AN – What would a HP story be without a brief intermission of....

Chapter 9 - Quidditch

Harry knew they couldn't lose. They had the better beaters. They had the better Chasers. They had the better Keeper. Although Ginny had never played a game only one ball per practice had ever gotten past her. Slytherin was going to lose.

When Gryffindor walked out, the stands erupted with cheers. Harry swallowed. He looked up to see Ron and Hermione waving. Ginny looked wide-eyed.

"It looks so much bigger." she squeaked.

"Don't worry." Harry told her, "Just do what you do in practice, Ginny. You'll be fine."

They kicked off and took flight. The Slytherins took the offensive. The beaters tried to knock Harry off his broom and when that didn't work the Chasers became the targets. Madame Hooch called penalties, most of which the Gryffindors' Chasers made.

Gryffindor sat at 110 to 0 when Harry finally saw the snitch and dove after it, Malfoy following close behind. Then he saw Ginny get hit with a bludger and fall towards the ground. Harry leaned forward to increase his speed, the snitch forgotten. Harry caught Ginny less than a foot above the ground.

"You alright?" Harry asked as he landed. Madame Hooch's whistle sounded. Madame Pomfrey was there, Fred and George were there, and the Chasers hovered closely above them.

"I...think so." Ginny stammered. "My arm hurts." Fred had rushed up and hugged her. George looked her over.

"Let me see." Madame Pomfrey ordered. "Looks broken. You're out, I'm afraid."

"No!" Ginny screamed, "I can finish. Harry tell her! Tell her to let me, please." tears welled up in her eyes. "I can do it!"

Harry looked at Fred and George. He thought that it should be for them to decide. They looked at him, not giving him any help.

"Will she be alright?" Harry asked.

"Of course." Madame Pomfrey said.

"Will it get any worse if she continues?" Harry asked. Ginny looked thrilled and tried to get up, but Fred and George wouldn't let her.

"Well, no." Madame Pomfrey admitted, "But Ginny, it's going to hurt much worse when you move."

"I - I don't care." Ginny said stubbornly, "Tie it up and let me go. We have a game to win." Fred and George moved back to their positions and so did Ginny. It was obvious she was in pain. Harry hoped that Malfoy had lost sight of the snitch.

The penalty shots given for the attack were good, leaving the score 160 - 0. Harry flew up and returned to his usual circle pattern high above the pitch. Malfoy flew up towards him, "How valiant of you. Always have to be the hero, don't you?"

"Shut up." Harry said. He saw Ginny catch another attempt to score. Even one-handed she was still better than any member of the Slytherin team. But Harry could see the pain taking a toll on poor Ginny.

The next shot Ginny missed. Harry still hadn't spotted the snitch, but he didn't want to get in a race with Malfoy. The Wronski Feint, Harry thought.

Harry went into a dive, keeping one eye out for the snitch, then swerved at the last minute. Malfoy did a face plant into the pitch. Harry soared back up and looked around while Malfoy was being tended.

The game resumed, and Harry finally spotted the snitch. He waited until Malfoy had moved up above the pitch since the snitch was close to the ground.

Harry headed into a second dive. Malfoy, clearly thinking it was another fake, didn't follow. Nor did he see the snitch, that is, not until Harry headed down the field.

By the time Malfoy saw it and was in motion, it was too late. Harry had it in his hand. The whistle blew, ending the match. Gryffindor had won, 230 - 30. When he landed Ginny was more than ready to call it quits. She didn't even protest when Fred and George escorted her to the hospital.

Harry changed his robes and prepared to head off to see Ginny, fully expecting Ron and Hermione to already be there. He almost collided with Ron on his way out the door.

"Harry, nice flying." Ron said, "We all just wanted to congratulate you."

Hagrid, Hermione, and Lupin all stood there.

"Yeah, good game." Sirius whispered from under the cloak. Harry smiled.

"Thanks. Umm, Ron, Ginny..." Harry started, trying to explain.

"Great wasn't she?" Ron said, "What a trooper. I didn't know she was so tough. Mom'll freak though."

"You alone in there?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah." Harry said, "Come in." They had a short visit in the Gryffindor locker room before they went to see Ginny. Sirius, of course, didn't go. He waited until the pitch was clear, then left the school.