Y/N was pacing heavily.

He couldn't get the image of his mother out of his mind. The image had shocked him so much he'd woken with a start. He'd been angry at first, but decided it was probably for the best. Even the few new parts he'd seen left him with so many more questions.

So, she was there that night? Presumably Wormtail and the others had already attempted to attack her, hence her visible injuries. And that's who he'd been following.

But how had he been following her?

He'd been thrown over the wall. He'd seen it himself. The Death Eaters had even commented on it. There was no way he could have been there. And yet he was, he saw them all. Voldemort, Bellatrix, his father, his mother…

Maybe it wasn't her? Maybe he'd just associated it to look like what he thought she would.

But even as he thought this, he knew it wasn't true. He didn't know how he knew, but he knew it had been her.

His thoughts were running away with him, thousands of scenarios playing constantly through his mind. What ifs and what could have beens. It wasn't good for him.

He sat back down on the corner of the bed in the Granger's guest room, but knew there was little chance of him falling back asleep now. His mind was racing too much. And unfortunately, the Grangers didn't have any protective barriers around their house for him to almost knock himself out on.

'Probably for the best,' he muttered. ''Mione would murder me.'

Wait. Hermione.

She wouldn't mind being disturbed, would she? Not for something like this. It's not like he did it often, and he wouldn't do it if he didn't need to.

But he shouldn't worry her. He could tell her in the morning. When she found him half asleep and in a state of stunned silence.

Neither option sounded appealing.

Well. At least with the first one she only worried. With the second she worried, attempted to kill him, and then worried some more. Y/N crept up to his door and cracked it open, scanning the landing.

The lights downstairs were off and the door to Mr and Mrs Granger's room was closed. They must have gone to bed by now. He slipped out, tip-toed and crossed to Hermione's door before hesitating.

Should he knock? Would she hear? Surely he'd risk the Granger's hearing if he did.

It's not that difficult. Doesn't need this much thought.

He wrapped his hand around the door handle and slid it open a crack before slipping inside.

Hermione's room was around the same size as the guest room was though hers had considerably more things in it. Posters adorned her walls and there was a large gap along one that looked just big enough for the desk in the guest room.

Y/N slipped over to her bed and saw she was fast asleep. She looked so peaceful. He really didn't want to wake her. Then something on the bedside table caught his eye.

It was a picture. A picture of them. Hermione had her arms wrapped around Y/N's waist whilst he lay low against the handle of a Nimbus 2001. He zoomed in and out of the picture with Hermione laughing happily behind him.

Y/N picked it up and began examining it. How had she even managed to take this? Or when did she get this made?

Even despite those questions, Y/N found himself smiling down at the image in his hand. Especially when the broom came to a halt and the smiling couple raised their hands to wave happily at him.

'Ginny got it for me,' said a voice. Y/N almost dropped the picture as he turned to look at Hermione. Her eyes were half-opened, and she was smiling up at him. 'It was her birthday present for me last year. I completely forgot to show you.'

'Need to get you back up on a broom again,' he said with a smile before replacing the picture on the bedside table and sitting on the edge of her bed, running a thumb gently across her cheek.

Hermione sigh contentedly and pushed her face against his hand before letting her eyes wander back up to him.

'So, what brings you to my room this late?'

'Dream,' said Y/N. 'The one I told you about. It… um…'

But he didn't get to say the rest of it. Hermione leant up and grabbed his shoulders, pulling him down against the bed. He allowed her to do so and then she pulled herself in against his chest.

'Sleep. We'll talk about it tomorrow, then I can give you my full attention. Is that okay?'

'More than okay,' said Y/N, beaming down at the mass of brown hair against his chest. He could feel himself getting hot in the face, but he didn't care. She was too adorable when she was this sleepy. 'Good night, 'Mione.'

'Love you,' she said quietly before her breathing grew heavier.

Just the act of this, the act of her pulling herself against him and falling asleep, drained Y/N of all the energy he'd gained since the dream. He felt his body relax and his eyes immediately began drooping. Hermione was right. The dream was tomorrow's problem.

Through a mix of her warmth and presence, the scenarios raced to clamber out of his mind. All that mattered was her, clutched up against his chest, the sound of her breathing. Her arms wrapped around him…

He awoke the next morning partially confused as to why he felt a pressure on his arms and chest. It didn't take long for him to remember the cause, however. Memories of the previous evening came flooding back to him, including Hermione dragging him down onto the bed.

His eyes drifted open, and he stared down into the mane of bushy brown hair on his chest. He raised the hand she wasn't currently lying on and ran it slowly through her hair. Hermione made a satisfied humming sound and settled deeper into him. They lay together for a long while before he finally felt her begin to stir.

He was not surprised for what happened next.

She'd been half asleep when she'd dragged him down after all. Probably just doing her best to comfort him in a way that made them both comfortable because she knew she wouldn't be at her best for being spoken to. So, it was no surprise that she lifted herself off his chest, going pink in the cheeks and looking sheepish.

'Sorry Y/N… I didn't mean to… I just…'

Y/N seized her arms and readjusted before replacing her head onto his chest.

'If you really want to move then do so, but we've made it this far. No point getting embarrassed about it now.'

He could tell Hermione was still blushing, but she did not argue and after a few moments, she settled herself in to get more comfortable.

'You're really comfy you know.'

'A really pretty girl told me the same thing a few years back,' said Y/N offhandedly.

'She sounds like a genius,' said Hermione.

'She is. And she looked so adorable when I had to wake her up.'

'Well maybe you can share a bed with that girl again sometime,' and Hermione lifted her head to look at him. 'I'm sure she'd really appreciate it. Y'know, given how comfortable you are.'

'Maybe I'll need to take her up on that offer,' smirked Y/N.

'What brought you to my room so late anyway? I thought I was dreaming you were here at first.'

'You remember the dream I told you I had? About my dad throwing me over the wall to Hogwarts?'

Hermione nodded.

'Well, I had it again last night. But it was different…'

Y/N explained what he'd seen in the dream the night before. By the time he'd finished, Hermione's eyes were wide and her mouth was partially open.

'You saw your mum? Like your real mum?'

'Yeah,' said Y/N. 'I don't know how I knew it was her, but I just did. It was like a gut reaction. I knew who I was looking at.'

Hermione simply pulled herself in tighter against Y/N's chest. He knew she was probably struggling for something to say but he didn't mind. She'd have as many answers as he did. He just hoped it all became clearer with time. If this was all he was to ever know, he didn't think he'd be okay with that.

No words needed to be said between the two. They both knew the other was there for them. Finally, after around ten minutes, Hermione slid off his chest and moved her face up towards Y/N where she kissed him. It was only light, but it held a lot of feeling.

'Thank you for coming and staying here with me.'

'Of course?' said Y/N. 'Thank you for having me. But what are you thanking me for?'

'You've always seemed more of a loner type with things like this. With your Quirrell charge, running at the Basilisk and getting on Sirius last year. I'm happy you decided to trust me with this. Come to me for support.'

'I trust and love you, Hermione. We're a team, and we're going to stay that way. That means no more lone charge Y/N. We take this on together.'

'And that's why I was saying thank you,' said Hermione with a slight smile.

Y/N leant in and kissed her again, and when he pulled back, he was smirking.

'Soooo, what did you think?'

'About?' asked Hermione.

'I mean, we're going to be sharing a bedroom at the Burrow. Was I a bad pillow?'

'I was half asleep and you know it!' said Hermione indignantly whilst her cheeks began to glow pink.

'Ah yes, that's why you didn't argue when I pulled you back in this morning too?'

'Okay, yes, I enjoyed it, is that what you wanted to hear?'

'Kind of,' said Y/N smugly. 'For the record, you're very cute when you're asleep.'

'You say I'm cute all the time!'

'That's because you are.'

Hermione pouted.

'See?' he said as he leant in and kissed her cheek. 'And besides, we're dating. It's not that weird to share a bed every now and then. I just want to make sure you don't hate it.'

'Of course I don't,' she said, letting her pout drop and smiling warmly at him. 'It was really nice having you here. And even if I got embarrassed when I woke up, it was lovely to realise it afterwards. Now come on. Go back to your room before mum and dad find us. Don't know if they'd approve. I'll get dressed and come "wake you up" in a minute,' and she winked.

Y/N laughed and slipped out of her room, tiptoeing across the landing back into his own room. He got dressed and absent-mindedly twirled the wand holster around in his hand before attaching it. Then he reached into his trunk and withdrew a small hand mirror.

The figures moving around inside it looked blurred, distant, and there was definitely more than just one. This was good. The Foe-Glass didn't sense any trouble. He stowed it away in his pocket. Never hurt to have on him, would do more good than sitting in his trunk.

It was a fairly quiet morning with the Granger's. Much as Hermione had said, she made a show of "waking up" Y/N when she entered his room. She was surprisingly good at acting. Y/N couldn't say he was surprised. She had managed to convince him she was half asleep for most of the day back on their first day of their second year after all.

They shared breakfast and then set out to grab Y/N all the "essentials" he'd need for visiting the beach. He wasn't used to muggle sizing's on clothes and very much couldn't wrap his head around the number on them.

'Just put an extension charm on them,' hissed Y/N. 'It would make it all easier.'

'Muggles don't know how to do that, Y/N,' whispered Hermione, trying to supress a laugh.

'No, but Wizard's do, and I refuse to believe none work for any clothing company anywhere. They could sell it as a gimmick. Clothes that always fit, no matter what.'

'Guess you know what you're doing once we graduate Hogwarts,' said Hermione slyly.

'Don't tempt me,' said Y/N, looking at the queue at the till of the muggle shop. 'A couple of extension charms and all of these people would be lining up for my products instead.'

Hermione snorted so loudly her parents looked around in alarm and she had to duck out of the queue to compose herself before returning, fanning her face slightly.

They grabbed lunch at a small seating area located within the shopping centre they'd gone to before returning to the Granger's car and setting off for the beach.

'Tide might be a decent way in now,' said Hermione as they made their way over, 'but hopefully we'll be okay. It tends to be quite fickle, but it's a nice day so fingers crossed.'

Apparently, the sea had wanted to make a good impression on Y/N, however. He clambered out the back of the Granger's car and his mouth fell open.

He'd always heard about it, and he'd seen water before. There was the lake surrounding the castle after all. But nothing like that was anything close to this. The endless expanse of seemingly bottomless water.

'Our Hermione was much the same,' said a voice from next to him with a chuckle and Y/N turned to look at Mrs Granger. 'So fascinated the first time she saw it. Truly is an incredible thing.'

'There's just… so much of it.' It felt like a silly thing to say but it was the truth. The realisation doesn't fully hit until you see it.

'Come on,' said Hermione, wrapping her hand around his. 'Let's go get a closer look.'

It was honestly one of the best days of Y/N's life and he made a mental note to come back once he knew how to withstand the water. Surely there was some form of spell that allowed you to breathe or stay underwater for a while?

The feeling of the sand under his feet was mesmerising, though slightly less so when it somehow found its way everywhere, and the cool feeling of the breeze was intoxicating. So much so that he didn't realise how long they'd been there until he saw the sun beginning to set in the distance and the waves began to get closer and closer to where him and Hermione were simply lying on the sand.

The swimming costume he'd brought had gone unused, but he didn't care. This was hardly the last time he'd want to come here. And an extension charm could do wonderful things. He'd make do.

'We have to come back here,' said Hermione quietly as the two of them watched the sun set.

'Oh you couldn't keep me away,' smiled Y/N, staring out across the waves. 'Especially once we can apparate.'

Hermione shuddered.

'You not a fan?'

'It's not that. It's going to be super useful just… not the most pleasant feeling, is it?' said Hermione.

'It's not happening this year at least,' said Y/N. 'Heading over to Kings Cross with the Weasleys this year. Merlin knows what that's going to be like.'

'Oh, I do hope it's not all a mad rush,' said Hermione quietly. 'I know there's lots of them, but if Ron's any example it's going to be chaos.'

'Ron's a pretty bad example of a lot of things, 'Mione. Look at Ginny. She's a good study.'

'Only because she hangs out with us,' said Hermione. 'If she didn't hang out with us all the time, she probably wouldn't read half as much as she does.'

'Wish Harry and Ron took a leaf out of her book. Ron's going to be after lessons from me again this year, especially with this tournament on.'

'He can't even enter. It's so ridiculous. He just wants to show off.'

'Lord knows who to. Don't think I've ever seen him do more than look at a girl. But then again, Harry's smitten so maybe it's Ronald's turn. Maybe he's smitten with Harry,' said Y/N thoughtfully. Hermione giggled and nudged him.

'Enough about them. I wanted to ask you something, after yesterday.'

'And what's that, my darling?'

Hermione went scarlet.

'D-d-darling?'

''Mione, we have said much more to each other, you can survive 'darling'. Now what's up?' asked Y/N with a smirk.

Hermione took a second to compose herself and then said, 'This tournament. I can't shake the feeling that something's going to go wrong. It should be something wonderful. But it's been too dangerous in the past and I don't like it. What if Harry and Ron find a way to get around the age restriction? Or someone we know does? The glory is great and all, but it's all really dangerous, Y/N, and after last year-'

'We have two ministry officials, the headmasters of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, Dumbledore, mum and who knows who else there. We'll be okay, 'Mione. And absolute worst case, I'll force Harry and Ron to not enter. We need a peaceful year for once.' Y/N pulled her into a hug and stared out across the water. Mentally keeping everything crossed. Praying that he was right.

The next few weeks were much of the same. Hermione dragging Y/N around to everywhere she could until her parents went back to work. Once they began working again, the days instead became the two of them working together long throughout the day and talking about anything they could think of.

Hermione even "accidentally" fell asleep on Y/N's bed once or twice and seem very unresponsive to his attempts to move her, instead choosing to cling to him the moment he began speaking to her or shaking her. He found he lost the will to argue after a few moments of this.

Then, on the last week they were due to spend together, a couple of letters arrived in very quick succession. The first being signified by a rather loud thud.

'For goodness' sake, Pigwidgeon,' said Y/N, throwing open the window to the bedroom and allowing the twittering owl in. 'You delivered it, congrats, you did good. Now get down here!'

The owl continued to flitter about hooting wildly so eventually Y/N leapt up and snatched the owl out of the air. It didn't appear to mind this at all and hooted quite contently in his hand.

'Really is a bit much isn't it?' asked Hermione with a slight smile.

'I wouldn't mind so much if he actually delivered the letter first. Instead, he celebrates before he's even given it to me.'

He undid the letter from around the owl's leg and read aloud.

'Dear Y/N and Hermione if you're still with her,

We'll be coming for you on Friday. Meet us at the Leaky Cauldron if you can and we'll Floo Powder you back. You'll have about a week before Harry's due here and Ron won't shut up about the Quidditch World Cup. Dare say you two will need to entertain him till his boyfriend shows up-'

'Told you they were a thing. Ron's head over heels for him,' said Y/N, pretending to swoon.

'Shut up and keep reading,' said Hermione with a smirk.

-but you two are used to that, I'm sure. Though mostly the other way around. Anyway. We'll be there at 5 just to make sure you guys have had long enough to arrive and get sorted so no need to rush.

Can't wait to see you Hermione! I've missed you and sorry we can't speak more. Maybe we should get Y/N to make us a set of those journals.

Whilst I do miss you too, Y/N, don't think I didn't see you dodge my question in the last letter. Nothing will save you once you're here. I will get the answer out of you. Mark my words…

Love Ginny!'

'Think we need to be more afraid of her than we do of the Triwizard Tournament,' said Y/N, 'but luckily that's the day after her birthday. So, you don't mind me getting her present sent here, do you?'

Hermione shook her head, looking excited.

They'd decided on a shared present for Ginny's birthday because what they were planning on getting her was very expensive.

'Hey, Pigwidgeon,' said Y/N, looking up at the owl above him. 'Want to stop at Quality Quidditch Supplies on the way back to the Burrow for me?'

Pigwidgeon gave an excited hoot and Y/N opened one of the drawers on the desk, withdrawing an order form before tying it to the owl's leg and tossing him back out the window.

'Sorry, whoever gets that,' he said as he sank back onto the bed with a slight smile. He scooped back up his Potion's essay and was about to place his quill to the parchment when another fluttering made its presence known. This one, however, was much softer and more elegant.

'Welcome back Ves!' called Y/N, looking up at her. The owl hooted happily and fluttered down next to him. 'You were gone for a while for only heading to the school. Everything okay?'

Ves gave a small hoot and then stuck her leg out. A letter was attached.

'Merlin help my voice,' said Y/N as he unwrapped it.

'It's quick enough to take the mick out of someone,' said Hermione with a smirk.

'And it's quick enough to defend you when it needs to, but I can change that,' said Y/N, smirking back.

Hermione stuck her tongue out at him and then gestured for him to read.

'Dear Y/N,

I must admit. Seeing a letter from one of my students is always a pleasant surprise, especially over a matter such as this. I have one offer for Remus. An offer that may or may not draw his attention and I believe you are actually the perfect person to help me with this. I will explain more once you arrive at Hogwarts. I shall send for you once I have set some plans in motion.

I appreciate you being so willing to help Remus. He deserves more than the life he's leading and with your help, I think we can see to it that he gets it.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your holidays, and I'm looking forward to seeing you and Miss Granger return for the new school year.

Albus Percival Wulfric Bryan Dumbledore.

P.S. I apologise for the lateness of my response. I will concede I adore the design and appearance of your owl and may have spent a bit long spoiling her. I do hope you can forgive me.'

Y/N finished this last sentence through suppressed laughs.

'How did he know you were with me?' asked Hermione.

'Mum. He's also Dumbledore, fairly sure he knows everything at this point. But also probably mum. He'd never admit it, but she's most of his eyes amongst the students and outside of the school.'

'Wonder what he's got in store for you both?' said Hermione. 'Sounds big, whatever it is.'

'Maybe it's something tournament related,' shrugged Y/N. 'Wants Remus for extra security.'

'I mean maybe, but he said it involved you.'

'We'll find out soon enough I reckon,' said Y/N stroking Ves' plumage. 'Not too much,' he said as he drew his finger away from the owl and pointed at her. 'You've been spoilt enough.'

Ves hooted indignantly.

()()()()()()

Despite Y/N's excitement at seeing his red-haired friend again, the end of his time with Hermione came about too quickly for his liking. The days slid by and finally the two of them were packing up their belongings and dragging their trunks downstairs. Y/N went first and then as Hermione moved hers, as quietly as he could, he shifted the desk back into her bedroom.

'You're a pain in the arse,' she whispered a few moments later as she came back downstairs, but her face told a different story.

They clambered into the back of the Granger's car and begin their trip back towards the Leaky Cauldron. Once they'd arrived, Y/N and Hermione clambered out and begin to grab their belongings from the back of the car.

'Thank you very much for having me,' said Y/N, shaking hands with both Mr and Mrs Granger. 'You have a lovely home.'

'Can't complain about having a guest who cleans up after himself,' said Mr Granger with a wry smile. 'Hold onto this one,' he added as he turned to Hermione. 'Not many people look after themselves that well.'

'Don't need to tell me twice,' said Hermione, wrapping herself around his arm as Y/N blushed furiously.

'Do be safe, both of you,' said Mrs Granger as she kissed the top of Hermione's head. 'And I hope you both enjoy your world cup.'

The two of them waved goodbye to the Granger's as they got back into their car and pulled away. They then heaved their luggage into the Leaky Cauldron and set up by the bar.

'Anything I can get you?' asked Tom as he moved past.

'Two pumpkin juices please, Tom,' said Y/N, sliding across the money as he looked at the clock 'We've still got about half an hour.'

'Yeah sorry, we like being early,' said Hermione.

'So do I,' said Y/N. 'To be fair, we could just Floo Powder ourselves there. I know it's called 'The Burrow', but that would be rude.'

The two of them chatted as they waited and in the last 10 minutes, Tom slid down the bar to join them. Then just as the clock hit 5, the fireplace turned Emerald Green and a flash of scarlet ripped out of the fireplace, looking around wildly.

'Over here Gin!' said Y/N, happily getting to his feet. Ginny followed the voice and her face cracked into a massive smile. She slipped through the patrons and hugged Y/N.

'It's good to see you again! Both of you,' she said as she detached from Y/N and hugged Hermione.

'And you!' said Hermione happily.

'Ah Y/N!' came another voice and Y/N looked up into the kind eyes of Arthur Weasley.

'Good evening, Mr Weasley,' said Y/N happily as they shook hands. 'I hope you're well?'

'Quite well. Busy, but well. And how about both of you?' he asked as he turned to shake hands with Hermione.

'Absolutely brilliant,' she said, throwing Y/N a radiant smile.

'Ginny told me. Congratulations to you both,' said Mr Weasley with a smile. 'Molly said she could see you two were destined for each other from the moment she saw you in the Hospital Wing.'

Y/N felt his face growing hot and faked a coughing fit. Meanwhile, Hermione glowed.

'Come on!' said Ginny brightly 'The other's all want to meet you!'

Y/N bade a farewell to Tom and together, the four of them made their way over to the fireplace. A moment later and Y/N was stepping out of the fireplace into the Burrow.

The Weasley's fireplace was situated alongside their living room and rather small kitchen. A couple of red-haired men looked up as Y/N steadied himself and smiled warmly.

'Ah, you must be Y/N!' said one of them, getting to his feet and approaching with his hand held out. He was tall, had long hair which was held up in a ponytail and had an earring resembling a fang dangling from his ear.

'The very same,' said Y/N, shaking his hand and smiling as Ginny staggered out next to him.

'Bill. Bill Weasley,' said Bill with a smile. 'Loving the earring,' he added, nodding at the Quaffle clip dangling from Y/N's ear.

'Same to yours,' said Y/N with a smile as the other red-haired man stepped forward. 'And you must be Charlie?'

'The very same,' said Charlie with a smile as he too shook Y/N's hand. Y/N could feel callouses and burns along the skin. The joys of working with dragons.

Hermione came through and said her introductions and finally Mr Weasley stepped through, dusting himself off.

'Molly, Ron and the twins have gone down to the village,' he said with a wry smile. 'Ginny didn't want them to know you were here straight away, so we didn't tell them.'

Y/N raised an eyebrow at Ginny.

'You know as well as I do that we aren't going to get to catch up with those lot around. Not privately at least. I wanted that first. Come on, I'll show you where you're sleeping,' she said brightly and began to move off.

Y/N and Hermione waved to Bill and Charlie as they followed after her. Ginny only took them up one floor before opening one of the doors and allowing them in.

It was a small room but very bright. It would be snug for the three of them and Y/N was grateful they'd most likely be spending a small amount of time in here.

'Hermione, you're over there,' said Ginny, pointing to a bed that had been set up on the opposite wall to her own. 'Y/N, you're on the floor I'm afraid,' she said, pointing to a small air bed and looking apologetic.

'Doesn't bother me,' said Y/N genuinely as he dropped his trunk down and pushed it aside. Hermione did the same and then the two of them turned to the red head beaming at them.

'So?'

'Soooo?' asked Y/N, unsure.

'What have you guys been doing? How's your summer been? What's going on? Why are you dodging my questions?' her eyes narrowed at Y/N.

'Before that. Come with us,' said Y/N, gesturing her towards the door.

Ginny looked confused, but nodded and followed him downstairs.

'Take the lead,' Y/N whispered to Hermione, she nodded and steered Ginny out into the garden. 'Hey Charlie?'

'Hey Y/N,' said Charlie looking up. 'What can I help you with?'

'You used to be a Quidditch Captain, right?'

'I did.'

'So, Ginny is very good on a broom. Very good. And me and Hermione have gotten her one. Wanted to know if you wanted to come watch.'

'Knew she had something hidden up her sleeve,' laughed Bill. 'The girl always stole the brooms for a reason.'

'She didn't think anyone knew,' said Y/N, smiling slightly.

'Fred and George didn't and that was the main thing,' said Charlie with a smirk. 'We'll come watch.'

The two got up, followed him out and led him around to where the Weasley's kept their brooms. Hermione had already gotten Ginny to lead her here and now the two stood there waiting patiently as the other three approached.

'You bringing my brothers out to try and show off, Y/N?' asked Ginny with a smirk. 'I can outfly you any day.'

'I don't doubt it,' said Y/N, 'But I want you to prove it.'

Hermione opened her bag embroidered with Crookshanks and threw the Nimbus 2001 to Y/N. He caught it and twirled it around his fingers absent-mindedly.

'A new coat of polish won't help you, Y/N,' said Ginny as she wandered off into the broom shed. She returned a moment later with one of the Cleansweeps.

'Around the furthest post and back. First to make three laps wins,' called Charlie as Ginny and Y/N mounted their brooms. 'On my count! Three… two… one… go!'

The two tore off across the pitch. Ginny was good, her manoeuvres were sleek and she was flying dangerously close to Y/N. She knew he had the speed advantage, so she was trying to make it risky for him to use it.

Unfortunately for her, this was exactly how Angelina played. Y/N wrapped one hand under the broom and span. It wobbled slightly as he did.

'You've been off your broom for too long, Y/N!' called Ginny. 'It doesn't like you.'

Y/N pushed forward hanging beneath it. The muscles in his leg screamed in protest, but he only needed a few more seconds. And sure enough, being below his broom made it less risky. He pulled away and span back around on top. He looped the goal post and began to head back before seeing Ginny charging him.

He dragged the broom down into a dive and twirled as he swept beneath her. It was clunky and unresponsive. The broom wasn't used to him, but it didn't need to be.

Ginny attempted to block him on all other crossovers, but Y/N managed to dodge around her. Y/N held the advantage of having played against other people, something Ginny hadn't perfected yet.

'You only won because of the Nimbus,' said Ginny as she landed, though she was smirking.

'You know. I think you're right,' said Y/N, looking down at the immaculate broom. 'Besides. It's not really my style. It doesn't want to be broken in by me. I prefer one that already knows what I can do. Here!' and he threw the broom to Ginny.

'What-' but Ginny was cut off as Y/N turned to Hermione and held out his hand. And smirking, Hermione withdrew his Nimbus 2001 from the bag.

'Wait- No- You didn't-' said Ginny, staring at him open-mouthed.

'I didn't,' said Y/N, 'but me and Hermione did yes. Happy Birthday Gin.'

Ginny stared down at the broom in her hands then looked back at the two of them, tears swimming in her eyes.

'You two are the best!' and she sprinted forward, pulling them both into a hug.

'I can't believe you did this for me,' she said after a few moments as she pulled away and looked at the broom in her hands. 'This is incredible.'

'You're a damn good flyer Gin, and I am refusing to let the Quidditch Team tell you no. We'll spend time practicing and then we'll get you into the try-outs. Besides, you seemed to be a fan when you flew mine.'

'I thought your flying was off when you were on it,' said Ginny with a gentle laugh as she wiped her eyes.

'That one doesn't like my tricks,' said Y/N, nodding to her broom. 'Hopefully it prefers yours. What do you say. One more? Now that we're on an even playing field.'

'Definitely!'