Ch 5 – The Party
[I know you guys get sick of my long a/n's but I just can't help it, I'm naturally a talkative person. Anyway, sorry about that wait. I was still waiting for one of my BETA's but she emailed me earlier to say she couldn't get this chapter to me in time – through no fault of her own. Which is sweet cause she was thinking of how your patience must be wearing thin. If you go to my LJ you can see I have apologised profusely to you. Enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review! Also, everyone take a minute to thank Naz1, for some help with this chapter. And of course my excellent, extravagant and elevating BETA's: Nesserz and luvhp224 (even though she couldn't be with us.) And we finally meet Jason…]
Dedication: happynutcase again because I forgot about you again. So sorry!
Also, check out this short R/Hr fic, it's fantastic. Not As the Last Resort by shiny silver gal.
PS – there could be some grammatical errors so beware
- - - - - - - - -
You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
You're so vain
Carly Simon – You're So Vain
- - - - - - - -
Ginny smoothed over the stylish green robes Luna had lent her for the forty-fifth time that evening. They were just waiting for Luna to finish up before Flooing to the Ministry. Ginny had refused to Apparate, thinking of her attempt earlier that day and shuddering. She wouldn't be ending up in any fishponds ever again if she could help it. She would probably meet all of her family there; the whole family was always invited to these things. She had decided to ignore them for the most part though, still angry with them for keeping that secret from her.
Luna appeared before them, dressed in simple periwinkle blue robes yet looking very elegant and poised. Something that Ginny wished she felt like. "Ok?" Luna nudged her, sensing her nervousness. Well at least she wasn't facing everyone in her muddy brown ancient skirt and the dumpy fire-engine red cardigan. Ginny nudged her back and nodded with more assurance than she felt. Luna held her gaze for a moment before nodding and grabbing some Floo powder.
She shouted, "Visitors entrance for the Ministry of Magic!" and disappeared into the flames. Neville held out a hand for her to go next. She nodded thanks and pinched some powder and threw it on the fire. She closed her eyes and stepped into the flames, watching them lick her clothing hungrily.
"Visitors entrance for the Ministry of Magic!" Ginny shouted.
She was whirling through hundreds of fireplaces, each different from the last. She felt a tug as she stopped in front of one the fireplaces and fell flat onto the ground, the world becoming normal again. She got up stiffly just as Neville appeared behind her, landing a tad more gracefully than she had. Luna giggled as she gave Ginny a hand up.
"Always the same Gin." Luna teased as they walked towards the phone box. Ginny didn't answer; she was too busy thinking about the party again. The fireplace they had stopped at disappeared as they walked away from it and towards the shabby red telephone box.
They all squished inside as Neville dialled while speaking aloud. "Uh, six. . . two. . . four, four. . . two."
"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business." The female voice said, surrounding them.
"Neville Longbottom, Magical Games and Sports Office, here with Luna Longbottom and Virginia Weasley for the welcoming party for the Quidditch team visit-"
"Thank-you." The voice interrupted. "Please take the badges and attach them to your outfits."
Neville picked up the square silver badges and handed them out.
Ginny looked at them.
Neville Longbottom party
Quidditch welcome banquet
"Aren't they able to write Luna or Virginia?" she asked sarcastically as she fastened the badge to her dress. Luna shook her head and smiled.
They entered the huge hall, a big change from the dingy, cramped telephone box. Ginny looked at empty space halfway down the hall, reliving memories from the Department of Mysteries and the golden fountain which used to be in that exact spot. They made their way to the golden gates at the end of the hall, many well dressed people heading in the same direction and probably the same destination. They stepped aside to the desk on the left saying Security and asked where they could find the party.
"Through the gates and to the lifts. Take the end lift on the left and it will take you straight to the top level." The bored looking security man said.
"Thanks." Neville said.
They made their way through the golden gates and towards the lift, no one speaking. They walked towards the lift on the far side and stepped in, still in silence. Ginny was too nervous to say anything and passed her time staring at a small speck on the wall.
The lift came to a shuddering halt and opened slowly and Ginny stepped out and gasped. The whole room was in the theme of Quidditch, brooms hung all over the roof, quaffles were flying around balancing trays of drinks on top of them and golden snitches were zooming about the room, glinting in the light. It was absolutely magnificent.
"Wow. . ." Ginny breathed, not moving. The room, or rather the hall was filled with fancy-looking people, all laughing and talking.
"Wow." Luna agreed, coming up beside her.
Ginny didn't answer, only kept staring in awe.
Luna nudged her again. "Okay?"
"Perfectly perfect." Ginny lied with a smile. Luna nodded as Neville came up behind them and held out his arms. Ginny kept smiling and took his arm as Luna did the same. Several heads turned as they strolled in, instantly recognising Jason Banton's fiancé. Ginny smiled beautifully, the damp tight grip on Neville's arm only showing her nervousness. She let go of Neville as they disappeared into the crowd, Luna signalling she would be back soon. Ginny nodded and waved, making her way slowly to the food table so she looked like she wasn't alone. Which she was.
I actually wouldn't mind seeing my family now, she thought ruefully, hovering by the table uncertainly. She could not see anyone she recognised.
"Excuse me; have you seen a beautiful red-headed woman around here anywhere?" a voice asked. Ginny turned around, surprised.
"You look a bit like her, but she's not as pretty as you." The voice continued in a teasing tone as Ginny laughed.
"Well I'm looking for my fiancé, but I must say he is a lot more handsome than you are." She teased back, kissing her fiancé as he wrapped her in a hug.
"Glad you're here." He whispered in her ear, "How are you?"
"Great." Ginny said brightly.
"That bad?"
Ginny's face crumpled slightly. "Is it that obvious?" she moaned.
"No. But if I ask you how you are you never reply with just one word. It's always a couple of long sentences at least and what Tommy Peterson had gotten up to lately." Jason laughed, though he looked concerned.
Ginny shook her head in amusement, he knew her so well.
"So what's wrong?" he asked in a more serious tone.
"Just a bad say." She sighed. "You know, everything that can go wrong did go wrong."
"Tommy Peterson included?"
"Of course." Ginny said sarcastically. "He got hold of my wand."
"How on earth did he get that?" Jason asked, amazement showing on his handsome features. "What did he do?"
"Destroyed the place." Ginny said wearily, taking a glass of wine as a quaffle flew by.
"How did you get him to stop?" Jason asked, looking faintly disapproving.
- - -
"I want your autograph!" Tommy suddenly demanded.
"Firstly, take a look around. Secondly, there is something you have to say to your teacher."
- - -
"Ginny?" Jason asked, shaking her out of the scene from earlier this afternoon.
". . . Hmm? Oh yes. . . I . . . threatened to tell his parents." Ginny said quickly, not wanting to go into detail on exactly what happened.
"Hm, I would have thought he wouldn't be bothered by that in the least." Jason said thoughtfully.
"Yeah well. . . this time he was." Ginny said in a let's-change-the-subject-voice. Jason opened his mouth to say something else but was interrupted by someone calling him.
"Sorry Gin, more people to talk to. I hate my job." Jason said, kissing her swiftly on the cheek.
"No you don't, just having to socialise constantly." Ginny said as she straightened his tie.
"And being polite."
"And organising everything."
"And speeches."
"Speaking of speeches, yours is soon." Ginny said, looking at him fondly.
"I need you for moral support."
"Don't be such a baby." Ginny chuckled, pecking him on the cheek. Jason groaned as the person called him again.
"I'll be back." He said, kissing her again.
"Okay okay. Go all ready!" Ginny said, laughing as he hurried off. Merlin she adored him.
Back to hovering the table by myself, she thought then sighed, grin fading. She looked around not meeting anyone's eye, trying to look like she was busy doing something.
- - -
"Harry!" Mrs Weasley exclaimed with joy, almost running over to the surprised Quidditch star who was talking to a young woman.
The Weasley party made their way over to the grinning Harry.
"Long time no see." He said, eyes twinkling.
Arthur clapped him on the back, choosing to show his welcome with that and his smile. Mrs Weasley kept exclaiming over him, fussing with his clothes and hair.
"It's been a while." Fred informed him.
"Long time." George agreed.
"Too long."
"A year."
"Or two."
"Maybe three."
"Double that even."
"We waited every day." George wailed.
"No letters." Fred said as he dramatically wiped an invisible tear away.
"No fellytone." George said heartbreakingly as he clutched his twin in a hug, both wailing at the top of their lungs.
"Cut that out." Mrs Weasley snapped, giving Harry a motherly hug.
"I hope we see some good Quidditch playing." Angelina said, rolling her eyes at her husband but laughing all the same.
"It's a pleasure to see you again." Percy said formally as Bill smiled at him in greeting.
"You too Percy." Harry said, still chuckling at Fred and George.
"It ees marvellous to see you." Fleur said elegantly, as Harry greeted her cordially.
"Good to see you Harry." Charlie said warmly with a strong handshake.
"So. . . where's Ginny?" Harry asked. Everyone instantly lowered their head and began stuttering incoherent sentences.
- - - -
She spotted Ron and Hermione coming towards her through the crowd, from where the rest of her family was situated. She purposely turned in the other direction, though keeping one ear on them.
"You go up to her!" Came Hermione's furious whisper.
"No you do it!" said Ron equally furiously, though louder.
"She's your sister!"
"Well… she's your. . . friend." Ron hissed back after some thought.
"Had to think about that didn't you?" Hermione asked cuttingly, though sounding like she had relented. Ron glowered but didn't answer.
Hermione hesitantly walked up to Ginny and put a hand on her shoulder, Ginny still pretending she hadn't seen or heard them, which was very hard.
"Ginny?" Hermione asked tentatively.
Ginny didn't answer, just turned around slowly with a cool and aloof mask over her gentle face. Ron gulped from his spot a couple of feet away, stepping forwards cautiously, figuring she wasn't going to blow up now.
Ginny surveyed them silently, still not talking.
"We're sorry." Hermione said.
"All of us." Ron said as he walked up beside her.
Ginny pursed her lips but couldn't stay mad, it just wasn't her nature. She relaxed visibly.
"It's okay you guys. Just a bad day, you know how it is." She excused, smiling a tiny bit.
Hermione bit her lip sympathetically, knowing the main reason.
"He wants to see you." Ron said loudly.
Hermione stepped on his foot pointedly.
". . . later." Ron added, wincing and then glaring at Hermione.
"Well I want to see him," Ginny paused as they both looked hopeful. ". . .never." she finished.
"Ginny don't be ridiculous." Ron cried as she turned away.
"Ridiculous?" Ginny said with a steely glint in her eyes. Ron gulped again and stepped backwards. "Remember what I said before Ron?"
Ron shook his head ,confused, then seeming to think better of it he nodded.
"Leave me alone." She snapped. Damned if I see Harry anyway, she thought angrily as she stalked off, leaving Ron and Hermione.
"Ginny! Come back!" Ron yelled.
"You're not very good at this are you?" Hermione asked him as she walked off after Ginny. Ron chose not to answer.
"Ginny?" Hermione asked as she hurried after her friend. Just what has gotten into her? Hermione thought as she followed Ginny.
"Ginny?"
"Go away." Ginny said over her shoulder as she disappeared into the crowd.
She circled around back to the food table; she at least looked like she was doing something there. A hand touched her shoulder and she whirled around in anger.
"What?" she snapped. She blushed, not recognising the man in front of her.
"Sorry." She said softly as the man looked astonished. "Thought you were someone else."
"Quite alright." The man said nervously. He was a small person, thin and wiry. "I just need to take a photo for the paper." The man said. He looked at Ginny strangely, like he was expecting something from her. Something in his look struck a chord in Ginny's memory.
"Colin?" she said, incredulous.
Colin Creevey's face brightened. "You recognised me!" he exclaimed happily.
"Wow. I. . . wow. How are you?" Ginny managed, still shocked.
"Photographer for the Prophet." He said with a smile.
"That's amazing!"
"You too. Owning a school and all." Colin said shyly.
"Thanks."
"And getting engaged." He added.
Well. . . thanks again." Ginny said, quite at a loss at what to say. "Are. . . you married?" she asked awkwardly.
"No. . . But there is someone I like." Colin said softly, though not elaborating.
"Well that's good Colin."
"Photo?" he asked hopefully, holding up the camera. "Or maybe one of you and Jason?" he added.
"That would be fine." Ginny answered. "When I see him I'll come find you."
"Excellent." Colin said as he waved goodbye.
Ginny shook her head, still surprised to see him and continued her way to the food table.
"Might as well eat something." She murmured to herself and took a plate. Suddenly, someone bumped her from behind and sent the contents of her plate everywhere and her wand went flying out of her bag and under the table.
"What the hell?" she yelled, turning to face the person. Olivia Peterson, Tommy's mother.
"Excuse you." Olivia sniffed.
Ginny shook. She could hardly blow up at someone who had a kid at her school and a person who was very high up in the Ministry.
"Excuse me." Ginny said nervously.
Olivia gazed at her for a second coolly before turning away.
Why don't they like me? Even Mark doesn't like me, and I don't even know why, she thought, perplexed.
She sighed however as she picked up the food and bent down to retrieve her wand. It had rolled under the blue tablecloth so she couldn't see. She reached her hand under and felt it at the edge of her fingertips. . . and knocked it further to the other side. She groaned and looked around, seeing no one she crept under the table. She spied her wand at the other end and crawled towards it, cursing everyone and everything loudly.
She reached out, almost getting it when a hand picked it up from the other side.
Ginny panicked, not knowing whether to crawl out or stay put. Who's the worst it could be? She thought finally, timidly crawling out from under the table. She looked up, still on the ground and felt like crawling back under instantly.
Harry Potter stood above her, smirking and tapping her wand slowly against his temple. Ginny set her jaw and stood up, brushing herself off.
"I believe that is my wand." She said coolly. Harry just kept smirking at her.
"My wand." Ginny said pointedly.
"You look much better than this afternoon." Harry commented. "For me perhaps?" he added, still smirking.
Ginny dropped her jaw at his bravery. He was different from the person she had seen this afternoon too. "Why on earth would I do that?" she asked coldly.
"You tell me." He answered, grinning mockingly.
"Give me my wand Harry." She said instead of answering.
"Manners Miss Virginia." He teased, twirling the wand.
"Give me the wand now." Ginny closed her eyes, not wanting to seem like he had the upper hand but having no choice. ". . . please."
"So how are you Ginny?" he asked, instead of giving her the wand.
"The wand Harry." Ginny said evenly.
"Got a man?" he asked suggestively.
"Give me my wand." She said. Doesn't he know I'm getting married? She thought.
"I'm sure someone so pretty would." He continued.
"Give me the fucking wand Harry." She warned, gathering he didn't know about her engagement.
"Language." Harry teased.
Ginny made a grab for her wand, but Harry held it up out of reach.
"Please just give it to me?" she pleaded, forgetting about her dignity now.
Harry studied her, still not relenting. "Come to dinner with me." He requested.
Ginny shook her head in anger. That was the last straw, she thought as she slapped him and grabbed her wand in his surprise. She stormed off and he didn't follow, just watched her with a smile on his face.
Jerk, she thought. I hate him.
Just then she was distracted by a voice announcing the speech. Jason came to the microphone with a huge smile on his face. The crowd quieted as he cleared his throat.
"There is a time for speeches," Jason began as the crowd listened. ". . . and this is unfortunately one of them." He said with a smile as the crowd groaned good-naturedly. "I'll make it as quick as possible." He said, chuckling.
"Firstly, I would like to welcome the Romanian Rockets who will be playing Puddlemere United in the upcoming World Cup. The reason we're all here." Jason said as he raised his glass. There was a small applause and he continued. "I see a few of you now, don't be shy." A light hit several people around the room and there was another applause. "Of course Harry Potter will be playing for Romania, a very good team I must admit. I hope that they have what it takes stop the winning streak of Puddlemere.
"I'd like to thank everyone at the Ministry and especially those in Magical Games and Sports department, you can now sleep at night!" he joked. There was an appreciative laugh and Ginny smiled lovingly up at her fiancé. He seemed to sense it and he caught her eye before taking a breath.
"As for the outcome of the game, there will of course be a leaving party, whoever the gallant losers be." Jason said. "Around that same time there will be another. . . event you might say. A certain wedding where my fiancé and I hope to see you all." A spotlight hit Ginny and she flushed faintly when many heads turned towards her.
"My fiancé, Virginia Weasley." Jason said with pride as she waved. He blew a kiss and the crowd "awwwed". Ginny laughed and shook her head, the crowd laughing with her. Ginny's eyes caught sight of a stunned Harry, stunned being an understatement. Ha, she thought smugly.
"But for now, enjoy the rest of the party!" Jason said as the crowd began talking again. He hurried down the steps towards Ginny, who was waiting for him with a grin.
"Don't embarrass me or anything." She teased. Jason laughed warmly and dipped her backward like out of some old-fashioned movie.
"The spotlight loves you my darling." He said fondly.
A click interrupted them and they turned around to see Colin Creevy looking slightly apologetic.
"Sorry, but it was a perfect photo. Too good to miss." He said as though they may bite him.
Jason pulled Ginny up and grinned.
"Bet that will be front page." Jason joked.
"Oh it will." Colin said earnestly, before walking off for more photos.
"Oh Jason?" a voice called. Ginny groaned, recognising voice.
"I am not talking to them." She said to Jason, glancing quickly at the Petersons advancing on them.
"Fine, fine. I'll hold off, you run for cover General." Jason replied, only half joking.
"Thank-you." She whispered, kissing him quickly before darting away.
She wandered through the crowd, nodding and smiling at various people.
"Engaged huh?" a voice said behind her.
Ginny groaned inwardly and closed her eyes. She turned around to see the confused and angry face of Harry.
"Yes Harry, see the ring?" she asked, holding up her left hand.
"He's not right for you."
"Oh and you are?" she asked sarcastically.
Harry didn't answer and only looked at her.
"Just go away Harry." She said.
"You can't marry him."
Ginny gaped. "You're telling me what to do? Who to marry?" she asked angrily.
"Yes."
"Piss off Potter." She spat, spinning around in anger.
She swept across the room, desperate to get out of the place. She headed towards the lift, spluttering in fury.
"Ginny, where are you going?" Luna cried, running after her worriedly. "I haven't seen you the whole time."
"Home."
"Walking?"
"Yes."
"But it's going to rain!"
"No it won't."
"You always say that but it always does!" Luna yelled, watching the redhead disappear from sight. She sighed, giving up.
Ginny stepped inside the lift, leaning against the doors after they had closed and she felt the sensation of going down. She closed her eyes and banged her head against the doors as a tear of frustration ran down her pale cheek.
[Before you attack me with a large heavy object for destroying JK's beautiful main character by making him disgustingly OOC, just know that I know he's OOC. It's for the plot okay? All for the plot Oh and the person who guesses what movie the last bit of conversation between Luna and Ginny came from gets the next chapter dedicated to them.]
Thanks to: lost angel92, jay potter, JamieBell, Secondatbat9, hye em yes, DK Lili, clau-hogwarts-writer, Phoenix, Goldilocks31890, Jewls1, sunny
Naz1 – I still managed to get that little slap of yours in there, thank-you so much for the help with the chapter – especially since one of my BETA's couldn't.
Hecate Aiwe – I'm glad you don't mind so much about the shortness, this one was definitely longer though. I'm not sure Harry saw Ginny at her best, well in a way he did, then again, she didn't see him at his best either. And yes, he does have a better side to him. I think you can tell by this chapter if Harry is jealous or not though. Yes, the flashback was another bit of Harry not as his best, but you'll have to wait to see his side of it.
Sarah Noisette – The show sounds very traumatising lol. No, I actually haven't read Night's Child, though I am desperate to. Is it any good? I kind of thought that the series declined a little after the first 7 books. No, you're not that random, well maybe yes – but I am too. =D
Hippie-Banana – With the break-up, it's only from Ginny's side isn't it? So we don't know Harry's reasons, but yes he was a bit of a prat despite that. I'm not sure about Ginny being at her best, appearance yes, anger management no. =D It's interesting you brought up the nose ring, you will be seeing it later on. I don't think she will be wearing it though.
Happynutcase – TWO whole chapters dedicated to you, are you pleased? ""grins nervously"" Yes, I forgot about you. . . twice. . . I'm sorry? Hehe, yeah you'll see a bit more swearing in this story. Eep – I have Arachnophobia too! I start to shriek and wail if I see a spider, no matter how many people laugh at me. I get mad when I swear too.
cherryblossom08 – No, there was another reason for the breakup which, I might add, will not be revealed until much later. I think they were a bit too shocked to take Sabine and Nate out of the room, I mean, "Harry fucking Potter?" That would stun me too lol. Ooh, you're from Georgia? That's one of the few places in America I haven't been!
Miss ray317 – yup, there was more of Harry this time. Tell me what you think of Jason. . . Mmm, I wouldn't say she has feelings for Harry. . . yet.
Snowman1400 – how can you not like her fiancée if you haven't met him yet? Well, now you have so tell me what you think. I hope you weren't disappointed with the party.
Deerboy – the Gamecube is the toy of Satan! (Yet so entertaining =D) When are you going to go to London? And it's fine if you don't have much to say, you always have such nice long reviews – and personally I think this one was too.
Luvhp224 – Mm, more critical reviews? ""gulps"" Yeah, I'm sure it'll be fine if I send you what she corrects. I'll ask her though. I'm glad you like that I listen and use your advice, it is good advice so why wouldn't I? Sorry about missing some of the grammatical errors, there is just so much to be edited sometimes I don't see some things. Hope to see Ch 6 soon.
Miss Sammieh – Wow, you're the first person to say that if it had been any longer it would have dragged on. Thank-you! Yes, will definitely have more flashbacks, I love them too, I do heaps. But yeah about the story, I would love to help. Email me!
lily-potter2010 – Don't make Harry and Gin get back together?! That's the whole point of the fic! Unless you mean, don't make them get back together straight away – I can't really tell. I don't care if it's clichéd that they get back together, that's why I wrote the story. The bad things begin to happen in Ch 9-ish, although there is something important in Ch 7.
Crazed Chipmunk – No, no, no, he is not cruel. It's hard to explain, you will have to wait and see.
Dracoisahottie13 – the chapter you enquired about is not until the very far future lol.
VoicezWithin – Yes, that's why they broke up, but remember, it's not the whole reason. Hope you liked "the party."
Lizzie Weasley – You're a good reviewer you know that? I mean in the objective sense. They're just very. . . perfect. Hmm, well I take you got my review for the last chapter of Racing Time -sorry it wasn't long, but it was beautiful and that is all there is to it.
Magic sparkle 1 – did you? Oops. . .
lover 789 - lol, fell off your chair laughing? Hehe, I feel a bit proud now. Glad you liked WAM, hopefully this will be better. Yeah feel sorry for Jason, not many other people are.
Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease R&R! www.livejournal.com/darkflower2113