saw Ginny's face lighten up when Harry began talking to her. The back-flips in his stomach started up again. What was with this? He thought as he chomped away on his Marmalade and toast. Breakfast was quickly eaten and they went upstairs to get their things. Mr. Weasley had been able to get a ministry car for their journey. He had enchanted the car once again to enlarge on the inside. The boot had been expanded to accommodate the large piles of luggage. The clan got in and Harry sat between Ron and Hermione. "I hear we are to host the championship this year," said Hermione, "great isn't it?" she gave a sigh and looked out the window. "She's only saying that because Viktor Krum is supposedly making an appearance!" Said Ron stiffly. It was obvious that it bothered Ron a lot that Viktor was coming. They arrived King's Cross Station at about 11:45am. The station was bustling with Students and Muggles. They walked to the wall between platform nine and ten. Mrs. Weasley walked through the enchanted wall, followed by Mr. Weasley, Ron, and Hermione. Then Harry and Ginny were left. Ginny stood there before Harry motioned for her to go through. He had remembered the time when the house elf, Dobby, had made the wall seal itself and he and Ron had used Mr. Weasley's car to get to Hogwarts, following the Hogwarts Express. With this thought, destined not to be left behind again, Harry walked through the wall into Platform nine and three quarters. As Mr. and Mrs. Weasley waved goodbye, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny boarded the Hogwarts Express. The train began its journey and they found an empty cabin. Ron and Hermione placed their things in the cabin and began to walk up to the prefect cabin. Ginny and Harry sat in the cabin for a few minutes talking. They leant in closer and closer, though neither noticed. As they did though, Harry felt drawn to her and before he knew it. He was actually KISSING Ginny. It was a funny sensation. His stomach exploded as they did so. It had lasted only a minute or so, but Harry had thought that he had been sitting there for hours. It was so good; it just felt right when Ron and Hermione came to the door, seconds after they had stopped. "We forgot Ginny, you are supposed to come to." Said Ron. Hermione said goodbye to Harry as the three of them walked up the train. Neville Longbottom walked by and came to join Harry. Harry had decided not to tell anyone about what had just happened and so he and Neville began to talk about the championship, while eating some magical chocolate frogs and swapping tales about their summer holidays. The train was about to come to the station and Hermione, Ron and Ginny came back into the cabin. The train arrived and the five of them got off the train. They waited beside a thestral drawn carriage while Neville went back to get his Remembrall. It was a tight squeeze into the carriage but they didn't notice. They talked about what had been said in the prefect carriage. "They said we had no real duties this year due to the championship, which is good. I wasn't going to obey the rules really anyway." Said Ginny. "Ginny!" exclaimed Hermione; "you're a prefect! You are SUPPOSED to obey the rules!" "Oh, give it a rest Hermione!" said Ron, exhausted from the train trip. "Well you can talk!" Hermione came back with. They began to argue as the carriage stopped outside the Hogwarts School. Hermione and Ron gave up their argument, deciding that it would be better to just get along. They placed their belongings inside and went into the Great Hall. The candles hovered in the air under a gentle sea blue sky with stars on the roof. The banners of the houses hung proudly off the walls and the four tables were set up. As the five of them sat down, the first years arrived. They were wet and cold. Hagrid came in and walked by Harry muttering, "How they all couldn't get in a boat that's what I'd like to know!" Harry knew what he was talking about. Every year, the first years were brought to the castle by small boats, which went over the lake outside the school. And then, The sorting hat, a magical hat that split them into the four houses, sorted the first years. At this moment, Professor McGonagall came in with the sorting hat on a stool and placed it out the front. The tear at the front of the hat sprung to life and began to sing its thoughts, as per every year. From year to year I sorted you, Placing you in one house But now I see, I should've knew That separation would make you as weak as a mouse. So my warning stays the same, but once again I say Join together and it'll be worth it soon one day The students clapped as Ron leant over to Harry and whispered into his ear, " at least we can eat sooner now that he's changed his song!". But Harry wasn't listening, he was still taking in the song 'it will be worth it one day soon' what had it meant by soon? Was it possible Lord Voldormort was going to rise again? His mind wandered off the subject as he watched the first years get sorted. After the last person got sorted (Mark Whin, now a Hufflepuff), Dumbledore got up and addressed the school. "Just a few announcements. First, for the new students and some that should now know better, the forbidden forest is out of bounds. Also, Mr. Filch, the caretaker, has advised me to tell you that a full list of items which are banned are on his office door. And one last announcement, this year, we are proud to host the first Dark Art Defense Championship. Would the people participating please come into the next room after dinner. Thank you. Let the feast begin!'' The gold plates magically filled with food as they do every year, and they began to eat. "I wonder why they want us in the other room for?" said Ginny as she picked up a chicken wing from one of the centre plates. "You got in too?" said Harry surprised that she had got in too. "Yeah. I don't know why though. I'm not as good as some others, or you." Said Ginny glumly. "You're really good though!" exclaimed Harry. Ginny blushed as he said this. She thanked him and continued to eat. After dinner was finished and the tables cleared, all the school rose and departed. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny walked into the next room. Inside were Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood, who had probably got in due to last year, Some Hufflepuffs from 7th year, Marcia Noin from Ravenclaw, along with two slytherins and Cho Chang. Harry looked away, thinking he might make her cry as she did last year. Professor McGonagall walked in, along with Dumbledore and Professor Snape. "What's that old croney doing in here?" muttered Ron as Snape walked in. " We are pleased to say that you all got in, but there is more training and studying to do. Just knowing what you already know is not enough, thus I have decided to appoint Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall to aid you in your training. Also, our new Defence against the arts teacher has also said that he would be happy to help. I believe that he used to be in the committee for this championship before he joined us, so he should be a great asset. You will have your homework taken away (Hermione gave a gasp of disbelief) instead, you will use that free time to train for the event. That is all." Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny along with Neville walked up to the common room. "I wonder what we will have to do in the tournament?" said Ginny. "I don't even know why I got in!" exclaimed Neville, obviously still in disbelief that he had been chosen. "You're good at this stuff, Neville," Explained Harry, "You were really good in the DA last year!" "That reminds me, are we doing the DA this year?" inquired Hermione. "I think so. We can have it while we train and because we are allowed to do it this year, we can invite all the other people who are in the championship to come and practice if the championship rules say we can. If we can't then it will just be extra practice for us." Said Harry. "You know Draco Malfoy got in as well." Said Ron, "but he said that he didn't need to go and talk to the Professors and so didn't come into the room." "He's going to suffer later though if he doesn't come to any other meetings." Explained Hermione. They approached the portrait of the Fat Lady and said the password, "fruit bowl" The portrait swung open and they walked inside. "I'm going to bed!" said Neville as he yawned. "Me too." Said Hermione "That's for me too." Said Ron. They walked into their dorms and Harry and Ginny were left. "Harry?" said Ginny as Harry and her sat down. "Yeah?" was all that Harry could reply with. "About the train. It was just a kiss, I know. But I think that, well, I think I like you again even though you probably don't like me. I just wanted to say." "But I do!" broke in Harry, "I was thinking that even at the burrow, Ginny." "Well that's good. I thought I was the only one!" said Ginny as a wave of relief swept over her. " I was going to tell you on the train but" Harry said as he and Ginny kissed. Once again, fireworks were let off inside him and he couldn't help feeling it was right. They stopped and Harry asked "Ginny would you go out with me?' "Yes." Said Ginny and they kissed again. "Just don't tell Ron." "I won't" replied Harry. He had no intention on telling him anyway but he played along. "Goodnight Harry." Said Ginny as she walked away to bed. "Yeah. Goodnight." Harry said and he walked upstairs to bed. As he pulled the curtains on his four poster bed, he couldn't help thinking about Ginny. He couldn't stop thinking about her. As he thought about her, he fell asleep, still in his robes.