A/N: I don't own this.
Chapter 15- Quidditch tryouts and Hermione's birthday
Several days had passed and soon Harry had developed a routine. He would often wake up earlier than most people because of his nightmares but either Hermione, Ginny or Melissa would join him in the common room. Today was the day of the Quidditch tryouts and Harry had another vision/dream where Voldemort killed some family and Harry's scar was in pain. Ever since the attack on the dance club in London, Voldemort had gone back to killing families. Harry was sitting in his armchair and thinking. 'Everyone expects me to be a hero, yet there are innocent people dying everyday because of Voldemort. What kind of hero allows that to happen?' Harry thought as he heard Ginny come down the stairs.
"Hey Harry," Ginny said yawning.
"Hey Ginny, its Quidditch tryouts today," Harry said.
"I know. I'm trying out for chaser," Ginny said.
"I had another dream/vision or whatever it was called," Harry said.
"What happened in it?" Ginny asked, concerned.
"Voldemort killed another family in England," Harry said.
"Oh Harry," Ginny sighed, hugging him.
"The latest vision also made me think," Harry said as Ginny nodded. "Everyone expects me to beat Voldemort and be the hero but how? I'm still in school and yet I have to defeat the darkest wizard of our times," Harry said.
"Oh Harry, no one expects you to be the hero," Ginny said, fixing her hair before continuing "I'm pretty sure Dumbledore will find a way to kill Voldemort."
"The thing is only one person can kill Voldemort," Harry said, realizing that he was going to tell Ginny the prophecy.
"Who is that person Harry?" Ginny asked.
"It's me," Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Remember the weapon the Order was guarding last year?" Harry asked as Ginny nodded. "The weapon was a prophecy made that involves me and Voldemort," Harry said.
"Yeah but the prophecy was destroyed," Ginny said, brushing a hair out of her eye. "I was there, I saw the prophecy fall and get destroyed," Ginny said.
"The record of the prophecy was destroyed but the prophecy was told to someone else," Harry said, wiping his eye. "Trelawney made the prophecy and pretty much said that I'm the only one who has the power to defeat Voldemort and Voldemort marked me as an equal with my scar," Harry said, lifting his bangs to show his scar.
"Oh Harry," Ginny said, hugging him tightly and crying.
Harry was now flying on his Firebolt, glad to be in the air again. Over twenty students had arrived for Quidditch tryouts but only ten would make the team as starters or backups. Harry and Ron had decided to have two people trying out as beater hit the bludgers at three people trying out for chaser. First was Colin Creevey and Randy Williams, the new transfer student at beaters with Ginny, Dennis Creevey and Victoria Wells, a fourth year as chasers. Harry was on the side of the Quidditch field with Ron and they were watching the proceedings.
After watching them try out, Harry already had some ideas. Ginny definitely was a starter at chaser and the same with Randy Williams at beater. Victoria Wells was okay and unless Harry saw a better player, she would be a starting chaser. The Creevey brothers were erratic and had no chance of making the team. Harry discussed his ideas with Ron and found out that Ron agreed with him for the most part. Next, Harry saw Seamus and Dean try out at beaters with Rick Davis, a third year, Julie Alberts, a fourth year and Sandy Harris, a third year try out as chasers.
When Harry and Ron had seen everyone play, they thanked everyone for attending and went to discuss the team. Harry and Ron walked back toward Hogwarts castle and sat near the lake.
"My team is Randy Williams and Dean as starting beaters, Ginny, Victoria Wells and Sandy Harris at chasers," Harry said.
"I agree with you there mate," Ron said, scratching his chin. "Who's going to be the backups?" Ron asked.
"Well I think Seamus should be a backup beater along with David Jones. As for backup chasers, I think Julie Alberts, Ernest Graham and Sally Peaks should be the backups. Geoffrey Hooper can back you up at keeper Ron," Harry said and Ron nodded in agreement.
"It's set then," Ron said.
"Our first game is in November against Ravenclaw," Harry said, walking toward the castle. "We then play Hufflepuff in February and Slytherin in April," Harry said.
"Great. We now have to post the results up in the common room," Ron said.
"I don't see why we shouldn't win the cup this year Ron," Harry said.
"Yeah, Ravenclaw isn't quite there yet, Hufflepuff is mediocre at best and the Slytherins are too obsessed with beating us," Ron said in agreement.
Harry was actually able to sleep somewhat well on September 19, Hermione's birthday. Harry had planned to give Hermione her present early in the day, since it was a Saturday. Harry went down to the common room and saw that he was one of the few people down in the common room. Harry took out the muggle birthday card he purchased plus the book and the necklace. Just the night before, Harry had found some wrapping paper and wrapped up Hermione's presents.
Taking a seat by his usual armchair, Harry saw Hermione come down the stairs from the girl's dormitories. She was wearing a sleeveless t-shirt and a pair of low cut jeans. Harry found himself staring at Hermione and thinking about how beautiful she was and he didn't notice that Hermione had went over to where he was sitting.
"Hey Harry," Hermione said, giving him a kiss.
"Happy birthday Hermione," Harry said, putting her present onto a table where she could see it.
Hermione gasped in surprise and just stood there for a minute. She then took out Harry's card and read it aloud to the common room.
Dear Hermione,
I know today is your birthday so I wanted to get you something special for the day. Your companionship has meant a lot to me and I tried to show you want your friendship and love does to me. Although I can never express it through a gift, I hope that my gift comes close. Without you, I think I would be a sad and unhappy Harry. I hope you like the gifts I bought for you.
Happy Birthday Hermione,
from Harry with love
Hermione then opened his present and saw the book which he had purchased from Diagon Alley. Hermione's eyes widened and she moved toward Harry but he stopped her.
"There's another gift in there," Harry said.
Hermione then took out the necklace Harry had purchased and she gasped. "Harry this must have cost you a lot of money," Hermione said.
"Nothing is too expensive for the woman I love," Harry whispered into her ear as his lips met Hermione's lips for a kiss. The rest of the common room had been watching this scene, extremely interested in what was going to happen and promptly burst into applause when Harry and Hermione kissed as Harry and Hermione blushed.
Harry and Hermione were walking on the Hogwarts grounds after breakfast. They were holding hands and walking in no specific direction. Harry was just happy to be with Hermione and Hermione was still thinking about Harry's birthday present to her. Both of them then sat down by a tree, surrounded by students who had taken advantage of a beautiful September day. Harry had even convinced Hermione not to study since it was her birthday and he wanted her to enjoy it.
"Thank you for everything Harry," Hermione said.
"I should be the one thanking you," Harry said, putting his arm around her shoulder. Hermione responded to this by leaning her head back onto the part of the body just under Harry's shoulder and sighed contently. Soon, they were both kissing each other passionately. Harry and Hermione didn't notice that Colin Creevey had his camera and was taking pictures of them kissing.
Harry was still kissing Hermione when he saw a flash out of the corner of his eye. Harry broke apart from Hermione, only to see that it was a terrified looking Colin Creevey holding onto his camera.
"Colin, what are you doing here?" Harry asked.
"I'm taking pictures," Colin said nervously.
"Taking pictures of what?" Harry asked as he felt Hermione tug at his arm.
"Well, everyone says you're the perfect couple," Colin said twisting nervously. "So I decided to find out for myself and they were right judging by the way you kiss," Colin said.
"When you develop those pictures, give them to me okay Colin?" Harry said as Colin nodded then ran away toward Gryffindor tower. Harry then sat back down and continued to kiss Hermione.
Lord Voldemort was awaiting news from one of his Death Eaters, Lucius Malfoy. Voldemort had wanted to know when the next Hogsmeade visit was, so he could attack Potter and his friends. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and then Lucius Malfoy came in.
"My lord," he said bowing. "I just received an owl from my son," Lucius said.
"So what did your son write?" Voldemort asked.
"My son asks that you give him the mark around Christmas first of all. Second, he says the next Hogsmeade visit will be on October 2, my lord," Lucius said.
"Thank you Lucius. Your son will receive the mark around Christmas. I guarantee that," Voldemort said laughing.
"Harry, you almost frightened Colin to death!" Hermione said shrilly.
"Oh relax, the poor guy will get over it," Harry said, leaning in to kiss Hermione.
"That's not the point Harry," Hermione said before Harry's lips touched hers. "Oh Harry," Hermione said before kissing Harry with unequaled passion. They continued to kiss until night had fallen. Realizing they had missed dinner, Harry took Hermione down to the kitchens.
"It's Harry Potter!" cried Dobby the elf as he ran up to hug Harry. "What can Dobby do for Mr. Potter and the young lady?" Dobby asked.
"Dobby, we missed dinner so we were wondering if we could have a quick dinner," Harry said.
"Of course!" Dobby said beaming.
Soon, Harry and Hermione were sitting down and eating beef stew and some bread. After they had finished, they thanked the elves and went back up to Gryffindor tower, holding hands.
"So how has your birthday been?" Harry asked Hermione.
"It's been the best birthday ever so far," Hermione replied.
"I'm glad that you have liked it," Harry said.
"I enjoyed it because of a certain friend of mine, who went out of his way to buy me two nice presents," Hermione said, kissing Harry.
"I think you have deserved it Hermione," Harry said.
"Oh Harry, you're so sweet," Hermione said.
"I try my best," Harry said.
"Harry, when you grow up what do you want to be?" Hermione asked.
Harry thought for a minute before he answered. "I want to be a loving father who is there for his children," Harry whispered softly and looking Hermione in the eye. "I want to provide the love and care that I never received growing up," Harry said.
Hermione regretted asking that question when she heard Harry's answer. "Well, you will have a chance to do that Harry," she said, hugging him tightly then kissing him.
"I know. I just hope I am able to do it with the witch I love," Harry said, giving Hermione's hand a little squeeze.
Hermione smiled at Harry and they continued walking up to Gryffindor tower, hand in hand. The moonlight shined brightly on Hogwarts and the stars were shining brightly in the sky. Harry and Hermione had reached Gryffindor tower. Inside, it seemed like the entire house had waited for their return. Everyone in the common room applauded the couple when they entered. After over two hours, everyone started to sleep. Harry then went around looking for Hermione who was with Lavender and Parvati.
"Good night and happy birthday Hermione," Harry whispered, putting his arms around her and kissing her.
"Good night Harry," Hermione whispered before heading up to her bed. Her sixteenth birthday would be one of her birthdays that she would never forget. Spending most of the day with Harry had been good and she had loved the presents that he gave her. With thoughts about the day with Harry, Hermione fell into a deep sleep.
A/N: Please read and review. Thank you all.