Ch 9 - Quidditch Trials
Ladies and Gentlemen and, er, others, I give you: the long promised Quidditch chapter!!
Harry looked up at the ceiling. Something was confusing him, and he was quite sure it was a certain red head.
He had always though of her as an annoyance, a little sister, a triviality.
He thought wrong.
When she had stepped into the Hall last night, he was mesmerized. It wasn't only the fact that she was stunningly beautiful underneath all those men's t- shirts and hand me down jeans, or that she truly was a woman inside. You could sense something flowing from her when you looked at her.
Harry sighed; he wasn't sure what that thing was yet. He was too afraid to.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Ginny? Are you coming to watch the trials?" asked a third year girl, looking at Ginny with what looked like awe. Small wonder with what I was like yesterday, Ginny thought dryly.
"Perhaps," Ginny said with a secretive smile, watching the girl nod and walk out of the common room.
Oh she would be coming alright, but not to watch.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Okay, next up is Hugh Tuckney," Harry said wearily. Trials were not going well, it seemed like everyone was doing a terrible job on purpose.
A small jumpy little boy appeared instantly by Harry's side, grinning so hard it looked like his mouth was frozen in that position.
"So do I just get on the broom and tell it to go up?" Hugh said nervously, although still grinning.
"Uh, kind of, just climb on," said Harry, raising his eyebrows.
"Right, okay," Hugh said as he climbed onto the broom. He promptly fell straight off with a soft thud.
"Have you ever ridden a broom before?" Harry asked, helping him up.
"Nup," was the cheerful reply. Harry sighed as he crossed a name off the list.
The next person was a girl, who actually succeeded in getting on the broom and up in the air, before falling 25 feet and being carted to the hospital wing.
The next was a 7th year, who was actually alright but seemed to enjoy trying to knock everyone off their brooms while zooming around with the Quaffle and refusing to pass or score. He had to be dragged off his broom after one of the Beaters almost fell after being punched in the back by him.
Harry looked up slowly after everyone had tried out. He looked at all the hopeful faces and said,
"Well, everyone has tried out so the results will be on the house notice board by 1 pm tomorrow."
"Just a second," said a voice.
~*~*~*~*~*
Ginny looked at the surprised faces around her. She clutched the broom Louise had lent her tighter and thrust her chin out.
Louise came from a very well off family, but because she didn't act like it, Ginny hadn't found out until a couple of days ago. Louise had lent Ginny her Nimbus 2003 because she never used it and she had said Ginny could borrow it until she saved the money to buy her own.
"Just a second for what?" Harry asked, knowing the answer already.
Ginny smiled at him and winked, getting ready to mount her broom.
"Now hold on," Ron cut in, striding forward. "Ginny, what the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I would have thought it was obvious, brother mine," Ginny said mockingly.
"Well its not! There is no way you are going to try out for this!" Ron said angrily.
"Watch me," came the obstinate reply.
"Ginny, get off that broom now, or-" Ron threatened.
"Ron," Ron stopped to look at Harry, who was talking to him, "Shut up."
Ginny fought hard to keep the surprise from showing on her face, since when did Harry side with her against Ron? She hoped that she didn't look too pleased when Harry turned back to her.
"You have 10 minutes," Harry said, "The same time as everyone else had."
She noticed Louise standing behind everyone else, nodding her head and smiling at her. Ginny grinned at her and kicked off the ground and zoomed into the air. The rest of the Quidditch team flew into the air after Harry, Ron included.
Ginny watched Ron for a minute; she couldn't deny the fact that he was an excellent Keeper. He turned around when he reached the goalposts and faced her, smirking. He clearly didn't believe she could do this.
The breeze was cool and light on her face. Sarah Johnson, Angelina's younger sister and current chaser, passed her the Quaffle. Ginny fumbled slightly with the ball and blushed when she almost dropped it. She heard Ron's laughter, and a few other people's from down below.
Shit, she thought, this was not good for a first impression. She passed the Quaffle to Morgan Niall, the team's other chaser, but her pass was a bit too low and Morgan had to almost hang upside down to catch it
Ron was now giving an 'I told you so look' to everyone and shaking his head at Ginny, as if she was a performing animal that amused him.
She got the ball thrown back at her and she finally caught it successfully and flew towards the goalpost and threw with all her might.
Ron caught it easily.
Double shit, thought Ginny, trying hard to blink back tears. She looked at Harry; even he was looking a bit disappointed now. The rest of the team was biting their lips, trying not to smile.
"You see Ginny? I told you this would pass. I can see the look in your eyes right now that means you're about to cry. So how about you don't embarrass yourself any further and get of the broom." Ron said gloatingly.
Ginny looked down, she saw Louise looking up at her. Even though Ginny couldn't see her that clearly, she knew that Louise was willing her to keep trying. Her eyes also spotted Hermione, looking up at her and giving her thumbs up.
No, Ginny thought suddenly. Louise has faith in me, which means I have faith in me. I've wanted all my life to be on this team, and here's my one chance. I am not going to give up on my first try because I'm so nervous and Ron doubts me. I don't care if Ron doubts me anymore, because I am going to prove him wrong every time.
Ginny looked up, a steely glint in her eye. Underneath her, Louise jumped up and down in anticipation, here it comes she thought as her eyes followed Ginny.
Ginny looked down at the ball and all her nervousness vanished. Are you ready Ron, because I am, she thought.
She flew upwards suddenly; Sarah looked up at her in surprise. Ginny threw the ball down at her, which Sarah caught without a problem.
Then Ginny shot downwards, Sarah threw the ball down to her and Ginny caught it easily. She looked at Morgan, who knew exactly what to do. Ginny lugged the Quaffle at her before zooming back up above everyone again, catching the Quaffle again as Morgan threw it back at her.
Ginny then zoomed like a torpedo towards the goalposts, actually spinning in a full circle vertically in midair, clutching the Quaffle as she went upside down in her quick circle. She was a blur, heading straight at Ron, who was now looking a little worried.
Suddenly she stopped, almost like on pause, upside down in the air. She looked straight ahead and saw Sarah above her, waiting for the next move of the play. Ginny threw the ball upwards and hurtled up behind Sarah. As she flew behind Sarah, Sarah opened her hands and Ginny snatched up the ball without anyone noticing.
Sarah then flew towards Ron, who was now grinning again, knowing Sarah had the ball. Sarah lifted her hands back and threw, nothing. Ron stopped, not believing his eyes. If Sarah didn't have the ball, who did?
It almost happened in slow motion, Ron turned toward Ginny and flew towards her, but it was too late. Ginny threw the ball and smiled triumphantly as it soared through the hoop.
Everyone exploded. It was the most amazing play of the Chaser Charge they had ever seen, literally. The play had never been played at Hogwarts for almost 20 years. Also, Ginny was the only person to score a goal against all the people who had tried out. Ron was shaking his head disbelievingly, staring at the applauding crowd beneath him.
Harry hadn't moved since Ginny had made the awful pass to Morgan. He was blinking rapidly, taking deep breaths. Morgan and Sarah flew towards Ginny and hugged her and telling her how great she was and assuring her that they would FORCE Harry to let her become the new Chaser.
Ginny was jumped on when she finally escaped the Chasers' grip and flew down to the crowd which had expanded drastically since when she had last looked down.
Even the other people who had tried out were congratulating her, knowing that after that performance, there was no doubt about her making the team.
Louise came running up to her, pushing people out of her way in her haste to get to Ginny.
"You were magnifique!" she exclaimed when she finally reached Ginny.
"Thanks, but I never could have done it without you Lou," Ginny said gratefully, hugging her friend. Louise hugged her back, happy for her friend. She noticed Harry watching her, waiting for the chance to come talk to her.
Ginny grinned, maybe she should make him suffer and ignore him for awhile. She couldn't afford to, she wasn't being arrogant when she knew she would get the place. She knew that she had been by far the best, even with her first few stuffups.
Ginny let go of her friends and searched for Ron. She was sick of this arguing, he was her brother and she wanted things to be right with him. Like how it was when they were little, before Hogwarts.
When they were little, Ginny had still been shy, but Ron had thought of her as a friend, not a sister. This made Ginny not as shy around him. But then Ron grew up, leaving Ginny behind. Having no one after that she had hid inside herself and after Ron returned from his first year at Hogwarts, he was mean to her and they acted like strangers. Now it was time for them to continue that closeness, now that they were both grown up.
Ginny spotted him walking towards the castle, she hurried after him.
"Ron wait!" she called, running to catch up.
He whirled to face her, "What do you want?" he asked acidly.
Ginny faltered but said, "I want us to be like how we used to be. Friends."
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to and after your 'change' it was going to be impossible anyway." Ron replied angrily.
Ginny instantly fired up "You just can't face the fact I'm not the doormat I was before!" she hissed, before turning away and walking back to the castle.
~~I really hope you enjoyed that chapter. At first I was going to make Ginny utterly fabulous. But then I thought, no way to clichéd. Because it seemed a bit more realistic that she would be nervous, I mean, I know she's changed but it would seem fake if she could be that fantastic after about one day of her new self. So I made her a bit nervous at first, making a few mistakes. But then Ron's doubt in her makes her strong (so does Louise - I love Louise, I need to write some more about her. Becauseshe has a secret, but that is part of the plot to the story)~~ {by the way there is some R/Hr coming up, because some of my sweet faithful reviewers have been asking - no H/G doesn't come until later, they have to become friends first}~~
***Please R&R***
cintishortstop - I'm not really focusing on OotP, this is my own fic
luvhp224 - you are one of my most faithful reviewers. Thanks for all the advice and honest (yet kind) criticism. I'm glad you like the dream and the slight expansion on Ginny's character, I am sorry about the way I am depicting Ron, it is changing VERY soon.
Hpfan73 - he definitely is about to be proven wrong at least
LaureKay - sorry this was so short, I hope this chappie made up for it
Lisa - the dream was an analogy
Magic sparkle 1 - wow that is another great idea! Is it ok if I may use it?
Cuirinelle Flamyrre - thankyou! Finally someone who supports me for that!
Merlin Halliwell - amaze everyone in Quidditch
Amanda - sorry I know it was a bit confusing, I just started writing it for some reason. I know it wasn't one of my best
Dk Lili - he will VERY SOON
Dolphingirl79 - I'm glad you liked it, I wasn't that sure about it really
Sleepydevil27x - it was strange and unplanned (the dream) but it does have a point, its an analogy
Lillypotterfan - wow! I'm really not that great at French, you however seem to be, but thanks anyway.
VoiCeZWiThiN - you know that is a really good point, she is a Gryffindor
LunaMoon7 - I know Ron seems out of character but that will change in the next chapter. It was short but this one makes up for it (hopefully). The dream was an analogy.
Bonnie Black - exactly that
Nessypotter - I am sorry about that random dream, it just came. Thanks though
Hannah - she's my fave too
Freakyfroggurl22 - he is an asshole, but not that much of one but I need him like that for my story. But don't worry after the next chappie it changes.
Cherry - I'm sorry but its important for me to respond to reviews. I'm glad you like the story though.
Also thanks to: flammyre, miss prongs, kemenran, sporte, mr. monkey, Penny Pitton, Smiley McFay
Ladies and Gentlemen and, er, others, I give you: the long promised Quidditch chapter!!
Harry looked up at the ceiling. Something was confusing him, and he was quite sure it was a certain red head.
He had always though of her as an annoyance, a little sister, a triviality.
He thought wrong.
When she had stepped into the Hall last night, he was mesmerized. It wasn't only the fact that she was stunningly beautiful underneath all those men's t- shirts and hand me down jeans, or that she truly was a woman inside. You could sense something flowing from her when you looked at her.
Harry sighed; he wasn't sure what that thing was yet. He was too afraid to.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Ginny? Are you coming to watch the trials?" asked a third year girl, looking at Ginny with what looked like awe. Small wonder with what I was like yesterday, Ginny thought dryly.
"Perhaps," Ginny said with a secretive smile, watching the girl nod and walk out of the common room.
Oh she would be coming alright, but not to watch.
~*~*~*~*~*
"Okay, next up is Hugh Tuckney," Harry said wearily. Trials were not going well, it seemed like everyone was doing a terrible job on purpose.
A small jumpy little boy appeared instantly by Harry's side, grinning so hard it looked like his mouth was frozen in that position.
"So do I just get on the broom and tell it to go up?" Hugh said nervously, although still grinning.
"Uh, kind of, just climb on," said Harry, raising his eyebrows.
"Right, okay," Hugh said as he climbed onto the broom. He promptly fell straight off with a soft thud.
"Have you ever ridden a broom before?" Harry asked, helping him up.
"Nup," was the cheerful reply. Harry sighed as he crossed a name off the list.
The next person was a girl, who actually succeeded in getting on the broom and up in the air, before falling 25 feet and being carted to the hospital wing.
The next was a 7th year, who was actually alright but seemed to enjoy trying to knock everyone off their brooms while zooming around with the Quaffle and refusing to pass or score. He had to be dragged off his broom after one of the Beaters almost fell after being punched in the back by him.
Harry looked up slowly after everyone had tried out. He looked at all the hopeful faces and said,
"Well, everyone has tried out so the results will be on the house notice board by 1 pm tomorrow."
"Just a second," said a voice.
~*~*~*~*~*
Ginny looked at the surprised faces around her. She clutched the broom Louise had lent her tighter and thrust her chin out.
Louise came from a very well off family, but because she didn't act like it, Ginny hadn't found out until a couple of days ago. Louise had lent Ginny her Nimbus 2003 because she never used it and she had said Ginny could borrow it until she saved the money to buy her own.
"Just a second for what?" Harry asked, knowing the answer already.
Ginny smiled at him and winked, getting ready to mount her broom.
"Now hold on," Ron cut in, striding forward. "Ginny, what the hell do you think you're doing?"
"I would have thought it was obvious, brother mine," Ginny said mockingly.
"Well its not! There is no way you are going to try out for this!" Ron said angrily.
"Watch me," came the obstinate reply.
"Ginny, get off that broom now, or-" Ron threatened.
"Ron," Ron stopped to look at Harry, who was talking to him, "Shut up."
Ginny fought hard to keep the surprise from showing on her face, since when did Harry side with her against Ron? She hoped that she didn't look too pleased when Harry turned back to her.
"You have 10 minutes," Harry said, "The same time as everyone else had."
She noticed Louise standing behind everyone else, nodding her head and smiling at her. Ginny grinned at her and kicked off the ground and zoomed into the air. The rest of the Quidditch team flew into the air after Harry, Ron included.
Ginny watched Ron for a minute; she couldn't deny the fact that he was an excellent Keeper. He turned around when he reached the goalposts and faced her, smirking. He clearly didn't believe she could do this.
The breeze was cool and light on her face. Sarah Johnson, Angelina's younger sister and current chaser, passed her the Quaffle. Ginny fumbled slightly with the ball and blushed when she almost dropped it. She heard Ron's laughter, and a few other people's from down below.
Shit, she thought, this was not good for a first impression. She passed the Quaffle to Morgan Niall, the team's other chaser, but her pass was a bit too low and Morgan had to almost hang upside down to catch it
Ron was now giving an 'I told you so look' to everyone and shaking his head at Ginny, as if she was a performing animal that amused him.
She got the ball thrown back at her and she finally caught it successfully and flew towards the goalpost and threw with all her might.
Ron caught it easily.
Double shit, thought Ginny, trying hard to blink back tears. She looked at Harry; even he was looking a bit disappointed now. The rest of the team was biting their lips, trying not to smile.
"You see Ginny? I told you this would pass. I can see the look in your eyes right now that means you're about to cry. So how about you don't embarrass yourself any further and get of the broom." Ron said gloatingly.
Ginny looked down, she saw Louise looking up at her. Even though Ginny couldn't see her that clearly, she knew that Louise was willing her to keep trying. Her eyes also spotted Hermione, looking up at her and giving her thumbs up.
No, Ginny thought suddenly. Louise has faith in me, which means I have faith in me. I've wanted all my life to be on this team, and here's my one chance. I am not going to give up on my first try because I'm so nervous and Ron doubts me. I don't care if Ron doubts me anymore, because I am going to prove him wrong every time.
Ginny looked up, a steely glint in her eye. Underneath her, Louise jumped up and down in anticipation, here it comes she thought as her eyes followed Ginny.
Ginny looked down at the ball and all her nervousness vanished. Are you ready Ron, because I am, she thought.
She flew upwards suddenly; Sarah looked up at her in surprise. Ginny threw the ball down at her, which Sarah caught without a problem.
Then Ginny shot downwards, Sarah threw the ball down to her and Ginny caught it easily. She looked at Morgan, who knew exactly what to do. Ginny lugged the Quaffle at her before zooming back up above everyone again, catching the Quaffle again as Morgan threw it back at her.
Ginny then zoomed like a torpedo towards the goalposts, actually spinning in a full circle vertically in midair, clutching the Quaffle as she went upside down in her quick circle. She was a blur, heading straight at Ron, who was now looking a little worried.
Suddenly she stopped, almost like on pause, upside down in the air. She looked straight ahead and saw Sarah above her, waiting for the next move of the play. Ginny threw the ball upwards and hurtled up behind Sarah. As she flew behind Sarah, Sarah opened her hands and Ginny snatched up the ball without anyone noticing.
Sarah then flew towards Ron, who was now grinning again, knowing Sarah had the ball. Sarah lifted her hands back and threw, nothing. Ron stopped, not believing his eyes. If Sarah didn't have the ball, who did?
It almost happened in slow motion, Ron turned toward Ginny and flew towards her, but it was too late. Ginny threw the ball and smiled triumphantly as it soared through the hoop.
Everyone exploded. It was the most amazing play of the Chaser Charge they had ever seen, literally. The play had never been played at Hogwarts for almost 20 years. Also, Ginny was the only person to score a goal against all the people who had tried out. Ron was shaking his head disbelievingly, staring at the applauding crowd beneath him.
Harry hadn't moved since Ginny had made the awful pass to Morgan. He was blinking rapidly, taking deep breaths. Morgan and Sarah flew towards Ginny and hugged her and telling her how great she was and assuring her that they would FORCE Harry to let her become the new Chaser.
Ginny was jumped on when she finally escaped the Chasers' grip and flew down to the crowd which had expanded drastically since when she had last looked down.
Even the other people who had tried out were congratulating her, knowing that after that performance, there was no doubt about her making the team.
Louise came running up to her, pushing people out of her way in her haste to get to Ginny.
"You were magnifique!" she exclaimed when she finally reached Ginny.
"Thanks, but I never could have done it without you Lou," Ginny said gratefully, hugging her friend. Louise hugged her back, happy for her friend. She noticed Harry watching her, waiting for the chance to come talk to her.
Ginny grinned, maybe she should make him suffer and ignore him for awhile. She couldn't afford to, she wasn't being arrogant when she knew she would get the place. She knew that she had been by far the best, even with her first few stuffups.
Ginny let go of her friends and searched for Ron. She was sick of this arguing, he was her brother and she wanted things to be right with him. Like how it was when they were little, before Hogwarts.
When they were little, Ginny had still been shy, but Ron had thought of her as a friend, not a sister. This made Ginny not as shy around him. But then Ron grew up, leaving Ginny behind. Having no one after that she had hid inside herself and after Ron returned from his first year at Hogwarts, he was mean to her and they acted like strangers. Now it was time for them to continue that closeness, now that they were both grown up.
Ginny spotted him walking towards the castle, she hurried after him.
"Ron wait!" she called, running to catch up.
He whirled to face her, "What do you want?" he asked acidly.
Ginny faltered but said, "I want us to be like how we used to be. Friends."
"I'm sorry, but I don't want to and after your 'change' it was going to be impossible anyway." Ron replied angrily.
Ginny instantly fired up "You just can't face the fact I'm not the doormat I was before!" she hissed, before turning away and walking back to the castle.
~~I really hope you enjoyed that chapter. At first I was going to make Ginny utterly fabulous. But then I thought, no way to clichéd. Because it seemed a bit more realistic that she would be nervous, I mean, I know she's changed but it would seem fake if she could be that fantastic after about one day of her new self. So I made her a bit nervous at first, making a few mistakes. But then Ron's doubt in her makes her strong (so does Louise - I love Louise, I need to write some more about her. Becauseshe has a secret, but that is part of the plot to the story)~~ {by the way there is some R/Hr coming up, because some of my sweet faithful reviewers have been asking - no H/G doesn't come until later, they have to become friends first}~~
***Please R&R***
cintishortstop - I'm not really focusing on OotP, this is my own fic
luvhp224 - you are one of my most faithful reviewers. Thanks for all the advice and honest (yet kind) criticism. I'm glad you like the dream and the slight expansion on Ginny's character, I am sorry about the way I am depicting Ron, it is changing VERY soon.
Hpfan73 - he definitely is about to be proven wrong at least
LaureKay - sorry this was so short, I hope this chappie made up for it
Lisa - the dream was an analogy
Magic sparkle 1 - wow that is another great idea! Is it ok if I may use it?
Cuirinelle Flamyrre - thankyou! Finally someone who supports me for that!
Merlin Halliwell - amaze everyone in Quidditch
Amanda - sorry I know it was a bit confusing, I just started writing it for some reason. I know it wasn't one of my best
Dk Lili - he will VERY SOON
Dolphingirl79 - I'm glad you liked it, I wasn't that sure about it really
Sleepydevil27x - it was strange and unplanned (the dream) but it does have a point, its an analogy
Lillypotterfan - wow! I'm really not that great at French, you however seem to be, but thanks anyway.
VoiCeZWiThiN - you know that is a really good point, she is a Gryffindor
LunaMoon7 - I know Ron seems out of character but that will change in the next chapter. It was short but this one makes up for it (hopefully). The dream was an analogy.
Bonnie Black - exactly that
Nessypotter - I am sorry about that random dream, it just came. Thanks though
Hannah - she's my fave too
Freakyfroggurl22 - he is an asshole, but not that much of one but I need him like that for my story. But don't worry after the next chappie it changes.
Cherry - I'm sorry but its important for me to respond to reviews. I'm glad you like the story though.
Also thanks to: flammyre, miss prongs, kemenran, sporte, mr. monkey, Penny Pitton, Smiley McFay