A/N: At long last the eight chapter arrives!
Disclaimer: Seriously, dudes: I DON'T OWN THIS STUFF!!!
Chapter 8. Birthday
Harry sat at a table in the Gryffindor common room, sketching at some Quidditch strategies. About an hour ago he talked with McGonnagall about Ron becoming the new commentator. He thought he'd done quite well, and McGonnagall had promised to take it up with Dumbledore.
"How's it going?" said Ron, standing next to him. Harry crumpled the paper and threw it into a trashcan about nine feet away.
"I'm having some moderate success," he said. "That's the first paper in five minutes that I've thrown away." He sighed. "And I thought that talking with McGonnagall was tough... Anyway, what's on your mind?" Ron looked around the room, and then sat down beside Harry.
"You know that Hermione's birthday is coming up," said Ron quietly. "Are you in on throwing a surprise party for her?"
"Sure, just tell me when and where," said Harry. "Wait a sec, aren't there going to be the usual celebration for her? You know with all of us?"
"Yeah, there is, but I was thinking for of a private party," said Ron.
"Okay," said Harry. "Well, I'm in on that too." Hermione entered the common with Lynn. "Quick. Go before they see that you talked with me." Ron got up. Hermione and Lynn were still talking. Ron saw Neville sitting in one of the arm-chairs near the fire. He quickly dashed over to him before Hermione noticed. Harry chuckled as he saw Ron acting like he was some kind of ninja, sneaking silently through the shadows. He landed silently on the couch next to Neville.
"What's up, Neville?" said Ron, making Neville jump a bit.
"R-Ron! I didn't see you there...!" said Neville. "It's a letter to Wood, I was wondering if he could give me some advice about playing as a keeper."
"Hey, that's smart, why didn't I think of that..." said Ron. Then he quickly looked towards Hermione to see if she was looking their way. She wasn't. Ron looked at Neville again. "We're throwing a party for Hermione, a private party besides the normal celebration. You in?"
"Sure," said Neville.
"Good," said Ron and got up. He turned towards Hermione ho had just stopped talking with Lynn. "Sweetheart!" he then exclaimed and skipped over to her. "How are you this evening?"
"I'm just fine, Ron," said Hermione. "Um...you okay?"
"Sure, terrific!" said Ron.
'Ladies and Gentlemen, the price for the worst "Acting-as-nothing-happened-or-is-in-the-works"-act goes to Mr Ronald Weasley!' thought Harry, who was barely able to contain himself.
"O...kay..." said Hermione. "I and Lynn have some studying to do, so I'll see you later then." One could almost hear all the eve-brows in the room arching. "Go back to what you were doing!" Hermione and Lynn left the room. Harry burst out laughing once he was sure they were out of ear-shot.
"What?" said Ron
"You seriously need some acting lessons, Ron!" he managed to say through the fits of laughter.
"Oh, come on!" said Ron. "There's no way she suspected something!"
"He's up to something," said Lynn.
"Lord don't I know it..." said Hermione. They entered into Hermione's private chamber. "You wouldn't happen to know anything?"
"Me? No," said Lynn honestly. True, Ron hadn't talked to her yet. But she was sure to do it. But since he hadn't, Lynn truly didn't know anything. Hermione looked at her for a second.
"Come on, we got to study," she then said.
Harry crumpled the paper he wrote on, closed his fist around it, banged the fist three times on the table, and threw away the crumpled paper into the trashcan. He banged his head down on the table, and sighed heavily.
"You okay?" said a voice.
"Right now I feel as smart as a troll..." said Harry. He looked up. There stood Angelina, an amused expression upon her face. "Don't have any advice I suppose?" She sat down beside him.
"You remember how Wood was so tense before the game when we won the Quidditch cup?" said Angelina. Harry smiled.
"Yeah," he said
"Would it surprise you to know that when he became Quidditch Captain he had absolutely no idea what to do?" said Angelina. "Oh, he knew a lot about Quidditch, but still he had no idea of how to organise and to give orders. Once he told me that he just learned as he went along."
"So...I shouldn't worry, then?" said Harry.
"Exactly!" said Angelina. "Take some rest, turn in early. After you've slept everything will become much clearer." She gave him a cheerful pat on the shoulder, smiled, stood up and walked away.
'Everything, huh?' thought Harry. 'Somehow I'm not convinced of that...' He gathered up his stuff and went towards the stairs. Halfway up, he met Ginny. They stared at each other for a moment. A thousand things of things he could say flashed through Harry's mind. Then he suddenly hurried past Ginny, up the stairs. Ginny stood there, looking towards were Harry had went up. 'Stupid, stupid, stupid...'
"I wonder if banging your head repeatedly gives you permanent brain damage?" said Harry.
"Probably," said Ron, taking another spoonful of his corn flakes. Harry on the other hand banged his head down on the table. They were down at breakfast. They were the only ones so far in their year to come down from the dorm, and Ginny wasn't there either.
"Ouch..." he said.
"You know, brain damage is a pretty valid reason of not banging your head repeatedly," said Ron.
"I know..." said Harry. He sat straight up. "Ow...but I can't think of any Quidditch tactics..." Ron put his spoon down.
"Harry, are you sure this really is about Quidditch," said Ron.
"What do you mean?" said Harry.
"You've been playing it for four years, won one Cup even," said Ron. "There's probable something else you're worried about."
"Yeah...it's something else all right..." said Harry. Ron seemed to catch on, remembering Harry's predicament. He looked down into his corn flakes. They where quiet for a while.
"Harry, look, I-" said Ron, looking up. Harry stood up.
"See you tonight at the party..." he said and walked out of the Great Hall.
It was about seven o'clock. In the common room everybody was getting ready to start the surprise celebration for Hermione as soon as she entered.
"Everybody ready?" said Ron. Everybody said they were. "Good." He went over near to the door. "Seamus..." Seamus nodded and dimmed the lights. They heard the door open. Someone entered.
"Ron. Let go of me. Now," said Lynn.
"Sorry I thought it was Hermione," said Ron.
"Obviously I'm not," said Lynn.
"Evidently," said Ron. A few seconds passed.
"Ron," said Lynn.
"Yeah?" said Ron.
"Move your hand of my thigh or you wont be able to lift it ever again..." said Lynn.
"I'm not touching your thigh!" said Ron.
"Well then who-" said Lynn, but stopped herself. A moment later a punch was heard.
"Ow!" said Seamus. "Seriously, no sense of humor!" Several people in the room laughed and chuckled.
"Don't try it again," said Lynn. "Wait a sec... I hear something...!" They heard the door open again. "OW!"
"Sorry!" said Hermione. "It's just too damn-" They lights came on.
"SURPRISE!" everyone called. Fred and George fired a few firecrackers that spread out confetti over the room.
"-dark in here..." said Hermione.
"Happy birthday, honey!" said Ron, and kissed her on the cheek. Hermione remained serious for a second. Then she showed a wide grin.
Harry sat down on the couch and exhaled heavily. They had only been celebrating Hermione for about ten minutes, but the exhaustion after the days work forced Harry to sit down. He closed his eyes for a second.
"Mind if I sit down?" said a voice.
"Sure Parvati, by all means..." said Harry. He didn't open his eyes but noticed that she sat down.
"So, how are you this evening?" said Parvati.
"Fine, if a bit tired," said Harry. "And you?"
"Just fine, thank you," said Parvati. Harry opened his eyes and looked at her.
"You know what, there's something I've been meaning to ask you," said Harry.
"Oh, what could that be?" said Parvati.
"What's the deal with the whole 'fan-club' thing?" said Harry. "I mean- I don't quite get it. I never thought you and Lavender were, well, into me."
"Sorry to pop your bubble, Harry, but were really not that into you," said Parvati. "We just started the fan club for fun, to plant the seed of fangirl worshipping! You're just a very convenient target. We would've picked Malfoy, since he's hotter, but he's, you know, an evil Slytherin and all. Totally wrong for fangirl worshipping. You on the other hand is perfect since you're a Gryffindor, have some fame to begin with, plus are kinda cute, not hot like Malfoy, but still, you know, cute."
"Thanks. I think..." said Harry. He looked up. Ginny was talking to Lynn about something. Now Ginny laughed. Parvati looked over at Ginny too, and then back at Harry.
"Everything alright, Harry?" said Parvati in concerned voice. Ginny laughed again.
"Never better..." said Harry.
Later on it was time for the more private birthday celebration. Harry and the others gave Hermione her presents. The whole thing was rather happy and they went on for quite a while. But Harry couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable being around Ginny like that. It was almost like he had played a horrible prank on her that she still hadn't realised had been played on her account. When it was time for them everyone to leave Ginny quickly exchanged glances with Hermione, who nodded almost unnoticeably.
"Harry, could you wait a moment?" said Hermione when he was about to leave the room. Harry gave her a questioning look but remained.
"What is it?" said Harry after Ron had closed the door after him, Ginny and Lynn.
"What do you think you're doing?" said Hermione accusingly.
"Excuse me?" said Harry.
"Are you or are you not still interested in Cho?" said Hermione.
"Wha- um....I'm not interested in-" said Harry, not sounding convincing at all.
"Come off it, Harry, you're really not that hard to figure out!" said Hermione. "It was pretty obvious last year that you liked her." Harry opened his mouth to speak, but Hermione wouldn't let him begin talking. "If you liked her then is really not the point, just answer my question: are you still interested in her?"
"It's really no-" said Harry.
"-None of my business? When it concerns Ginny it does," said Hermione. "She's my friend and Ron's sister. I'd say it's my business."
"Hermione, I don't know what you've thought up about me, but-" said Harry.
"Harry, you stupid prat! You're in love with her!" said Hermione. Harry was silent. Then he went over to a chair standing at a nearby table, sat down, and then he sighed. He did not look at Hermione, but down onto his feet.
"Hermione, just...just stay out of it... I'm confused enough already..." he said. Hermione sighed, and then went over and sat down upon another chair at the table.
"Harry, I know this sound harsh, but if you like both Cho and Ginny, you're going to have to make a choice before it's to late," said Hermione.
"I know, I know..." said Harry. He looked up at her. "It's just that...I don't know what to do..."
"I figured as much..." said Hermione, showing a light smile. "Just try to come to a decision, okay? Especially for Cho's and Ginny's sake."
"I'll try..." said Harry. he got up of the chair. "Better go to bed. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," said Hermione. Harry went out of the room. What he did not know as he went up the staircase to his dormitory, was that someone had heard the whole thing.
The following day was Quidditch practice. The whole team including reserves met on the field at about five o'clock, the sun shining down from the clear blue sky. Harry was a bit nervous, being his first practice as a Captain and all. But he had devised a practice plan.
"Evening, team," he said. The team said "evening" also.
"Good evening!" a loud voice said, making everyone jump. "Oops, sorry!" Harry looked up at one of the towers. There sat Ron next to Lee, both smiling and waving.
"Hold on a second," said Harry, jumped up on his Firebolt, and zoomed up to Ron and Lee, leaving six somewhat stunned reserve players on the ground.
"That was really fast..." said Peter Boyd.
"Aye, it was..." said David McFadden. Meanwhile up in the tower, Harry jumped of his Firebolt and landed next to Ron.
"What are you doing here?" said Harry.
"I thought I'd show Ron a thing or two about commentating," said Lee.
"Okay..." said Harry, thinking that Ron really was one of the last persons to need such a lesson. "Just don't use the loudspeaker anymore, McGonnagall might get cranky." The real reason was that Harry didn't want Lee and Ron talking about every move they made.
"Oh, we already cleared it with her, it's okay," said Ron. Harry cursed his bad luck.
"Okay then," said Harry, forcing himself to smile. "But keep the negative comments to a minimum, I don't want the new players to become discouraged on their first day of training."
"Sure thing," said Ron. Harry jumped up on his Firebolt again, flew down to the team, and jumped off.
"Very fast again..." noted Peter quietly to David.
"Apparently, Ron is going to get some advise by Lee during our practice," said Harry. "Just don't pay too much attention to what they say..." He said the last part in an undertone. "Now, let's get this training underway! Let's start with getting the keepers some proper training. Neville, you go first, and then it's Amy's turn."
The training consisted of the keeper trying to fend of the quaffles thrown by the chasers. Since Angelina, Alicia and Katie were quite good chasers this was a bit tricky. But Neville passed the test admirably, only missing a few.
"Great job, Neville," said Harry when he was done. "Come on now, Amy, it's your turn." The somewhat muscular Amy Khondji mounted her broom. The sun gleamed of her dark hair as she flew up to guard the hoops. For one moment Harry was reminded of Cho, but then gave himself a mental slap, forcing himself to concentrate on the training. Amy did very well also, although not nearly as good as Neville.
"And both Longbottom and Khondji both turned in a solid performance," said Ron over the loudspeaker.
"Yeah, but that nasty throw by Katie was an easy catch, though," said Lee.
"Oh yeah, that one wa-" said Ron.
"EXACTLY WHAT PART OF ME IS NASTY?!" called Katie at Lee and Ron as Amy landed on the pitch.
"Well done, Amy," said Harry a bit louder than usual, trying to get Katie to ignore Lee and Ron. He looked at Fred and George. "Fred, George, your turn."
"Understood, gov!" said George.
"Dave, Pete, come on," said Fred. He and George mounted their brooms and took off. David and Peter exchanged glances for a moment. Both were of normal height and build, the main difference being that instead of David's blonde curly hair Peter had brown curly hair. They mounted their brooms and sped after Fred and George. The training consisted out the Weasley twins playing as a team against McFadden and Boyd. It seemed more like a tennis game then Quidditch, but of course in tennis you the court was stationary and you wouldn't risk getting hit by a rampaging metal ball. Overall the whole thing went rather well, McFadden and Boyd showing real partnership and great reflexes.
"Fine teamwork from McFadden and Boyd," said Lee.
"Absolutely," said Ron. "Starting to look like worthy successors to Fred and George Weasley."
"Yeah, but only Quidditch-wise," said Lee. "The Weasley twins still rule the field in the joke department."
"Did you see the new one they invented?" said Ron.
"Which one?" said Lee.
"The one with th-" said Ron.
"Good work, David and Billy!" called Harry as the two landed, getting a bit annoyed with Ron and Lee's commentating.
Harry turned to Ginny, Sofie Lucas and Emma Craig. Sofie Lucas was of normal height and had brown hair which reached down to her shoulders. She was actually very cute, and Harry had noticed that Peter Boyd seemed to slip a look at her once in a while when she wasn't looking his way. Emma Craig was an inch or two taller than both Ginny and Sofie, and had dark blonde hair.
"Time for you then girls," said Harry.
"Right," said Ginny, who smiled and nodded. Angelina, Alicia and Katie mounted their brooms.
"If you'll follow us then," said Angelina. She took of together with Alicia and Katie. Ginny, Sofie and Emma mounted their brooms and did the same
"Wait!" said Sofie. "Haven't we forgot something?"
"Oh, right, the quaffle!" said Angelina.
"Memory slipping a bit with the age, Angelina dear?" said Fred.
"Shut up, Weasley!" said Angelina, but showed a huge grin.
"My, bickering on the field," said Ron.
"Shut up, Weasley!" called Angelina, without a trace of the grin she'd just worn. She looked at Harry. "Look, can we have that quaffle now?"
"Just throw it to me," said Ginny, as she was closest. Harry picked up the quaffle.
"Here you go!" he said and threw it to her. Ginny caught it one-handed.
"Thanks!" she said and flew off, the sun gleaming on her hair. Once again Harry had to mentally slap himself to concentrate on the training.
The training for the chasers consisted of dividing into two teams, try to take the quaffle from the other team, and try to score in the other teams hoops. Angelina, Alicia and Katie obviously had the upper hand because of their experience, but Ginny, Sofie and Emma still managed to surprise them a few times.
"Nice pass by Weasley to Lucas!" said Ron. "I think they're going for a score! Come on, Ginny!" Alicia took the quaffle.
"Spinnet has the quaffle!" said Lee. "Pass to Bell, Johnson, back to Spinnet..." Sofie flew by Alicia and somehow she managed to quaffle so gracefully, that everyone became quite surprised when they saw that Alicia was holding thing air under her arm and Sofie had the quaffle in a firm grip. "Amazing! I've never such a smooth steal!" Sofie threw the Quaffle to Emma who threw it through one of opposing teams hoops.
"And it's a score for the new chasers!" said Ron.
When the training was over Harry decided to talk to the team in general.
"Great work from all of you, especially our new players. "Sofie certainly showed us a new move," said Harry, Sofie blushing a bit at the last part. "And I expect nothing less from the rest of you."
"What? You expect us to grab a quaffle so quick that no one can see it happen?" said David. Harry chuckled.
"Of course not," he said. "But if you manage to make a bludger bounce between all the players in the Slytherin team I'll be very impressed." Everyone laughed. "Next time we'll play a real practice match. Come on, back to Gryffindor tower!"
"Hear, hear!" said George, and everyone started moving up to the castle.
As they moved into October their schoolwork became tougher as they had to prepare for their OWLs. The fact that Zemeckare also kept them busy with the giant bees did not help.
"No, no, no! Don't go swatting at 'em if they come to close!" he called as Parvati and Lavender had panicked when a giant bee had decided that Lavender's head was a nice resting place. "They won't hurt you unless you irritate them!"
"Unbelievable," said Ron quietly as Zemeckare moved away towards Lavender to help her with the bee.
"What?" said Hermione.
"That there's another person in the world that has the same view on dangerous creatures as Hagrid...!" said Ron. The trio chuckled a bit.
"Well, Zemeckare only seem to be this way with the giant bees," said Harry.
That evening Harry was walking back from the library, having picked up a few books he needed for charms, transfiguration and potions. As he cast a glance at the book needed for the latter he grinned, reminded of the mornings potions lesson when Fonvielle had taken ten points each from Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle as they had attempted to play a prank on Ron and Hermione. They probably would've succeeded too if they hadn't been interrupted by their potions bubbling and hissing loudly, which led to Fonvielle taking points from them for neglecting the instructions and not paying attention to their work.
Harry turned a corner towards the Gryffindor tower and were surprised to walk right through something that made him feel like having a bucket of ice cold water poured over him.
"Oh, sorry," said Cedric, flying around to face him. "Haven't quite got used to this yet..."
"No problem," said Harry, shuddering slightly.
"I was looking for you actually," said Cedric. "There's something I'd like to speak to you about."
"Yeah, okay..." said Harry.
"It's about Cho," said Cedric. Harry looked quickly down the length of the corridor too see that they were alone. When he was sure they were he turned to Cedric again.
"Okay..." said Harry.
"She's had a hard time getting over my death, and we've been talking a lot the last few weeks," said Cedric. "And I know that....that...she, um..." Harry realised what Cedric was getting at. "...she like's you. She wont admit it, but I know she does... What about you? You like her?"
"I, um...eh... I guess I kinda- Yeah," said Harry, a bit taken back by the sudden question. Cedric smiled in almost sad kind of way.
"Then go for it, Harry," he said. "She's a great girl." Then he floated down through the floor and disappeared out of sight. Harry sighed and started going back towards Gryffindor tower, thinking that only five minutes ago he had thought his problems could get no worse. How wrong he had been.
He reached the portrait, said the password ("Gnirenoeht!") and went into the common room. Just as he entered he met Ginny. Both of them stopped dead in their tracks. After a few seconds of staring at each other Ginny opened her mouth to speak. But before she could say a word, Harry stormed past her and up to his dormitory. Left behind was Ginny, looking at stairs up which he had disappeared, feeling if possible more despaired then before.
A/N: Sorry for the extremely long lack of update, but hey I'm back now at least!
One of the reasons that I haven't written all that much on this fic is because I didn't feel like writing anything with romance in it. You see, I was up to my ears in love with a girl, and when it didn't work out, I didn't feel heartbroken. Instead I felt that it was probably for the best, and for a long time I didn't care much for love. It was only till I realised that every time I heard her first name (it's a somewhat common name, so it was quite often) something inside gave a little jump, I still realised that I did actually care about love, and a great deal too. While it didn't work out with that girl, I know there's gotta be someone out there. And when I start studying at Stockholm's University this autumn, who knows what might happen?
The point is: my inspiration's back, so therefore my fic is back also!
Oh, and you know the thing at the beginning of the chapter where Harry crumples the paper, closes his fist around it and bangs the fist in the table three times? That part is from an episode of "The West Wing", and I felt I had to include that litte reference to that wonderful show.
Review comments:
dementorchic – Aw, thanks! ^_^ Hope your still checking back for a new chapter.
wrenbirdy – Thanks! Well, I can't call the update "soon", but hey, here it is.
AL89 – Thank you for calling the fic great, and also for the constructive criticism. I am perfectly aware that every word is not perfectly English, but don't you think that as a Swedish guy who's grown up on American movies my English is pretty good?
iluvorlando – Really, it's you? I never could've guessed.... Just kidding! ;p Have you seen "Pirates of the Carribean" yet? I'm going to see it when it opens here in Sweden next week. About your comment to AL89's review, everyone's entitled to an opinion (even though a part of me agree with you ^_^). Thanks!
harryluvzginny – Thanks!
Lancia – Thank you! If I like LOTR *I glance at my wall. On it are a 2 FOTR and 1 TTT poster, along with the theatrical and extended version of FOTR on DVD standing on my shelf* Yeah you could say that I like LOTR ^_~ The best part is I'm home alone next Wednesday when my TTT-DVD arrives!
Heather – GASP! No! You must not think that this is the end! We're only halfway through! Hope you liked the chapter.
Emher says "I'm back!" (I admit it, I saw Terminator 3 last Monday ;) Great movie!)
PS. I've finished the fifth book now, loved it! DS.
