Disclaimer: all characters and the wizarding world belong to J.K. Rowling, of course.
Thanks to Alex for being my beta reader.
I hope everyone enjoys this! This is my first HP fic, so please R&R. I'd appreciate it ^_^
Warning: This fic contains OOTP spoilers (and will probably not make much sense if you haven't read it)!
***
For the Love of Quidditch
Chapter 6 - "Strongest with Them"
***
"Harry?" It was Ginny. Her voice was soft, nervous, still slightly cracking from crying. Nothing could stop Harry from leaving... except maybe her. "Harry what are you doing?"
He turned around to face Ginny. Her hair was matted in several places, her blouse slightly askew. Her eyes were puffy and red, glistening in a way that made Harry's heart break. He wanted to hug her, hold her, tell her everything was okay, that he was stupid and never really wanted to stop being her friend. But he would not let himself. He shoved those thoughts to the back of his mind and concentrated only on why he must fly through the window and away from everything he knew and loved.
"Harry, are you running away?" She took a tentative step forward.
"I have to, Gin." Harry mounted his broom and prepared to jump out the window.
"NO!" She screamed, then lowered her voice. "No you can't. Please, Harry. Stay. Talk to me." Her voice was pleading, frightened. "Ron told me what he said to you. He didn't mean it Harry, he was just upset."
"He was right, Gin." Harry said, avoiding her gaze. "I'm not good for you, not good for any of you. I need to leave. Then you can all go back to your home and forget about this, forget about me and live happily. Don't you see?" He looked at her imploringly, but she only shook her head.
"No, Harry, we can't just go back. Nothing will ever be like it was. Voldemort is back, Harry, and he's never going to leave us alone. We're never going to be safe until he's gone." She was determined now, yet somewhere in her steady voice he heard her pain. "You leaving won't make anything better. We love you Harry. We're never going to forget about you. It's not your fault that we had to leave the Burrow. It's not your fault that Sirius is dead." Harry's shoulders sagged, his resolution replaced by grief and an overwhelming sense of guilt. His Firebolt clattered on the wood floor as he dropped it.
"But it is, Gin. It is my fault. If I hadn't been there, the Death Eaters wouldn't have come. And Sirius - I should have listened to Hermione. I should have realized what Voldemort was doing. If I had taken Occlumency seriously, if I had just ignored those damn dreams he'd still be alive." His voice was thick with tears that soon fell unobstructed down his face. "I'm such a fool. He's dead and it's all my fault!" He screamed the last sentence, anger at himself spilling out in thick, choking sobs.
"Oh no Harry, that's not true." Ginny was in front of him now. She wiped the tears from his face with her thumbs, her palms resting against his cheeks, her touch bringing him back from his inner struggle. She looked into his eyes, her own now brimming with tears. He stared into her choclatey brown abyss, trying to search out her soul.
"Harry, it's not your fault." She said adamantly. "Even the strongest people get tricked by Voldemort. It happened to me too, Harry. Do you know what it felt like to know I may have led you and Ron to your deaths, that hundreds - no thousands - of innocent people might have been killed because of me? But I got over it, Harry, I realized that Voldemort is the one to blame. It's not our fault we were tricked Harry. You were just following your heart, trying to save the ones you love. You were brave, Harry. You saved me." Despite Harry's refusal to accept what she said, somewhere deep within him he felt her words penetrating. His mind slowly caught up to where his heart had already made the connections, and he felt the hard ball within him crack as his painfully constructed barriers crumbled to dust at his feet.
Harry collapsed to the floor for the third time that day, only this time Ginny fell with him. She hugged him tightly and he hugged her back, weeping into her shoulder and hair, spilling out his pent up emotions in harsh, rasping sobs that echoed in the giant room. Ginny stroked his back diligently, soothing him with her touch.
"I'm so sorry, Ginny. I'm so sorry." He blubbered.
"It's okay. I understand." She pulled back and looked him in the eyes again. "Just next time if you're having troubles, talk to someone, okay?" Harry nodded.
"Thanks Ginny. You saved me from making a huge mistake."
Ginny shrugged. "That's what friends are for."
"We're still friends?"
"Of course! You don't think I'd let you off that easily, did you?" Harry smiled sheepishly. They shared another hug. Ginny's mouth twitched into a broad grin as she sniffed and wiped away the tears from under her eyes. Hedwig swooped back into the room and landed on Harry's shoulder. She hooted softly and nibbled on his ear. "Look, Hedwig's glad you decided to stay too." Ginny pointed out affectionately.
"Thanks Hedwig." He patted her wing and she jumped to the ground. They sat in peaceful silence for a moment, lost in their thoughts. After a short while, Harry turned to Ginny, a question nagging his mind. "Why'd you come back and help me? I mean - what I said was pretty mean." Now that was the understatement of the century. "No, what I said was hurtful, cruel and just plain wrong. You had every right to shove me out that window... but you didn't. Why?" He implored. Ginny seemed to collect her thoughts for a moment before speaking, and he could imagine the gears turning in her brain as she formed the words in her mind. Then she turned to him, her eyes full of soft sincerity.
"When I thought about it, part of me just knew you didn't mean it." She said simply. "Not just that. Well, I guess I knew exactly what you were doing, because I did it too." Harry smiled at her. She truly was amazing.
Just then Hermione appeared in the doorway, dragging a reluctant Ron behind her. Harry silently nodded in greeting as they appoached, avoiding eye contact with Ron, who looked slightly guilty, his eyes widening as he noticed the open window and Harry with his Rucksack and broom.
Hermione cleared her throat. "Ron has something to say to you, Harry." Ron looked at her pleadingly, doing his best attempt at a puppy-dog face. Hermione responded with a glare and an elbow in his side, pushing him on again.
"Look, Harry, I - I didn't mean all of what I said." Ron said timorously, fiddling with the edge of his shirt. "And I'm sorry I kicked you and all that."
"You kicked him?" Hermione shrieked, astonished. Apparently Ron hadn't told her everything.
"It's okay, Ron. I'm sorry too." The boys smiled at each other, yet didn't quite meet each other's gaze. Hermione still stood, a look of shock and disgust on her face as she gaped at Ron.
"You kicked him?" Hermione repeated breathily. Ron's ears turned red and he ran his hand through his mess of orange hair.
"Err. Yeah. I'm real sorry about that, mate." Harry laughed, eliciting an even stranger look from Hermione.
"It's okay, Ron, all is forgiven. Really, I should be the one apologizing. I was being a complete arse, Hermione, even you have to admit that." He turned to her. She seemed to concede that he was right, shrugging her shoulders and nodding slightly. Harry patted the ground, inviting Ron and Hermione to join him and Ginny on the floor.
"Thanks for putting up with me, guys." Harry spoke once they had seated themselves comfortably in a tight circle so close their knees were touching.
"Don't mention it." Ron said cheekily, back to his old self. They all exchanged a big group hug, causing Hermione and Ginny to burst into tears. Even the boys' eyes began to water.
"Oh you boys. You worry me so much, you know." Hermione stated as she pressed into her friends. From within their tight circle, Harry and Ron grinned at each other through their tears.
"We really are pathetic!" Ginny laughed, and the rest of them joined in. As much as it hurt, Harry knew he needed them. Maybe they even needed him. He was glad they were friends again.
Once they had pulled away and had wiped their eyes and faces clean of wetness, Harry noticed his hand and side was throbbing. He looked at his fist with more concern than before. The blood had crusted over, staining his flesh a rusty brown. Two deep cuts peeked through the scabs, pink and swollen.
"Harry!" Hermione gasped. "That wasn't Ron too, was it?" She glared over at the redheaded boy, looking ready to pounce if her suspicions were confirmed.
"Hey, it wasn't me!" Ron protested.
"Mmm, yeah. I had a run in with the portrait downstairs." Harry admitted, picking at the dry blood.
"So that's what happened to that old cow!" Ron exclaimed. "I was wondering why she wouldn't show her nasty old face."
"Yep, that was me. I'm really sort of surprised that there wasn't much protection on it." Harry mused.
"Yeah that seems odd." Ginny agreed. Harry shrugged.
"Maybe it just wore off with time. If we're lucky so will the sticking spell!" He laughed.
"That would be a blessing! I get enough of the 'M-word' from Malfoy." Hermione shuddered and pretended to puke. "Though I suspect that she was probably just too arrogant to think anyone would harm her portrait. In any case, you really ought to get that healed up, Harry."
"Yes, I suppose you're right as usual, on both accounts." Harry smiled at his friend. Yes, it was truly good to have them back - all of them.
***
Things were slightly improved now that Harry and his friends were back on amiable terms. Being at Grimmauld Place was still a painful reminder of his loss and his dreams still haunted him relentlessly, but since that fateful day when he had almost run away - a definite lapse in sanity, Harry had surmised afterwards - the guilt about Sirius that had been wrapped around him so tightly had mostly disappeared. He couldn't quite call himself happy, not with his grief and the prophecy looming over his head, but at least now he didn't have to deal with his sorrows alone.
Thinking about what had happened that day was a sobering experience. Not just that day, but ever since he had set foot in Grimmauld Place, after fleeing from the Burrow. What disturbed him the most was that he knew everything that Ron had told him about his friends before Ron had said it; he knew exactly what they had been feeling, even promised himself he would help them, and yet still he had forgotten them. He had been exactly as selfish as he told himself he wouldn't be, too caught up in his own thoughts and emotions to pay attention to the people he was supposed to care about most. And that made him feel even more guilt than simply being the pawn of the Dark Lord. This time, however he would not allow himself the luxury of forgetting his friends - he simply refused himself the ability to act as he had before. More than that: he promised himself that, one way or another, he would make it up to them where simple apologies could not. He wasn't exactly sure how, but he knew deep down that he had changed - he was not the same Harry Potter he had been only days before.
He wasn't even mad at Ron for reacting as he had. His response was certainly out of love for his sister - and even Harry - but his temper had once again gotten the best of him. In all honesty, Harry felt he had gotten just what he deserved, and was glad to have received it from a friend rather than someone like Snape or Malfoy. Just as Ginny had seen through Harry's acts that day, Harry saw through Ron's and knew his words and actions were meant to help, not to hurt. The garish purple bruise that remained where Ron had kicked him served as a pleasant, though slightly uncomfortable, reminder of Ron's fierce loyalty and friendship.
His relationship with Ginny, however, he wasn't so sure about. Despite her vows of friendship and forgiveness, he could not absolve himself for the things he had said to her. She, above and beyond the damage he had done to all three of his friends, had taken the most and the worst of his brunt. And the fact that he cared about her in a way that meant he should want to protect her the most, the fact that she, out of all his friends, had helped him more than he had ever imagined possible, left him feeling nothing short of painful remorse. Yes, he needed to make things up to her the most, and he would. He knew that, after the way he had treated her, there was no chance of her ever liking him as more than a friend, but he felt lucky to even say she was that. Regardless of his stature to her, he needed to recompense her, because he cared about her, and she deserved at least that after what he had done.
And so it became his purpose... except for maybe when he was playing Quidditch.
The Quidditch pitch proved to be Harry's only sanctuary, much in the same way it had been at the beginning of his fifth year at Hogwarts. He threw himself into his practices with all his strength and concentration, exchanging his grief and anger for stamina and vigor. The Opaleyes had easily beaten the Fireballs at their last game; with Ginny's tireless attacks on the opposing keeper and Harry's superb seeking abilities, they managed to win by over 300 points.
It was now less than a week before they returned to Hogwarts, and a day before that they would be playing their final game - Harry and Ginny's team against Ron's. Whoever won the match would take the league cup. But before then they had to get their new books and supplies from Diagon Alley. This was a trip that Mrs. Weasley usually made on her own, but since Ginny had been made a prefect this year and already had a new broom, the group had decided to make an outing of it. Harry welcomed the escape from the walls of Grimmauld Place gladly.
It was Tuesday. The sticky hotness that had burned their skin for almost a month had finally receded to pleasant warmth and the sun shone in high the sky, attending over London with a bright smile and a warm embrace of rays. Not that Harry could see the sun, sitting in the basement kitchen of Grimmauld Place. He sat by himself at the old wooden table, watching wispy vapors of steam rise from his mug and disappear into the still air. It reminded him slightly of early fall mornings at Hogwarts when the fog was still settled over the lake and blew up the cliff before being broken by the sun's powerful rays. Despite the warm outside weather, the kitchen still managed to be cold, and so Harry delighted in the warmth that radiated from the mug, soothing his fingers and heating his palms. He was dressed in robes for the first time since last June, the black folds of fabric, perhaps coupled with his thoughts of Hogwarts, being an odd sort of familiar comfort in the joyless room. He sat motionless, stooping slightly in the hard chair, his white trainers sticking unceremoniously out from beneath his robes, his hair still as disheveled as always, simply taking in the simple beauty of the dance that the steam played out before him. It was a rare and welcome moment these days when he could sit like this without his thoughts turning to his godfather.
Ten minutes later his friends joined him, followed closely behind by Mrs. Weasley. Harry turned in his chair and smiled at the group.
"Ready to go, Harry dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked him kindly. "Got your key and booklist?" Harry nodded and stood from his chair. He felt the twin gold keys in his pocket, settled next to his Hogwarts letter - he wasn't really sure he had the nerve to look in Sirius' vault at Gringott's yet, but thought to bring the key with him just incase. "All right then. You first Ron."
Ron took a pinch of Floo powder, threw it in the fireplace and stepped into the emerald flames before shouting "Diagon Alley!" and whooshing away. Hermione followed, then Ginny, and then it was Harry's turn. Harry was reminded of his first trip to Diagon Alley by Floo in his second year, where he accidentally ended up in Knockturn Alley. Fortunately, he'd had some practice since then, though he still made doubly sure to pronounce the words correctly. Ending up in the creepy old shop again was not his idea of a good way to start the trip.
They ended up spilling from the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was much as Harry remembered it - dark and shabby, but with a slightly welcoming air to it. There were a few witches and wizards seated around at the tables, who turned to look as the travelers appeared from the fireplace, then quickly went back to their conversations.
Harry got to his feet and joined his friends to the side of the fireplace just as Mrs. Weasley spilled from the hearth. She gathered herself, and then led the teens through the back door and into the courtyard. Once through the stone archway, they stepped into Diagon Alley.
The street was a riot of activity. Witches and wizards scurried about purchasing goods from the crooked shops or the street vendors, chased after children, and meandered down the cobblestone alleyway. The different colored cloaks and parcels swam together to make a giant rainbow snake. The group walked past the small shops, weaving through the crowd of people, towards the towering white building of Gringott's Bank.
Hermione was the first to be helped by the Goblins at the front desk, who exchanged her Muggle money for the wizarding sort. When they finally boarded the cart that would take them underground, Harry was still unsure as to whether he wanted to visit Sirius' vault. Harry thought about it while they visited the Weasley's vault - where Harry was happy to see their gold pile was slightly larger than the last time he visited. They went to Harry's vault next. Harry rushed in, filled a sack with galleons and sickles and knuts as quickly as he could, and then exited as fast as he entered.
Once back on the outside platform, the group looked at him expectantly, waiting to hear if he wanted to visit his godfather's vault. Well, no use in delaying the inevitable, I suppose, he thought. Harry turned to the pointy little goblin.
"Vault 711, please." He stated as calmly as possible, despite the fact his insides were jumping around nervously. Another crazy cart ride later, and they were there. "Um, would you mind if I went in on my own?" Harry asked. His friends nodded and remained in the cart while Harry and the goblin continued on.
From the outside, Sirius Black's vault looked no different than the rest. The little gold key was inserted into the door the same way as the others, and even the clicking noises made as it was unlocked were the same. To Harry's disappointment, the inside was much the same as well. He'd half expected for Sirius' ghost to be laying nonchalantly on the piles of gold, or perhaps some sort of great mysterious treasure, but instead he found mounds of galleons, sickles and knuts that looked much like the ones in his own vault. Harry stepped into the darkened vault, and let out the breath he realized he was holding. He didn't dare disturb the piles of money. His eye caught a folded up piece of parchment resting in the middle of the largest stack. He picked it up, and tentatively unfolded it. Inside was a letter, addressed to him.
Harry,
I'm not sure when this will get to you, but I suppose that is for the fates to decide. Regardless, I hope this finds you well - at the time I am writing this, you are off at Hogwarts, in your fifth year, and I fear there is much trouble and heartache still ahead of you. Just know I am here for you no matter what, in life or death, and I have faith that you will triumph over whatever foes come against you in your lifetime.
I suppose if you are reading this I am dead, and as I'm sure you have been told already, most of my estate has been left to you. I hope it brings you more happiness than it has ever brought me. Certainly what has made me truly happy has been watching you grow over the past few years into a kind, handsome young man much like your father - indeed you two share many of the same qualities. I am proud of you Harry, and am glad to have spent whatever time I have with you.
Take care of yourself, Harry. Know that you are never alone, and you are strongest when surrounded by your friends and loved ones (and you have many).
Oh, and promise me you won't spend all this money in one shop.
Love Always,
Sirius Black
Harry's eyes swelled with tears as he read the note, and a great longing formed in the pit of his stomach. The letter must have been written shortly before Sirius died, and placed in the vault. Did he know he would be dying soon? Harry carefully folded the letter back into a perfect square, and put it in his pocket - he would read it again later. With his grief resting in the depths of his heart, he wiped the tears from his eyes, and went back to join his friends.
"Everything okay, mate?" Ron asked his as he sat back in the cart. Harry nodded and smiled at his friend. Ginny put her hand on his arm and Hermione gave him a quick hug. Harry could see Molly Weasley's eyes glistening with tears, as she smiled down at him. This is where I'm strongest, Harry repeated Sirius' words in his mind. Yes, this is where I belong.
Back in Diagon Alley, the group made their way through the shops, buying their books and other supplies they would need for the year ahead at Hogwarts. After buying their supplies, they stopped for ice cream at Florean's, where Harry happily treated his friends to heaping cones of whichever flavor they wished - Hermione chose cherry butterscotch, Ron fudge chocolate, Ginny mango lemon, and Molly vanilla. Harry ordered himself a scoop of raspberry cream. They sat outside, licking the frosty flavored milk in silence. Once they had all finished, Mrs. Weasley turned to her daughter.
"So, Ginny dear, have you decided what you want for your prefect gift?" She asked. Ginny's mouth creased into a frown.
"I can't decide if I want a pet or new robes."
"Well, why don't we go to both stores and you can see what you fancy the most?" Hermione suggested.
"Good idea. Let's go to the pet shop first, since it's so close." Ginny stood up and looked down at her robes. Harry admitted that they had seen better days - they were looking a little thin and ratty, and didn't quite fit her properly. Well, perhaps he could buy her a new ones if she didn't buy them - assuming she'd accept, of course. Harry looked down at his own robes. His feet stuck out below the hem, which was now too short, and one of the buttons had come loose. Well, he might as well get himself some, and it would be the perfect excuse to get Ginny into Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions if she decided to get a pet instead.
Once in the pet shop, Harry knew that Ginny would leave with a new companion. She cooed over the kittens in the window, and giggled at the rats who were doing summersaults in their cages. However it was in the back of the shop, in a bird's cage, where she found her new pet. She peered in the cage at a modest sized bird, about 40cm from head to tail, with a small hooked beak - a falcon. It had cinnamon feathers covering most of its body, except for the ends of its wings, which were black. A white and blue-grey mask covered its head and underbelly, and it had a beautiful long tail. Its piercing black eyes stared back at Ginny, and it gave a sound of approval.
"She's beautiful." Ginny whispered. "Mom, can I get her? Please?"
"Of course dear." Mrs. Weasley smiled down at her daughter. "Get her cage and we'll pay for her at the front."
"Oh, Ginny, she's really pretty." Hermione breathed as Ginny showed off her new pet.
"Isn't she?" Ginny smiled proudly at the little bird.
"What you going to name her?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure. Something elegant, that's for sure. I'll have to think about it."
"She'll deliver your mail too, child, if she thinks you worthy, which, by the look of things, she does." The proprietor told the girl. "Not often we get one like that. You're a lucky girl to be getting that bird." At this Ginny perked up even more, standing proudly as her cheeks turned a pale shade of pink. The bird, too, seemed to understand the compliment, and puffed out her chest feathers. While the Weasley's were paying and getting care instructions, Harry pulled Hermione outside to tell her his plan to buy Ginny new robes.
"That's very sweet of you, Harry. Just make sure she wants them." Hermione cautioned.
"Of course. I want to make her feel better, not worse!" Harry agreed.
"In that care, I think it's a great idea. But why are you telling me this?"
"Well, I need to you distract Ron so I can take Ginny to get them. I don't want her to be embarrassed or anything, and you know how Ron is."
"Hmm, yes. But won't he notice she has new robes?"
"I doubt it." Harry laughed. This elicited a small giggle from Hermione.
"I suppose you're right. Of course, Harry, I'd be happy to distract Ron for you." She replied as the Weasley's joined them outside.
"I've got to go get some things for home, dears. I'll meet you in one hour at Weasley Wizard Wheezes, all right?"
"Sure Mum." Ron agreed, as the others nodded. And with that, Mrs. Weasley disappeared into the crowd. "I want to go to Quality Quidditch Supplies." Ron stated. Harry and Ginny nodded at this. Hermione rolled her eyes - an action which Harry thought she did far too often, though he supposed he and Ron were at least partially to blame - but said nothing.
"I've got to go get some new robes. Ginny, would you come with me for a second opinion?" Harry turned to Hermione, hoping she would find some way to leave Ginny and him alone.
"Why don't you and Ginny meet Ron and I at the Quidditch store in a half hour? We've got some things to do first as well." Suggested Hermione, with a twinkle in her eye. Ron raised his eyebrow at her, as if to question what things they had to do first.
Ginny shrugged. "Sure, that sounds fine." She looked slightly suspicious, but didn't challenge Hermione's request.
"Great, see you soon then." Hermione smiled and grabbed Ron's arm, dragging him off, but not before giving Harry a small wink.
Harry and Ginny turned in the opposite direction, and made their way to Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"I really like your bird." Harry said, nervousness beginning to creep into his gut.
"Thanks." Ginny smiled.
"Anyway... I, err - I was wondering if you'd let me buy you new robes." Harry stammered. "As a gift." He added quickly. Ginny stopped walking and looked up at him.
"So that's why you wanted me to go with you. And you told Hermione so she could drag Ron off. I thought there was something more behind this!" Harry blushed at her insight.
"Yes. So, would you?" Harry asked again.
"I'm not sure. You already gave me the Thunderbolt. I don't want to be a charity case. Just because my robes are hand-me-down doesn't mean I need you to feel sorry for me." Ginny glared at him. The nervousness had now blossomed in to full-blown butterflies in Harry's stomach. He'd been afraid of this.
"No. It's not because I feel sorry for you, not at all. It's because, because..."
"Because what, Harry?"
"Well, because you've been really good to me, Gin. And - and well I've been a real jerk to you. I just wanted to do something nice for you, t-to repay you."
"You really need to learn how to be honest in the first place, Harry. It'd make things a lot easier." Ginny sighed. "But if that's really the case, then I suppose I'll accept - but just because you're a jerk." The corners of her mouth twitched into a cheeky grin, and she strode away towards the shop. Harry gaped after her. Be more honest in the first place? What did she mean by that? Harry shrugged and followed after her.
Later they emerged from the shop, both sporting brand new robes.
"We better hurry and meet Ron and Hermione before they hurt each other." Harry mused, and began to walk away.
"Harry, wait." Ginny stopped him. Harry turned around to look at her. She really did look much better in her new robes. The soft black fabric accentuated her curves and made her eyes stand out. Harry realized he was staring and looked back up at her sheepishly. She had a slight grin on her face "I just wanted to say thank you." She stated. Then she did something he never in a hundred years would have expected: she stepped towards him, leaned upwards and kissed him on the cheek. Harry felt his face burn scarlet as she pulled away and smiled.
"Err... y-your welcome." He stammered.
"Let's go then." She said plainly. Harry nodded and walked behind her. The spot on his cheek where she had kissed him still felt warm, and sent tingles through his skin. He smiled as he felt his face flush again. The day certainly was turning out to be a strange one, but not in a bad way.
Harry and Ginny met Ron and Hermione in Quality Quidditch Supplies, where they looked around at all the new gear. Harry bought some new broom polish, and a second tin and a poster of the Chudley Cannons' keeper for Ron for Christmas (after all, he didn't get to come to Diagon Alley except in summer), which he stealthily bought and stowed away in his robes while his friends were gawking at all the Quidditch supplies.
Next they went to meet Mrs. Weasley in Weasley Wizard Wheezes. They entered into a crowd of people, all eagerly browsing through the twin's goods. Fred and George were at the back of the store, announcing the introduction of their new product, Laughing Lollies ("in three delightful flavours - giggling green-apple, cackling cherry, and hysterical honeydew!"). A surge of people immediately went to where the brothers were standing with baskets full of the candies, and began purchasing the humorous sweets. Fred noticed the friends above the heads of the crowd.
"Hey guys!" He waved at them from across the shop, beckoning them to join him. The small group made their way through the flock of customers, and was greeted cheerily by the twins. "Hey there, brother and sister. Mom's in the store room, avoiding the crowd."
"Harry, Hermione!" George bellowed and drew the pair into a tight hug. "How have you two been holding up? Getting into loads of trouble with my brother, I hope." He winked at them. Since leaving the Burrow, the twins had rented the apartment above their shop, and so had not seen very much of their family since That Fateful Day. However they seemed in good health, and as happy and cheerful as ever.
"You've all got to try..."
"Our new sweets."
"They make you laugh..."
"With every lick!"
"We'll give you some before you leave, of course." The brothers rattled off. They always did have a knack for finishing each other's sentences. The group chatted happily for a long time, Fred and George explaining about their business, Ginny showing off her new pet and talking about things in the news. The time passed quickly, and before long it was time for the brothers to close up shop. Fred and George bid their family and friends a fond farewell, and sent them home with bags full of crazy treats.
Once back at Grimmauld Place, the tiredness set into Harry's bones, and he quickly went upstairs to relieve his arms of all the heavy bags.
Later that evening, the friends gathered around the fireplace in Sirius' room - their usual hangout spot - and rested in silence. Ginny and Hermione sat on the floor by the fire, playing with their pets. Ron was snoring in one of the armchairs, his head lolling to one side. Harry lay back into the deep folds of the couch, resting his feet on the table. He thought about the letter Sirius had given him, and the events with Ginny that day.
Sirius was right - he was strongest when with his friends. He needed them. He was certain he'd be dead ten times over if it had not been for their individual talents - Ron's unyielding friendship and chess skills, Hermione's brilliant mind, and Ginny's determination and understanding. Despite all that, they were fun to be around, and made everything generally better. Certainly he had never dared to dream of having such good friends when he had first entered the wizarding world. But here he was, and there they were.
He looked over at the pair of girls on the floor. Ginny was laughing as her bird nibbled on her hair. Her eyes sparkled with mirth and glistened in the firelight. Harry sighed. She was beautiful. He was still certain she would never see him in the same way though. On the other hand, she had given him that kiss today, but Hermione had done the same before now and he was positive she viewed him as nothing more than a friend. So that was it then - it was simply an act of friendship - of thanks. Still, he couldn't help but smile at the memory of feeling her lips again his skin.
What had she told him before that? To be more honest in the first place? Yes, that was it. He still wasn't sure what that meant. He had told her he wanted to buy her some robes, what more was there to be honest about? His brow furrowed slightly as he thought. It was probably some girl thing. He'd have to ask Hermione about it another time, and with any luck he'd be able to understand her explanation. Girls still made no sense to him.
These girls were his friends though, so they were different from the rest, even if the only difference was that he could talk more easily with them. He certainly wasn't going to hide his feelings from them any more. He'd have to tell them about Sirius' letter, if only just to show that he had changed and wasn't going to keep things from them any longer. And maybe he'd even tell them about how sad he felt at the loss of his godfather - though he suspected they already knew - and how he felt burdened and angry and upset at having to become a murderer. Yes, for the first time in his life, he would share everything with them, because he was stronger if he did - but not tonight. Tonight he was content at simply watching them, and knowing deep down that they cared.
***
AN: PLEASE review! Laughing Lollies for all who do! Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to review *hands out cookies to all those who reviewed chapter 5*. I really appreciate it!
See? Told you everything would be sorted out. So everyone who was worried about too much angst can calm themselves now. lol. This was actually my favourite chapter to write so far. It's got almost every emotion in it and, more importantly, it's a very significant chapter as far as Harry's growth. *hugs the four friends tight* Oh, and i absolutely adore Ginny's new pet. She's actually a Eurasian Kestrel Falcon. They're a smaller falcon, and pretty common in the UK, but are absolutely beautiful. Ginny was originally going to get a kitten, but I thought she deserved a more unique pet. I hope you all agree with my decision. ^_^
So, i know i lied in my note last chapter about Ginny and Harry making some interesting discoveries. This section just turned out to be longer than i anticipated, so the discoveries will be in the next chapter, i promise!
One more quick note: a great big welcome to my new beta reader, Alex! She's absolutely splendid and helped me a lot in perfecting this chapter. So a big thanks to her as well.
Thanks to Alex for being my beta reader.
I hope everyone enjoys this! This is my first HP fic, so please R&R. I'd appreciate it ^_^
Warning: This fic contains OOTP spoilers (and will probably not make much sense if you haven't read it)!
For the Love of Quidditch
Chapter 6 - "Strongest with Them"
***
"Harry?" It was Ginny. Her voice was soft, nervous, still slightly cracking from crying. Nothing could stop Harry from leaving... except maybe her. "Harry what are you doing?"
He turned around to face Ginny. Her hair was matted in several places, her blouse slightly askew. Her eyes were puffy and red, glistening in a way that made Harry's heart break. He wanted to hug her, hold her, tell her everything was okay, that he was stupid and never really wanted to stop being her friend. But he would not let himself. He shoved those thoughts to the back of his mind and concentrated only on why he must fly through the window and away from everything he knew and loved.
"Harry, are you running away?" She took a tentative step forward.
"I have to, Gin." Harry mounted his broom and prepared to jump out the window.
"NO!" She screamed, then lowered her voice. "No you can't. Please, Harry. Stay. Talk to me." Her voice was pleading, frightened. "Ron told me what he said to you. He didn't mean it Harry, he was just upset."
"He was right, Gin." Harry said, avoiding her gaze. "I'm not good for you, not good for any of you. I need to leave. Then you can all go back to your home and forget about this, forget about me and live happily. Don't you see?" He looked at her imploringly, but she only shook her head.
"No, Harry, we can't just go back. Nothing will ever be like it was. Voldemort is back, Harry, and he's never going to leave us alone. We're never going to be safe until he's gone." She was determined now, yet somewhere in her steady voice he heard her pain. "You leaving won't make anything better. We love you Harry. We're never going to forget about you. It's not your fault that we had to leave the Burrow. It's not your fault that Sirius is dead." Harry's shoulders sagged, his resolution replaced by grief and an overwhelming sense of guilt. His Firebolt clattered on the wood floor as he dropped it.
"But it is, Gin. It is my fault. If I hadn't been there, the Death Eaters wouldn't have come. And Sirius - I should have listened to Hermione. I should have realized what Voldemort was doing. If I had taken Occlumency seriously, if I had just ignored those damn dreams he'd still be alive." His voice was thick with tears that soon fell unobstructed down his face. "I'm such a fool. He's dead and it's all my fault!" He screamed the last sentence, anger at himself spilling out in thick, choking sobs.
"Oh no Harry, that's not true." Ginny was in front of him now. She wiped the tears from his face with her thumbs, her palms resting against his cheeks, her touch bringing him back from his inner struggle. She looked into his eyes, her own now brimming with tears. He stared into her choclatey brown abyss, trying to search out her soul.
"Harry, it's not your fault." She said adamantly. "Even the strongest people get tricked by Voldemort. It happened to me too, Harry. Do you know what it felt like to know I may have led you and Ron to your deaths, that hundreds - no thousands - of innocent people might have been killed because of me? But I got over it, Harry, I realized that Voldemort is the one to blame. It's not our fault we were tricked Harry. You were just following your heart, trying to save the ones you love. You were brave, Harry. You saved me." Despite Harry's refusal to accept what she said, somewhere deep within him he felt her words penetrating. His mind slowly caught up to where his heart had already made the connections, and he felt the hard ball within him crack as his painfully constructed barriers crumbled to dust at his feet.
Harry collapsed to the floor for the third time that day, only this time Ginny fell with him. She hugged him tightly and he hugged her back, weeping into her shoulder and hair, spilling out his pent up emotions in harsh, rasping sobs that echoed in the giant room. Ginny stroked his back diligently, soothing him with her touch.
"I'm so sorry, Ginny. I'm so sorry." He blubbered.
"It's okay. I understand." She pulled back and looked him in the eyes again. "Just next time if you're having troubles, talk to someone, okay?" Harry nodded.
"Thanks Ginny. You saved me from making a huge mistake."
Ginny shrugged. "That's what friends are for."
"We're still friends?"
"Of course! You don't think I'd let you off that easily, did you?" Harry smiled sheepishly. They shared another hug. Ginny's mouth twitched into a broad grin as she sniffed and wiped away the tears from under her eyes. Hedwig swooped back into the room and landed on Harry's shoulder. She hooted softly and nibbled on his ear. "Look, Hedwig's glad you decided to stay too." Ginny pointed out affectionately.
"Thanks Hedwig." He patted her wing and she jumped to the ground. They sat in peaceful silence for a moment, lost in their thoughts. After a short while, Harry turned to Ginny, a question nagging his mind. "Why'd you come back and help me? I mean - what I said was pretty mean." Now that was the understatement of the century. "No, what I said was hurtful, cruel and just plain wrong. You had every right to shove me out that window... but you didn't. Why?" He implored. Ginny seemed to collect her thoughts for a moment before speaking, and he could imagine the gears turning in her brain as she formed the words in her mind. Then she turned to him, her eyes full of soft sincerity.
"When I thought about it, part of me just knew you didn't mean it." She said simply. "Not just that. Well, I guess I knew exactly what you were doing, because I did it too." Harry smiled at her. She truly was amazing.
Just then Hermione appeared in the doorway, dragging a reluctant Ron behind her. Harry silently nodded in greeting as they appoached, avoiding eye contact with Ron, who looked slightly guilty, his eyes widening as he noticed the open window and Harry with his Rucksack and broom.
Hermione cleared her throat. "Ron has something to say to you, Harry." Ron looked at her pleadingly, doing his best attempt at a puppy-dog face. Hermione responded with a glare and an elbow in his side, pushing him on again.
"Look, Harry, I - I didn't mean all of what I said." Ron said timorously, fiddling with the edge of his shirt. "And I'm sorry I kicked you and all that."
"You kicked him?" Hermione shrieked, astonished. Apparently Ron hadn't told her everything.
"It's okay, Ron. I'm sorry too." The boys smiled at each other, yet didn't quite meet each other's gaze. Hermione still stood, a look of shock and disgust on her face as she gaped at Ron.
"You kicked him?" Hermione repeated breathily. Ron's ears turned red and he ran his hand through his mess of orange hair.
"Err. Yeah. I'm real sorry about that, mate." Harry laughed, eliciting an even stranger look from Hermione.
"It's okay, Ron, all is forgiven. Really, I should be the one apologizing. I was being a complete arse, Hermione, even you have to admit that." He turned to her. She seemed to concede that he was right, shrugging her shoulders and nodding slightly. Harry patted the ground, inviting Ron and Hermione to join him and Ginny on the floor.
"Thanks for putting up with me, guys." Harry spoke once they had seated themselves comfortably in a tight circle so close their knees were touching.
"Don't mention it." Ron said cheekily, back to his old self. They all exchanged a big group hug, causing Hermione and Ginny to burst into tears. Even the boys' eyes began to water.
"Oh you boys. You worry me so much, you know." Hermione stated as she pressed into her friends. From within their tight circle, Harry and Ron grinned at each other through their tears.
"We really are pathetic!" Ginny laughed, and the rest of them joined in. As much as it hurt, Harry knew he needed them. Maybe they even needed him. He was glad they were friends again.
Once they had pulled away and had wiped their eyes and faces clean of wetness, Harry noticed his hand and side was throbbing. He looked at his fist with more concern than before. The blood had crusted over, staining his flesh a rusty brown. Two deep cuts peeked through the scabs, pink and swollen.
"Harry!" Hermione gasped. "That wasn't Ron too, was it?" She glared over at the redheaded boy, looking ready to pounce if her suspicions were confirmed.
"Hey, it wasn't me!" Ron protested.
"Mmm, yeah. I had a run in with the portrait downstairs." Harry admitted, picking at the dry blood.
"So that's what happened to that old cow!" Ron exclaimed. "I was wondering why she wouldn't show her nasty old face."
"Yep, that was me. I'm really sort of surprised that there wasn't much protection on it." Harry mused.
"Yeah that seems odd." Ginny agreed. Harry shrugged.
"Maybe it just wore off with time. If we're lucky so will the sticking spell!" He laughed.
"That would be a blessing! I get enough of the 'M-word' from Malfoy." Hermione shuddered and pretended to puke. "Though I suspect that she was probably just too arrogant to think anyone would harm her portrait. In any case, you really ought to get that healed up, Harry."
"Yes, I suppose you're right as usual, on both accounts." Harry smiled at his friend. Yes, it was truly good to have them back - all of them.
Things were slightly improved now that Harry and his friends were back on amiable terms. Being at Grimmauld Place was still a painful reminder of his loss and his dreams still haunted him relentlessly, but since that fateful day when he had almost run away - a definite lapse in sanity, Harry had surmised afterwards - the guilt about Sirius that had been wrapped around him so tightly had mostly disappeared. He couldn't quite call himself happy, not with his grief and the prophecy looming over his head, but at least now he didn't have to deal with his sorrows alone.
Thinking about what had happened that day was a sobering experience. Not just that day, but ever since he had set foot in Grimmauld Place, after fleeing from the Burrow. What disturbed him the most was that he knew everything that Ron had told him about his friends before Ron had said it; he knew exactly what they had been feeling, even promised himself he would help them, and yet still he had forgotten them. He had been exactly as selfish as he told himself he wouldn't be, too caught up in his own thoughts and emotions to pay attention to the people he was supposed to care about most. And that made him feel even more guilt than simply being the pawn of the Dark Lord. This time, however he would not allow himself the luxury of forgetting his friends - he simply refused himself the ability to act as he had before. More than that: he promised himself that, one way or another, he would make it up to them where simple apologies could not. He wasn't exactly sure how, but he knew deep down that he had changed - he was not the same Harry Potter he had been only days before.
He wasn't even mad at Ron for reacting as he had. His response was certainly out of love for his sister - and even Harry - but his temper had once again gotten the best of him. In all honesty, Harry felt he had gotten just what he deserved, and was glad to have received it from a friend rather than someone like Snape or Malfoy. Just as Ginny had seen through Harry's acts that day, Harry saw through Ron's and knew his words and actions were meant to help, not to hurt. The garish purple bruise that remained where Ron had kicked him served as a pleasant, though slightly uncomfortable, reminder of Ron's fierce loyalty and friendship.
His relationship with Ginny, however, he wasn't so sure about. Despite her vows of friendship and forgiveness, he could not absolve himself for the things he had said to her. She, above and beyond the damage he had done to all three of his friends, had taken the most and the worst of his brunt. And the fact that he cared about her in a way that meant he should want to protect her the most, the fact that she, out of all his friends, had helped him more than he had ever imagined possible, left him feeling nothing short of painful remorse. Yes, he needed to make things up to her the most, and he would. He knew that, after the way he had treated her, there was no chance of her ever liking him as more than a friend, but he felt lucky to even say she was that. Regardless of his stature to her, he needed to recompense her, because he cared about her, and she deserved at least that after what he had done.
And so it became his purpose... except for maybe when he was playing Quidditch.
The Quidditch pitch proved to be Harry's only sanctuary, much in the same way it had been at the beginning of his fifth year at Hogwarts. He threw himself into his practices with all his strength and concentration, exchanging his grief and anger for stamina and vigor. The Opaleyes had easily beaten the Fireballs at their last game; with Ginny's tireless attacks on the opposing keeper and Harry's superb seeking abilities, they managed to win by over 300 points.
It was now less than a week before they returned to Hogwarts, and a day before that they would be playing their final game - Harry and Ginny's team against Ron's. Whoever won the match would take the league cup. But before then they had to get their new books and supplies from Diagon Alley. This was a trip that Mrs. Weasley usually made on her own, but since Ginny had been made a prefect this year and already had a new broom, the group had decided to make an outing of it. Harry welcomed the escape from the walls of Grimmauld Place gladly.
It was Tuesday. The sticky hotness that had burned their skin for almost a month had finally receded to pleasant warmth and the sun shone in high the sky, attending over London with a bright smile and a warm embrace of rays. Not that Harry could see the sun, sitting in the basement kitchen of Grimmauld Place. He sat by himself at the old wooden table, watching wispy vapors of steam rise from his mug and disappear into the still air. It reminded him slightly of early fall mornings at Hogwarts when the fog was still settled over the lake and blew up the cliff before being broken by the sun's powerful rays. Despite the warm outside weather, the kitchen still managed to be cold, and so Harry delighted in the warmth that radiated from the mug, soothing his fingers and heating his palms. He was dressed in robes for the first time since last June, the black folds of fabric, perhaps coupled with his thoughts of Hogwarts, being an odd sort of familiar comfort in the joyless room. He sat motionless, stooping slightly in the hard chair, his white trainers sticking unceremoniously out from beneath his robes, his hair still as disheveled as always, simply taking in the simple beauty of the dance that the steam played out before him. It was a rare and welcome moment these days when he could sit like this without his thoughts turning to his godfather.
Ten minutes later his friends joined him, followed closely behind by Mrs. Weasley. Harry turned in his chair and smiled at the group.
"Ready to go, Harry dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked him kindly. "Got your key and booklist?" Harry nodded and stood from his chair. He felt the twin gold keys in his pocket, settled next to his Hogwarts letter - he wasn't really sure he had the nerve to look in Sirius' vault at Gringott's yet, but thought to bring the key with him just incase. "All right then. You first Ron."
Ron took a pinch of Floo powder, threw it in the fireplace and stepped into the emerald flames before shouting "Diagon Alley!" and whooshing away. Hermione followed, then Ginny, and then it was Harry's turn. Harry was reminded of his first trip to Diagon Alley by Floo in his second year, where he accidentally ended up in Knockturn Alley. Fortunately, he'd had some practice since then, though he still made doubly sure to pronounce the words correctly. Ending up in the creepy old shop again was not his idea of a good way to start the trip.
They ended up spilling from the fireplace in the Leaky Cauldron. The pub was much as Harry remembered it - dark and shabby, but with a slightly welcoming air to it. There were a few witches and wizards seated around at the tables, who turned to look as the travelers appeared from the fireplace, then quickly went back to their conversations.
Harry got to his feet and joined his friends to the side of the fireplace just as Mrs. Weasley spilled from the hearth. She gathered herself, and then led the teens through the back door and into the courtyard. Once through the stone archway, they stepped into Diagon Alley.
The street was a riot of activity. Witches and wizards scurried about purchasing goods from the crooked shops or the street vendors, chased after children, and meandered down the cobblestone alleyway. The different colored cloaks and parcels swam together to make a giant rainbow snake. The group walked past the small shops, weaving through the crowd of people, towards the towering white building of Gringott's Bank.
Hermione was the first to be helped by the Goblins at the front desk, who exchanged her Muggle money for the wizarding sort. When they finally boarded the cart that would take them underground, Harry was still unsure as to whether he wanted to visit Sirius' vault. Harry thought about it while they visited the Weasley's vault - where Harry was happy to see their gold pile was slightly larger than the last time he visited. They went to Harry's vault next. Harry rushed in, filled a sack with galleons and sickles and knuts as quickly as he could, and then exited as fast as he entered.
Once back on the outside platform, the group looked at him expectantly, waiting to hear if he wanted to visit his godfather's vault. Well, no use in delaying the inevitable, I suppose, he thought. Harry turned to the pointy little goblin.
"Vault 711, please." He stated as calmly as possible, despite the fact his insides were jumping around nervously. Another crazy cart ride later, and they were there. "Um, would you mind if I went in on my own?" Harry asked. His friends nodded and remained in the cart while Harry and the goblin continued on.
From the outside, Sirius Black's vault looked no different than the rest. The little gold key was inserted into the door the same way as the others, and even the clicking noises made as it was unlocked were the same. To Harry's disappointment, the inside was much the same as well. He'd half expected for Sirius' ghost to be laying nonchalantly on the piles of gold, or perhaps some sort of great mysterious treasure, but instead he found mounds of galleons, sickles and knuts that looked much like the ones in his own vault. Harry stepped into the darkened vault, and let out the breath he realized he was holding. He didn't dare disturb the piles of money. His eye caught a folded up piece of parchment resting in the middle of the largest stack. He picked it up, and tentatively unfolded it. Inside was a letter, addressed to him.
Harry,
I'm not sure when this will get to you, but I suppose that is for the fates to decide. Regardless, I hope this finds you well - at the time I am writing this, you are off at Hogwarts, in your fifth year, and I fear there is much trouble and heartache still ahead of you. Just know I am here for you no matter what, in life or death, and I have faith that you will triumph over whatever foes come against you in your lifetime.
I suppose if you are reading this I am dead, and as I'm sure you have been told already, most of my estate has been left to you. I hope it brings you more happiness than it has ever brought me. Certainly what has made me truly happy has been watching you grow over the past few years into a kind, handsome young man much like your father - indeed you two share many of the same qualities. I am proud of you Harry, and am glad to have spent whatever time I have with you.
Take care of yourself, Harry. Know that you are never alone, and you are strongest when surrounded by your friends and loved ones (and you have many).
Oh, and promise me you won't spend all this money in one shop.
Love Always,
Sirius Black
Harry's eyes swelled with tears as he read the note, and a great longing formed in the pit of his stomach. The letter must have been written shortly before Sirius died, and placed in the vault. Did he know he would be dying soon? Harry carefully folded the letter back into a perfect square, and put it in his pocket - he would read it again later. With his grief resting in the depths of his heart, he wiped the tears from his eyes, and went back to join his friends.
"Everything okay, mate?" Ron asked his as he sat back in the cart. Harry nodded and smiled at his friend. Ginny put her hand on his arm and Hermione gave him a quick hug. Harry could see Molly Weasley's eyes glistening with tears, as she smiled down at him. This is where I'm strongest, Harry repeated Sirius' words in his mind. Yes, this is where I belong.
Back in Diagon Alley, the group made their way through the shops, buying their books and other supplies they would need for the year ahead at Hogwarts. After buying their supplies, they stopped for ice cream at Florean's, where Harry happily treated his friends to heaping cones of whichever flavor they wished - Hermione chose cherry butterscotch, Ron fudge chocolate, Ginny mango lemon, and Molly vanilla. Harry ordered himself a scoop of raspberry cream. They sat outside, licking the frosty flavored milk in silence. Once they had all finished, Mrs. Weasley turned to her daughter.
"So, Ginny dear, have you decided what you want for your prefect gift?" She asked. Ginny's mouth creased into a frown.
"I can't decide if I want a pet or new robes."
"Well, why don't we go to both stores and you can see what you fancy the most?" Hermione suggested.
"Good idea. Let's go to the pet shop first, since it's so close." Ginny stood up and looked down at her robes. Harry admitted that they had seen better days - they were looking a little thin and ratty, and didn't quite fit her properly. Well, perhaps he could buy her a new ones if she didn't buy them - assuming she'd accept, of course. Harry looked down at his own robes. His feet stuck out below the hem, which was now too short, and one of the buttons had come loose. Well, he might as well get himself some, and it would be the perfect excuse to get Ginny into Madame Malkin's Robes for all Occasions if she decided to get a pet instead.
Once in the pet shop, Harry knew that Ginny would leave with a new companion. She cooed over the kittens in the window, and giggled at the rats who were doing summersaults in their cages. However it was in the back of the shop, in a bird's cage, where she found her new pet. She peered in the cage at a modest sized bird, about 40cm from head to tail, with a small hooked beak - a falcon. It had cinnamon feathers covering most of its body, except for the ends of its wings, which were black. A white and blue-grey mask covered its head and underbelly, and it had a beautiful long tail. Its piercing black eyes stared back at Ginny, and it gave a sound of approval.
"She's beautiful." Ginny whispered. "Mom, can I get her? Please?"
"Of course dear." Mrs. Weasley smiled down at her daughter. "Get her cage and we'll pay for her at the front."
"Oh, Ginny, she's really pretty." Hermione breathed as Ginny showed off her new pet.
"Isn't she?" Ginny smiled proudly at the little bird.
"What you going to name her?" Ron asked.
"I'm not sure. Something elegant, that's for sure. I'll have to think about it."
"She'll deliver your mail too, child, if she thinks you worthy, which, by the look of things, she does." The proprietor told the girl. "Not often we get one like that. You're a lucky girl to be getting that bird." At this Ginny perked up even more, standing proudly as her cheeks turned a pale shade of pink. The bird, too, seemed to understand the compliment, and puffed out her chest feathers. While the Weasley's were paying and getting care instructions, Harry pulled Hermione outside to tell her his plan to buy Ginny new robes.
"That's very sweet of you, Harry. Just make sure she wants them." Hermione cautioned.
"Of course. I want to make her feel better, not worse!" Harry agreed.
"In that care, I think it's a great idea. But why are you telling me this?"
"Well, I need to you distract Ron so I can take Ginny to get them. I don't want her to be embarrassed or anything, and you know how Ron is."
"Hmm, yes. But won't he notice she has new robes?"
"I doubt it." Harry laughed. This elicited a small giggle from Hermione.
"I suppose you're right. Of course, Harry, I'd be happy to distract Ron for you." She replied as the Weasley's joined them outside.
"I've got to go get some things for home, dears. I'll meet you in one hour at Weasley Wizard Wheezes, all right?"
"Sure Mum." Ron agreed, as the others nodded. And with that, Mrs. Weasley disappeared into the crowd. "I want to go to Quality Quidditch Supplies." Ron stated. Harry and Ginny nodded at this. Hermione rolled her eyes - an action which Harry thought she did far too often, though he supposed he and Ron were at least partially to blame - but said nothing.
"I've got to go get some new robes. Ginny, would you come with me for a second opinion?" Harry turned to Hermione, hoping she would find some way to leave Ginny and him alone.
"Why don't you and Ginny meet Ron and I at the Quidditch store in a half hour? We've got some things to do first as well." Suggested Hermione, with a twinkle in her eye. Ron raised his eyebrow at her, as if to question what things they had to do first.
Ginny shrugged. "Sure, that sounds fine." She looked slightly suspicious, but didn't challenge Hermione's request.
"Great, see you soon then." Hermione smiled and grabbed Ron's arm, dragging him off, but not before giving Harry a small wink.
Harry and Ginny turned in the opposite direction, and made their way to Madame Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"I really like your bird." Harry said, nervousness beginning to creep into his gut.
"Thanks." Ginny smiled.
"Anyway... I, err - I was wondering if you'd let me buy you new robes." Harry stammered. "As a gift." He added quickly. Ginny stopped walking and looked up at him.
"So that's why you wanted me to go with you. And you told Hermione so she could drag Ron off. I thought there was something more behind this!" Harry blushed at her insight.
"Yes. So, would you?" Harry asked again.
"I'm not sure. You already gave me the Thunderbolt. I don't want to be a charity case. Just because my robes are hand-me-down doesn't mean I need you to feel sorry for me." Ginny glared at him. The nervousness had now blossomed in to full-blown butterflies in Harry's stomach. He'd been afraid of this.
"No. It's not because I feel sorry for you, not at all. It's because, because..."
"Because what, Harry?"
"Well, because you've been really good to me, Gin. And - and well I've been a real jerk to you. I just wanted to do something nice for you, t-to repay you."
"You really need to learn how to be honest in the first place, Harry. It'd make things a lot easier." Ginny sighed. "But if that's really the case, then I suppose I'll accept - but just because you're a jerk." The corners of her mouth twitched into a cheeky grin, and she strode away towards the shop. Harry gaped after her. Be more honest in the first place? What did she mean by that? Harry shrugged and followed after her.
Later they emerged from the shop, both sporting brand new robes.
"We better hurry and meet Ron and Hermione before they hurt each other." Harry mused, and began to walk away.
"Harry, wait." Ginny stopped him. Harry turned around to look at her. She really did look much better in her new robes. The soft black fabric accentuated her curves and made her eyes stand out. Harry realized he was staring and looked back up at her sheepishly. She had a slight grin on her face "I just wanted to say thank you." She stated. Then she did something he never in a hundred years would have expected: she stepped towards him, leaned upwards and kissed him on the cheek. Harry felt his face burn scarlet as she pulled away and smiled.
"Err... y-your welcome." He stammered.
"Let's go then." She said plainly. Harry nodded and walked behind her. The spot on his cheek where she had kissed him still felt warm, and sent tingles through his skin. He smiled as he felt his face flush again. The day certainly was turning out to be a strange one, but not in a bad way.
Harry and Ginny met Ron and Hermione in Quality Quidditch Supplies, where they looked around at all the new gear. Harry bought some new broom polish, and a second tin and a poster of the Chudley Cannons' keeper for Ron for Christmas (after all, he didn't get to come to Diagon Alley except in summer), which he stealthily bought and stowed away in his robes while his friends were gawking at all the Quidditch supplies.
Next they went to meet Mrs. Weasley in Weasley Wizard Wheezes. They entered into a crowd of people, all eagerly browsing through the twin's goods. Fred and George were at the back of the store, announcing the introduction of their new product, Laughing Lollies ("in three delightful flavours - giggling green-apple, cackling cherry, and hysterical honeydew!"). A surge of people immediately went to where the brothers were standing with baskets full of the candies, and began purchasing the humorous sweets. Fred noticed the friends above the heads of the crowd.
"Hey guys!" He waved at them from across the shop, beckoning them to join him. The small group made their way through the flock of customers, and was greeted cheerily by the twins. "Hey there, brother and sister. Mom's in the store room, avoiding the crowd."
"Harry, Hermione!" George bellowed and drew the pair into a tight hug. "How have you two been holding up? Getting into loads of trouble with my brother, I hope." He winked at them. Since leaving the Burrow, the twins had rented the apartment above their shop, and so had not seen very much of their family since That Fateful Day. However they seemed in good health, and as happy and cheerful as ever.
"You've all got to try..."
"Our new sweets."
"They make you laugh..."
"With every lick!"
"We'll give you some before you leave, of course." The brothers rattled off. They always did have a knack for finishing each other's sentences. The group chatted happily for a long time, Fred and George explaining about their business, Ginny showing off her new pet and talking about things in the news. The time passed quickly, and before long it was time for the brothers to close up shop. Fred and George bid their family and friends a fond farewell, and sent them home with bags full of crazy treats.
Once back at Grimmauld Place, the tiredness set into Harry's bones, and he quickly went upstairs to relieve his arms of all the heavy bags.
Later that evening, the friends gathered around the fireplace in Sirius' room - their usual hangout spot - and rested in silence. Ginny and Hermione sat on the floor by the fire, playing with their pets. Ron was snoring in one of the armchairs, his head lolling to one side. Harry lay back into the deep folds of the couch, resting his feet on the table. He thought about the letter Sirius had given him, and the events with Ginny that day.
Sirius was right - he was strongest when with his friends. He needed them. He was certain he'd be dead ten times over if it had not been for their individual talents - Ron's unyielding friendship and chess skills, Hermione's brilliant mind, and Ginny's determination and understanding. Despite all that, they were fun to be around, and made everything generally better. Certainly he had never dared to dream of having such good friends when he had first entered the wizarding world. But here he was, and there they were.
He looked over at the pair of girls on the floor. Ginny was laughing as her bird nibbled on her hair. Her eyes sparkled with mirth and glistened in the firelight. Harry sighed. She was beautiful. He was still certain she would never see him in the same way though. On the other hand, she had given him that kiss today, but Hermione had done the same before now and he was positive she viewed him as nothing more than a friend. So that was it then - it was simply an act of friendship - of thanks. Still, he couldn't help but smile at the memory of feeling her lips again his skin.
What had she told him before that? To be more honest in the first place? Yes, that was it. He still wasn't sure what that meant. He had told her he wanted to buy her some robes, what more was there to be honest about? His brow furrowed slightly as he thought. It was probably some girl thing. He'd have to ask Hermione about it another time, and with any luck he'd be able to understand her explanation. Girls still made no sense to him.
These girls were his friends though, so they were different from the rest, even if the only difference was that he could talk more easily with them. He certainly wasn't going to hide his feelings from them any more. He'd have to tell them about Sirius' letter, if only just to show that he had changed and wasn't going to keep things from them any longer. And maybe he'd even tell them about how sad he felt at the loss of his godfather - though he suspected they already knew - and how he felt burdened and angry and upset at having to become a murderer. Yes, for the first time in his life, he would share everything with them, because he was stronger if he did - but not tonight. Tonight he was content at simply watching them, and knowing deep down that they cared.
AN: PLEASE review! Laughing Lollies for all who do! Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to review *hands out cookies to all those who reviewed chapter 5*. I really appreciate it!
See? Told you everything would be sorted out. So everyone who was worried about too much angst can calm themselves now. lol. This was actually my favourite chapter to write so far. It's got almost every emotion in it and, more importantly, it's a very significant chapter as far as Harry's growth. *hugs the four friends tight* Oh, and i absolutely adore Ginny's new pet. She's actually a Eurasian Kestrel Falcon. They're a smaller falcon, and pretty common in the UK, but are absolutely beautiful. Ginny was originally going to get a kitten, but I thought she deserved a more unique pet. I hope you all agree with my decision. ^_^
So, i know i lied in my note last chapter about Ginny and Harry making some interesting discoveries. This section just turned out to be longer than i anticipated, so the discoveries will be in the next chapter, i promise!
One more quick note: a great big welcome to my new beta reader, Alex! She's absolutely splendid and helped me a lot in perfecting this chapter. So a big thanks to her as well.