Chapter 12 The Only Risk

. Harrry was a bit nervous. They were playing Slytherin and Malfoy was back on the team, having returned to Hogwarts after his suspension was lifted. Malfoy had actually been less of a prat since he'd heard about the attack on Hermione. He'd even expressed his sympathy to Ron. Said that some things were more important that rivlary. However, he doubted that Malfoy's sympathy wouled extend all the way to the final Quidditch match. Harry glanced over a Ginny who was listening with wide eyes as Angelina went over their strategy for the final match. He kept thinking about the kiss they had shared at the lake before the dementors had attacked them. They hadn't spoken of it since but he couldn't stop thinking about it. He thought about what Dashall had said to Wood about how he could get hurt because of who she was. He had no idea what that had meant but it had made him think about things. He thought about the past three years and how many times his friends had been in danger because of him. It would have killed him if his friends got hurt because of him. He'd been so confused he'd actually written to Sirius about it. As he stared at Ginny now his godfather's words ran through his head.

"It's always a risk to care for someone. But if we never let ourselves care than life is not worth living."

"Now remember everyone," Angelina said. "we play our game and Slytherin doesn't stand a chance. Harry, remember don't grab the Snitch unless we're up by at least twenty points. Ginny, be on your toes, don't let anything past you."

"Angelina please," Fred protested. "We've been through this a hundred times. I swear you're as bad as Wood used to be."

"We've got a great team, Angelina." George said. "Ginny's a wall. Nothing's gonna get past her." Ginny's face turned as red as her hair.

"All right," Angelina said clapping her hands together. "Let's get em." They all stood up and headed for he field.

They were tied forty to forty. Harry was above the field. He couldn't see the snitch anywhere. Below the Slytherin Chaser threw the Quaffle toward the ring. Harry cheered as Ginny knocked it away. Angelina grabbed the Quaffle and zoomed toward the opposite ring. A huge cheer went up a Angelina scored a goal for Gryffindor. Harry saw the snitch a few feet below him but he had to wait till they were up ten more points. He looked toward Malfoy, he hadn't seen the Snitch.

"Come on," Harry thought. "Just one more goal." Angelina threw the ball to Katie Bell who shot toward the goal post. A Slytherin beater smacked a bludger toward Katie but it was deflected by George. Katie threw the Quaffle toward the ring. Harry shot toward to ground the second the quaffle went through. The snitch sped away from him and he went after it with a passion. Malfoy had seen it as well and was on Harry's tail. They were neck and neck. Harry stretched out as far as he could and grabbed it. With a yell of triumph he jumped from his broom and held up the snitch. Wood blew his whistle.

"Gryffindor wins the Quidditch cup!" he bellowed. Harry grinned as his teammates landed beside him and hugged him. The other Gryffindors rushed the field and Harry was carried off the field on thier shoulders.

The victory party went on far into the night. No one was going to sleep anytime soon. Across the room Harry saw Ginny laughing and talking with her friend Luna Lovegood. Taking a deep breath he went over to her.

"Can I have a moment?" he asked her. Ginny nodded and followed him into the corridor.

"Do you want to use the revealing potion?" he whispered. Ginny shook her head.

"I know it's you," she said. Harry wrapped his arms around her and kissed her. Ginny stiffened but then kissed him back. When he pulled away Ginny was breathless.

"Harry," she gasped.

"I love you Ginny," Harry said. "I have for a long time. I've been afraid to tell you, because I was afraid of something happening to you."

"And you aren't afraid of that anymore?" she asked.

"There will always be danger, Ginny. It's part of who I am. But I know that love is a risk worth taking, if you're willing to take it with me."

"I am," Ginny said. "I love you too Harry." He kissed her again and continued kissing her until they both needed air. That night Harry fell asleep with a huge grin onhis face.