Chapter 18 – Girls and Quidditch

Harry frowned as he stared into the mirror, nervously trying to flatten his hair. It was Saturday evening and he had just returned from the Great Hall. He was to meet Parvati in the common room in a few minutes to work on their Potions essay. Harry tried to reason with himself; he and Parvati were just meeting to do homework. There was no need for the odd twisting of his stomach. Nevertheless, Harry continued to feel the pressure of a first date.

Harry sighed at his reflection and turned away from the mirror. He picked up his school bag, slung it over his shoulder, took a deep breath, and then headed down the stairs to the common room.

Harry paused as he reached the bottom of the stairs and scanned the room. His eyes first fell on Ron and Hermione sitting in their usual seats by the fireplace. Hermione had a huge book on her lap. She was pointing to something on the page and talking to Ron as he stared at her avidly. Harry smiled and doubted that Ron was hearing a word that Hermione was saying.

A flicker of red caught Harry's eye from the armchair facing away from him. Harry saw a mane of red hair fall over the edge of the chair and two fluffy-slippered feet appear on the opposite side. Harry felt an odd sensation in his chest and frowned. Ginny had taken the news of Tonks's injuries the worst last night when Harry had told his friends about the attack. Harry had stayed up with Ginny long after Ron and Hermione had gone to bed, comforting her. He had also gone with her to Dumbledore's office that morning and stood beside her as she demanded to see Tonks. Harry smiled as he remembered the look on Dumbledore's face when Ginny had told Dumbledore that she was going to see Tonks or be expelled trying. Dumbledore had graciously allowed them in. While Tonks had looked better than the previous day, the sight of her injuries had been hard on Ginny. Harry had sat with Remus while Tonks hugged Ginny and reassured her that she would be fine. Harry had been amazed by the love and concern that Ginny had shown for Tonks.

Harry was thinking about walking over to see how Ginny was doing when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned his gaze and found himself staring into Parvati's brown eyes.

She smiled. "You look a million miles away. What are you thinking about?"

Harry felt his cheeks flush as he darted his eyes quickly to the curtain of red hair hanging over the side of the armchair. He looked back to Parvati. "N-nothing."

Parvati raised an eyebrow as her hand slid down his arm and clutched his hand. "Come on," she said, pulling Harry with her hand.

Harry followed her, feeling as though his feet were abnormally large, causing him to stumble slightly. He cursed at himself and began to panic, feeling sweat beginning to bead on his skin. Harry cringed as he realized how his clammy hand must feel to Parvati.

Harry nearly stumbled again as Parvati stopped abruptly. She had steered him to a secluded table in the corner of the room. She turned to him and asked, "Is this table okay with you?"

Harry swallowed and nodded. "Sure."

Parvati smiled and released Harry's hand as she swung her bag on top of the table and settled herself in a chair. Harry discreetly wiped his hands on his robes, wishing he would stop sweating. Harry stood awkwardly, trying to decide whether he should sit beside Parvati or across from her. She saved him the confusion.

She turned in her seat and looked up at him, smiling. "Sit here," she said, patting the seat beside her.

Harry nodded and sat down beside Parvati. He turned his head and glanced around the common room. Harry groaned inwardly as he saw many curious eyes staring at Parvati and him. His gaze moved to the fireplace. From this point of view, Harry now saw only the back of Ron and Hermione's heads, but saw Ginny head-on as she sat sideways in her chair. She was leaning her head against the back of the chair and her eyes were closed. Harry smiled. Ginny looked so peaceful.

"Should we get started, Harry?"

Harry jumped and turned to look at Parvati. She was removing her books from her school bag and was setting them on the table. She paused and smiled at Harry.

"Sure," Harry said, leaning over and grabbing his own books. Harry cast one last glance at Ginny, then turned to Parvati.

"Where should we start?" Harry asked.

Parvati began flipping through one of the thick books she had placed on the table. "Well, I got these books from the library this afternoon. I've marked the pages that I think are relevant for the Clarity potion."

Harry swallowed, feeling guilty that Parvati was yet again bailing him out of being hopelessly behind in his homework.

"I'm sorry you had to spend the afternoon in the library. You always seem to be doing all the work," Harry said.

Parvati smiled at Harry. "I would have had to get these books whether or not we were working together. I'm just sharing my resources."

Harry shook his head, smiling. "I still feel like I owe you a huge favour."

Parvati cocked an eyebrow at Harry. "Well, don't worry. I'm sure I'll think of a way for you to make it up to me."

Harry stared at Parvati, wondering if he had imagined the suggestive tone in her voice. The sparkle in her eyes and the smile playing on her lips told him he had not imagined anything.

Parvati leaned her elbow on the table. "So, where were you this afternoon, anyway?"

Harry shifted in his seat, slouching slightly. Harry took a deep breath, realizing if he hoped to continue seeing Parvati, he would have to share a bit more of himself with her.

"I had a meeting with Mr. Brooks."

Parvati's eyebrows arched. "Really?"

Harry nodded, moving his gaze to the table top. "Yeah. I've met with him a few times this week. He thinks my encounters with Voldemort might help him understand Voldemort better, and then he can use the information to enhance his security measures."

Harry glanced at Parvati. She was staring at him with her mouth hanging open and her eyes wide.

Oh great. She thinks I'm a freak.

"Wow. The head of security is asking for your help?"

Harry felt his face flush. He straightened in his chair and rested his elbows on the table. "Er…I guess so."

"Wow," Parvati whispered.

Harry glanced at Parvati and saw her staring at him, her eyes wide. Harry cleared his throat. "Should we get started, then?"

Parvati blinked and nodded. "Sure." She pushed the open book towards Harry. "Here. You can start with this one."

"Thanks," Harry replied, thankful to have her stop staring at him. Harry pulled the book towards himself and began reading.

"You said his name," Parvati whispered.

Harry raised his eyes from his book to look at Parvati. "Pardon?"

"You said his name," Parvati repeated, looking keenly at Harry.

Harry's brows furrowed together. "You mean Voldemort?"

Parvati jumped and then nodded. "Aren't you scared of him?" she whispered.

Harry shrugged. "I may fear the man, but I don't fear his name."

Parvati's eyes widened further. "You're really brave, Harry."

Harry shook his head. "I don't feel brave."

"I never knew you were so modest," Parvati said smiling.

There's a lot you don't know about me, Harry thought.

Harry shrugged. "There's a few people that would disagree with you."

Parvati leaned toward Harry. "Well, I never did listen much to other people's opinions."

Harry smiled. "Well, that's good to hear."

Harry looked at Parvati and noticed how her eyes sparkled as she smiled at him.

Parvati placed her hand on Harry's leg and looked straight into Harry's eyes. "I really like you, Harry."

Harry swallowed as his heart pounded in his chest. Okay. If you're going to do it, now's the time…

"I – I – " Harry stammered.

"Harry!"

Harry jumped and turned his head to see Ron walking towards him.

"Harry, I need to talk to you," Ron said as he arrived at the table.

Harry glanced at Parvati and had to choke down a laugh. She was glaring at Ron with the utmost loathing.

Harry turned to Ron. "Can it wait?" Harry asked, nodding his head toward Parvati.

Ron glanced at Parvati and raised his eyebrows as he met her glare. He returned his gaze to Harry. "Sorry, mate. Did I interrupt something?"

"Yes," Parvati answered shortly.

Ron's face flushed as he looked at Parvati. "Right. Sorry. We'll talk later, then."

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Ron."

Ron nodded, arched an eyebrow at Parvati, and then turned and walked away.

Harry turned to Parvati and grinned. "Sorry. Ron's not used to having to share me with anyone."

Parvati smiled at Harry and said softly, "Is it something he's going to have to get used to?"

Harry looked into Parvati's hopeful eyes. He cleared his throat. "Yes, I think so."

Parvati smiled prettily. "I'm not very good at sharing, either."

Harry smiled and took her hand into his. It's time.

He swallowed and found courage he didn't know he had. "Well, I guess I'll have to tell Ron that my girlfriend comes first."

Parvati blushed and smiled at Harry. "Who's the lucky girl?" she asked quietly.

Harry shrugged and turned to look around the common room. "Dunno. See any good one's around?"

Parvati punched Harry lightly on the arm. Harry laughed and turned to Parvati.

"Oh look! There's one right here!" he said teasingly. He took her other hand into his and held both of her hands in front of him. "I was thinking of asking you, Parvati."

Parvati's eyes sparkled brightly. "Really?" she asked.

"Really," Harry smiled and took a deep breath. "What do you think? Will you be my girlfriend?"

Parvati smiled and whispered, "Yes."

Harry smiled and leaned towards Parvati. "I'm glad to hear that."

Parvati leaned forward. Harry met her lips and kissed her softly, enjoying the tingle spreading throughout him. A series of catcalls from the other side of the common room caused Harry to pull away.

"Potter's finally been caught!" Seamus yelled, standing on his chair. "I never thought it would happen. Potter's finally been caught by a girl! An era has ended!"

Harry groaned and looked at Parvati, who was blushing and grinning.

"I promise to hex him in his sleep tonight," Harry said.

Parvati laughed. "No. That's okay. I just need to remind him that Lavender tells all and I know things about him that he wished I didn't."

Harry laughed out loud. "Seamus and Lavender?"

Parvati nodded. "Oh, yes. They had quite a few broom closet encounters last year."

Harry shook his head, still laughing. "I had no idea."

Parvati looked at him and smiled. "Not many people did. Like I said, Lavender tells me everything."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Do you tell her everything?"

Parvati grinned. "Why? Are you worried?"

Harry returned her grin. "Should I be?"

Parvati laughed. "Don't worry, Harry. I won't kiss and tell."

Harry smiled. "I guess if we keep kissing during class and in the common room, everyone will know everything anyway."

Parvati raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we need to find our own broom closet."

Harry's face burned red. "I didn't mean … we don't need …" Harry stammered.

Parvati leaned forward. "Well, I don't know about you, Harry, but I don't own an invisibility cloak, and I don't want an audience every time we kiss." She leaned closer to Harry. "And now that I'm officially your girlfriend, I plan on kissing you a lot."

Harry swallowed and felt his face flush again. "Right," Harry managed before Parvati's lips were on his again.

"Wake up, Loverboy."

Harry groaned as the hangings around his bed were yanked open and the sunlight burned his eyes. Harry rolled onto his stomach and pulled his pillow over his head.

"Come on, Harry," Ron said, "or do you not have time for your best mate anymore?"

Harry sighed and pushed himself up and glared at Ron. "I have plenty of time for my friends that don't wake me at such an indecent hour."

Ron laughed. "Since when is ten in the morning indecent?"

"What?" Harry asked, grabbing his glasses and glancing at his clock. "Why'd you let me sleep so late?"

Ron raised an eyebrow and said sarcastically, "Right. Sorry, mate. It's all my fault."

Harry smiled apologetically, "Sorry. Thanks for waking me up."

Ron nodded. "I need to talk to you anyway, remember?"

Harry nodded. "Right. Just let me jump in the shower and I'll meet you in the common room."

Harry watched as Ron's ears turned red. "Actually," Ron said," I was hoping to talk to you up here."

Harry frowned. "What's wrong, mate?"

Ron's blush deepened. "Well, last night I needed to talk to you about Quidditch, but now…"

Harry leaned forward. "But now?"

Ron sighed. "It's Hermione's birthday in a couple weeks…"

Harry nodded. "And?"

Ron stared at the floor, his hands in his pockets. "I need your help."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "With what?"

Ron ran a hand nervously through his hair. "I'm going to tell her."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "You're what?"

Ron looked at Harry pleadingly. "Please don't make this any harder than it already is. Since I've finally admitted my feelings for Hermione to you, I've realized how much I care for her. It's making me crazy. I need to tell her, whether she feels the same way or not. I need to know how she feels, one way or the other. If she feels the same way … brilliant. If not, then at least I'll know and I can try to move on. I just can't ignore it any longer."

Harry gaped at his friend. Harry had not seen Ron speak so passionately about anything, even Quidditch.

Harry closed his mouth and swallowed. "What can I do to help?"

Ron sighed in relief. "Help me come up with a brilliant plan to sweep Hermione off her feet so she has no choice but to fall madly in love with me."

Harry smiled and said sarcastically, "Oh. Is that all?"

Ron grinned. "Well, now that you've landed yourself a girl, you must have some expertise."

Harry laughed. "I call it luck, mate. I am definitely not an expert."

"But, you'll help?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded. "Absolutely."

Ron smiled. "Thanks, Harry. I know you're busy."

Harry stood and slapped Ron on the back. "Never too busy for a friend in need."

Ron grinned. "I think Parvati might disagree with you."

Harry laughed. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Ron nodded, "By the way, I'm meeting with Madam Hooch and the other house captains tomorrow night to set the Quidditch practice schedule. Are the battle training schedules set?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. I have my private training Monday nights, and then fifth years are on Tuesdays, sixth years on Wednesdays, and seventh years are on Thursdays. Training will start a week from tomorrow."

Ron nodded and ran his fingers through his hair. "Right. That doesn't leave much time for practice, but we'll work something out. We should have tryouts this week. What do you think about Friday?"

Harry nodded. "Sounds good."

"You mean I can steal you away from your girlfriend?" Ron teased.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "If she has a problem with Quidditch, then we had better stop dating right now."

Ron laughed. "You might want to look into that, mate."

Harry nodded, wondering what he had got himself into.

"What do you think, mate?" Harry asked.

Ron and Harry sat in the Gryffindor changing room surrounded by their Quidditch teammates. They had just held the Chaser tryouts, and it was now decision-making time.

Ron cleared his throat. "Well, I'd say Ginny is a given. She played well as Seeker last year, and I think she'll be bloody brilliant as a Chaser. I am her brother, however, so if anyone feels my opinion is biased, feel free to disagree."

"Not a chance, Ron," Andrew Kirke replied.

Katie Bell nodded. "I'd be more concerned if you didn't choose Ginny, Ron."

Ron nodded. "Alright then. So that leaves one Chaser position to fill. Any suggestions?"

Jack Sloper nodded. "I thought Amanda Reese looked quite good."

Andrew smirked. "Looked good, or played well?"

Jack's face flushed. "She played well."

Katie nodded. "I agree. She was really quick on the broom. But I thought Dennis Creevey was better. He read the plays really well and seemed to handle the Quaffle a bit better."

Ron nodded. "Andrew, what do you think?"

Andrew shrugged. "I'd be happy with either, although I agree with Sloper. Reese is a good looker … oops, I mean player."

Katie and Andrew laughed as Jack's face turned crimson once again. Harry stared at his teammates' interactions. They had obviously developed a strong camaraderie over the remaining of last year's Quidditch season, after Harry, Fred, and George were removed from the team. Harry may have joined in on their banter if he had the energy. The past week, however, had been arduous.

Professor Pandoran had met with Harry every day to prepare him for the start of the battle training course. She had trained him hard, both mentally and physically. He had met her every morning at dawn to jog around the Hogwarts' grounds, accompanied with a small group of security officials. After thirty minutes of jogging, Pandoran put Harry through a series of workouts, including sit-ups, push-ups, and running through an obstacle course in the training room. Harry would then go to classes, ignoring his aching muscles, and trying frantically to stay focused. He had then met with Pandoran after school each day to prepare the first few weeks for the course. After a quick supper, Harry would spend the evening on homework, thankfully with the help of Ron, Hermione and Parvati. Harry had collapsed into bed each night utterly exhausted. Now that it was Friday night, Harry wanted nothing more than to throw himself in front of the fireplace in the common room and think about nothing that had to do with battle training or homework. Harry had felt refreshed by the exhilaration of flying during the tryouts, but now, his exhaustion was overwhelming.

"What do you think, Harry?"

Harry blinked and looked at Ron. "Sorry?"

"Creevey or Reese?" Ron asked.

Harry ran through the tryouts of both Creevey and Reese in his mind. It was true, they both had their advantages, but it was clear that one person fit in better with their playing style than the other.

Harry glanced around at his teammates, finding all of their eyes focused on him. He looked at Ron and replied, "Creevey. I think Creevey is the better choice."

Ron nodded and looked at Katie. "You agree, Bell?"

Katie nodded. "Yes. I think he'll fit in well."

Ron turned to Andrew. "What do you say, Kirke?"

Andrew shrugged. "I've got no complaints."

"Sloper?" Ron asked, turning to Jack. "I know Creevey's got nothing on Reese as far as looks go, but do you think he'll make a good Chaser?"

Jack shot Andrew a glare and returned his gaze to Ron. "Yes. Creevey will be great."

Ron clapped his hands together. "Okay. We're set. Let's go get our team together. Then all we have to do is crush everyone in our way and win the cup!"

Katie cheered and punched her fist in the air, "For the cup!"

"For the cup!" everyone chanted, following Katie out onto the pitch.

Once the announcement of the new team players was made, everyone felt the need to celebrate. Harry's hopes of a quiet common room to relax in had been dashed. Even the students who had tried out, but not made the team, were celebrating. Bottles of butterbeer had appeared, and everyone was cheering as though Gryffindor had already won the cup. Harry had claimed a seat in front of the fireplace, choosing to watch the festivities rather than join in on them.

"Come on, Harry!" Seamus yelled. "Now that you're back as Seeker, we're guaranteed the cup!"

"Excuse me, Finnigan," Ginny said, jabbing her finger into Seamus's chest. "I think I remember winning the cup last year when I was Seeker."

Seamus grinned. "Oh, come on, Red. You've got to admit you're happy that Harry's back."

"What did you just call me?" Ginny asked, her eyes flashing.

Seamus screamed dramatically. "Dean, get your girlfriend away from me!"

Dean laughed as he looked from Seamus to Ginny, his smile fading as he met Ginny's glare.

Ginny dumped her mug of butterbeer over Seamus's head, shoved the empty mug into Dean's hand, and stomped toward the fireplace. She threw herself down beside Harry, scowling.

Harry bit the insides of his cheeks to prevent himself from laughing. Seamus had simply laughed and dried himself off with his wand. Dean, however, looked like a lost child. Harry grinned. He found Ginny's temper so adorable. He looked at Ginny and tugged at her ponytail. She turned and glared at him.

"What?" she snapped.

Harry smiled. "Your boyfriend looks a little lost."

Ginny looked at Dean and shrugged her shoulders. "I'm sure he can find his way if he wants to."

Harry grinned at Ginny. "Can't he handle your temper, Red?"

Ginny's mouth dropped open. "Tell me you did not just say that, Potter."

Harry opened his eyes innocently. "Say what, Red?"

Ginny's eyes flashed as her hand dove for her wand in her pocket. Harry was faster and grabbed her wrist, making sure to hold it away from her.

"I swear, Potter. You better have a tight grip otherwise you'll be sneezing bat-bogeys for weeks."

Harry smiled as he grasped Ginny's other wrist, which was trying to reach his own wand. "I have an excellent grip, Red. Don't you worry."

Ginny screamed in frustration as she threw herself at Harry, causing them both to tumble to the floor. Ginny landed on top of Harry as he held her arms up above her. Ginny wriggled herself upright, her eyes no longer flashing angrily, but sparkling mischievously. She had her knees on either side of Harry and was grinning down at him, her cheeks flushed.

"What shall I do with you, Potter?" Ginny said grinning.

Harry smiled, maintaining his firm grip on her wrists. "You don't seem to be in much of a position to do anything, Gin."

Ginny's eyes flashed. "You seem to forget, Harry, that I've got six older brothers." She smiled dangerously. "I can play fair, or I can play dirty. Which one shall it be?"

Harry looked up at her curiously, trying to figure out what she meant. Ginny began to shift her weight to one knee, while the other began to move to Harry's centre. With a sudden realization of what she could do to him, Harry quickly rolled them over, making sure to straddle Ginny in such a way that her knees could not be used as weapons.

He leaned over her smiling. "That wasn't very nice."

Ginny grinned. "You learn much faster than my brothers."

"I'll take that as a compliment," Harry said, staring down at Ginny. Ginny's cheeks flushed as Harry stared at her. He noticed how the firelight seemed to dance in her eyes. She rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Okay, Harry. You've got me. Will you let me go?" Ginny said feigning innocence.

Harry studied her expression, not sure whether or not she still had her bat-bogey hex on her mind.

"Are you going to hex me?" he asked.

"Are you going to call me that horrid name again … ever?" Ginny asked.

Harry smiled. "Well, I don't know about ever …"

Ginny wriggled under his grasp. Harry laughed. "Okay, okay. I will never call you that name again."

Ginny glared at him and then smiled. "Fine. I won't hex you then."

Harry smiled and pushed himself up, pulling Ginny up with him. They turned and found Parvati and Dean watching them with confused expressions. Harry glanced at Ginny and saw her take a deep breath.

Ginny walked over to Dean and grabbed his hand. "Come on, Dean. I need some more butterbeer."

Dean nodded and walked away with her. Harry smiled at Parvati as she offered him a bottle of butterbeer

"Thanks," Harry said smiling, not daring to turn and watch Ginny walk away. "It's a great party, don't you think?"

Parvati raised her eyebrows at Harry questioningly. She nodded hesitantly and said, "Yes. It's a great party."

Harry slung his arm over Parvati's shoulder, taking a swig from his bottle of butterbeer. Harry swallowed hard and reminded himself that his girlfriend was the one standing next to him, not the adorable red head now on the other side of the room.