The Weasleys, Harry and Hermione packed up early the following morning. Mr. Weasley was able to get them an early Portkey back to the Burrow where they found Mrs. Weasley waiting for them.
"Oh, thank goodness, thank goodness," she said when the group appeared. She ran to meet them, grabbing Mr. Weasley into a hug. Harry noticed she had dropped a copy of the Daily Prophet. The headline read, 'Scenes of Terror at the Quidditch World Cup.'
After several more hugs for her family Mrs. Weasley finally stepped back. After Bill picked up the newspaper everybody crowded into the tiny kitchen where Hermione made Mrs. Weasley a cup of strong tea into which Mr. Weasley added a measure of firewhiskey.
The article, written by Rita Skeeter, was full of exaggerations and inaccuracies. Among other claims it said dark wizards were allowed to run unchecked because of lax security and the whole event had been a national disgrace. Almost the only truth it contained was that nobody had been arrested. Percy accused Rita Skeeter of having it in for the Ministry of Magic. He then complained about some the other stories she written. Finally, Bill told him to shut up.
At this point Mr. Weasley said he had been mentioned.
["Where?" spluttered Mrs. Weasley. "If I'd seen that, I'd have known you were alive."
"Not by name," said Mr. Weasley. "Listen to this: 'If the terrified wizards and witches who waited breathlessly for news at the edge of the wood expected reassurance from the Ministry of Magic, they were sadly disappointed. A Ministry official emerged some time after the appearance of the Dark Mark, alleging that nobody had been hurt, but refusing to give any more information. Whether this statement will be enough to quash the rumours that several bodies were removed from the woods an hour later remains to be seen.' Oh really," said Mr. Weasley in exasperation, handing the paper to Percy. "Nobody was hurt, what was I supposed to say? Rumours that several bodies were removed from the woods… well, there certainly will be rumours now she's printed that."]
"Who does she mean here?" Percy asked. "An auror who emerged at the same time stated the person who cast the Mark used a stolen wand and disapparated before the Ministry arrived."
"That was Sirius Black. I asked him if he wanted to join us but he got called away just as we left the forest. I suppose Skeeter is going to claim he was called away to help with body recovery. He was asked to help with the muggles those Death Eaters had attacked. I better go into the office. I seem to have made things worse thanks to this article," Mr. Weasley said.
"I'll come too," Percy added. "Mr. Crouch is going to need all hands on deck." Percy and Mr. Weasley changed into their work robes and left soon after.
Despite the events from the night before no-one wanted to sleep. Ron suggested they all go play Quidditch, adding that Bill and Charlie would want to play. Harry said, "We should invite Ginny and Hermione as well."
Ron shrugged. "I doubt they'd want to play," he said.
Harry decided to ask anyway. "Hermione? Would you like to join us in a game of Quidditch?"
"No, thank-you. I think I'll stay with Ginny," she replied.
"Ginny? We were going to play Quidditch. Would you like to join us?"
Ginny ran out the door and to the broom shed almost before Harry finished asking her. Hermione looked surprised. "I guess I will be joining you then," she said, shrugging.
Only Fred, George, Charlie and Harry had their own brooms but they found enough brooms for everyone to play at the same time. They picked up two teams: Bill, Fred, Harry and Ginny on one team and Charlie, George, Ron and Hermione on the other. They soon realised, though, that Ginny was a very good player, nearly as good as Charlie and Harry and far better than Ron or Hermione. Ginny's team were leading comfortably when they decided to take a break and re-pick the teams for after lunch.
When the new teams came up Hermione and Ginny had swapped sides. Harry's team still won but it was much closer.
Staying at the Weasley's meant Harry had next to no time alone. Finally, on the day before they were due to return to Hogwarts, Harry was able to get away. Sirius had said they were welcome to stay at Grimmauld Place that night and Harry went on ahead to make sure everything was ready. Before the Weasleys and Hermione arrived he was able to put the finishing touches to his new potions books. Now all he needed to do was return Snape's books to his classroom and everything would be set and, hopefully, Snape would be none the wiser.
Sirius called Harry into the drawing room a few minutes before the guests arrived.
"Harry," he began, "I'm sorry I have been unable to spend any time with you over the summer. I had hoped that, once the World Cup was finished, I would be able to get some time off but, as you know, a Death Eater shot the Dark Mark off and all aurors have had to do extra work to try and regain order. We have been inundated with complaints and claims for compensation."
"I know. Percy said he had received dozens of howlers and they had made a real mess of his office," Harry said.
Sirius laughed. "In that case you know what it's been like. And then, of course, there was another matter that took place before the World Cup, a Ministry employee has gone missing. I was wondering if you were familiar with the name 'Bertha Jorkins?'"
Harry thought about it for a while. The name did seem vaguely familiar. "I'm not certain but I think I have heard it before. It is possible that I encountered it during that vision I had of Voldemort and Pettigrew. You know, when that muggle died."
A look of concern crossed Sirius' face. "That could be bad. She works in Bagman's office and had access to a lot of information, including some of our plans for security at the World Cup. That may explain why the Death Eaters were so well organised."
"I think they said something about 'disposing of her', and they definitely mentioned something coming up after the World Cup," Harry added.
"'Disposing of her' probably means she's dead," Sirius said. "As for the event after the World Cup, that is bad, too. Harry, I'm going to tell you something that is supposed to be embargoed until 7pm tonight but, based on what you've told me, it may already be too late. Hogwarts is going to be hosting the Tri-Wizard tournament this year against Beauxbatons and Durmstrang magical schools. It is supposed to be a sporting contest between Europe's three largest magical schools but there is an element of danger involved. You're too young to compete so you are safe but the competitors will be facing considerable danger. Probably even more now if Voldemort knows about it."
"I assume you're going to tell Madam Bones what I just said?" Harry asked.
"Yes. She needs to know so we can do something to improve security around the event," said Sirius. "I might as well you now there will be no Quidditch at Hogwarts this year. The inter-house competition is being cancelled so it doesn't clash with the Tri-Wizard Tournament."
Harry nodded "I saw something like that happening, but the details of my vision weren't entirely clear."
"Anyway, I have something I want to show you. Come down to the kitchen."
Harry followed Sirius to the kitchen. Upon entering Harry was surprised to see a medium sized lizard seated at the table. On the table was a long thin package wrapped in brown paper that resembled a broom. The lizard turned toward the door as they entered.
"The broom," began Sirius, "is a brand new racing broom I bought for you before the Quidditch tournament was cancelled. I think you'll like it, while the lizard is…"
Harry briefly wondered why Sirius had stopped but then the lizard transformed into Tonks. "Welcome, Harry. As you can see I have mastered the animagus transformation. I shouldn't really be surprised, I guess, but you saw it. I turn into a chameleon."
"Congratulations, Tonks. When did you achieve it?" asked Harry.
"My 1st successful transformation was nearly two months ago, just after the school year ended. I am, of course, registered with the Ministry but I will keep quiet about you. So, are you curious about the new broom Sirius and I got you?" Tonks glared at Sirius as she spoke.
"All right. Tonks and I went halves on the broom, but it was my idea to not tell you until today."
Harry laughed. He reached for the broom and began unwrapping it. His eyes lit up when he realised it was a Firebolt. "Thank you," he said before hugging both of them.
"You were going to give your Nimbus 2000 to Ron but, based on what Arthur has told me, Ginny is a better Quidditch player than Ron. It might be better to wait until next year to see which of them makes the house team first."
Harry thought for a minute before deciding. "I think I'll keep it but I will lend it to whoever makes the team as the new keeper. That way they won't be fighting over it all the time."
"Sounds like a plan," Sirius said. "Why don't we grab a snack before the Weasleys arrive? Dobby?"
Dobby appeared and Sirius asked him to provide sandwiches and pumpkin juice for three.
When the Weasleys and Hermione arrived Sirius excused himself, saying he had a report to send into the office. Harry led them into the kitchen where the chameleon was once again seated at the table. "Everyone take a seat, Tonks will be here shortly," Harry said as they entered.
"Why is there a chameleon sitting at the table?" asked Charlie. He and Bill were still on holiday and were all aware of what was coming up at Hogwarts. They had both decided to see the younger ones off on the train. Percy was, of course, working. Ron had mentioned he thought Percy would live at the office if their mother let him.
By way of reply Harry turned to the chameleon. "Why don't we find out?" he asked.
Immediately, Tonks appeared where the chameleon had been. Her transformation was greeted with gasps of surprise from the Weasleys and a smile from Hermione.
"So, does this answer both those questions?" asked Tonks.
After Mrs. Weasley reminded them they were only staying one night so they should only unpack the essentials, unlike last time they'd stayed overnight at Sirius' when the boys had unpacked nearly everything, they separated off into their own rooms. Harry and Ron were sharing a room while Hermione and Ginny were across the hall from them. They all felt an early night would be a good idea so they went to bed rather than sit around talking.
The following morning, before they had eaten breakfast, an urgent call came through the floo network meaning Mr. Weasley would have to go into work early. A situation had arisen involving Mad Eye Moody, the auror who had been caught passing information from inside the Ministry to Dumbledore some 18 months earlier. Apparently it involved muggles, hence Mr. Weasley's involvement.
Tonks, Sirius and Remus Lupin accompanied them to the station. It may have only been a 20 minute walk but the rain was pouring down and, despite their best efforts, everyone got soaked so, after arriving at the station, they all needed a quick drying off before boarding the train. Luckily, once they were on Platform 9 3/4 they were able to use magic to complete the task. Harry had told Ron about a special gift Sirius and Tonks had given him the night before but had said at that time they would talk about it in the morning. Now he told everyone about the Firebolt adding that his Nimbus 2000 would be available to whoever became the Gryffindor keeper after the next practice session. He didn't mention the fact there would not be any Quidditch in the upcoming year, however, nor did he mention the Tri-Wizard tournament. It did appear the only people not aware of it were Fred, George, Ron, Ginny and Hermione. They all knew something was happening but no-one had told them exactly what. Harry decided to tell them once they were on the train.
Harry and Susan got inside their compartment and had the rest of the group join. Ginny and Michael went to go to the loo before the conversation.
"apparently she's horny." Susan thought looking at him.
Now what? How did he get rid of Neville and Luna? Whatever it was, it had to happen fast! He couldn't take much more before the bulge in his pants grew too noticeable, but what could he do? He tried to think coherently, but he was getting too hard...he looked over at Ginny for help, but she didn't show any sign of moving...or stopping... At this point, there was only one thing that he could do; excuse himself quickly and take care of it himself. He stood up quickly, and spun around to look into the overhead compartment. He managed to get across that he was hungry and was going to look for the trolley to buy some pumpkin pasties as he grabbed his invisibility cloak and threw it to Michael, then he stumbled out of the compartment. As he reached that hall, however, he heard Ginny say "Ooh! that sounds good, do you mind if I come?"
"Of course not" He heard him say. It looks like he would have some help taking care of it! He started down the corridor towards the bathroom at the end of the car, Ginny hot on his heels. He stopped about halfway down the hall in between compartments where no one could see him, pulled Ginny towards him, and threw the cloak over them both. He then drew her into his arms, leaned down and kissed her with the passion that he'd been trying to hide all morning. Ginny responded with a fervour that surprised him, knocking him back into the wall. The compartment door beside them opened and a small first year stuck his head out to see what the noise was. Michael and Ginny held perfectly still, and when the first year was gone, Michael silently turned Ginny around and led her down the rest of the corridor, and into the tiny train washroom.
There, Michael ripped off the invisibility cloak, threw it on the floor, lifted Ginny up, sat her on the counter, and then proceeded to just stand there staring at her. She looked back at him for a couple seconds, then looked away and giggled "What are you looking at me like that for?" she asked. Michael hesitated a moment then decided that the best thing to do was to tell her the truth. "I think I'm falling in love with you" he whispered, not managing to fully find his voice. She looked back at him, and grinned, making his stomach do back flips. "Well...I'm glad I'm not the only one falling then." Now it was his turn to grin. Ginny wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled herself off of the counter, so she was standing as close to him as possible in the tiny washroom, then she met his lips in the sweetest, most hypnotizing kiss that Michael had ever experienced. He felt like he was flying, but there was no broom beneath him, just air, like he was a feather floating on the breeze... Ginny broke the kiss with another giggle. "What?" he breathed. "Nothing, it's just, well you're getting closer and I just felt something against my stomach that needs some attention..." Michael looked down to see the bulge in his pants pressing against her stomach. "Oh, yeah, well whose fault is that?"
Ginny giggled again and reached down between them to undo his pants. As they slid down his legs, Ginny spun them around so that they had switched places. She then pulled down his underwear, allowing his member to spring free and stand at full attention. Ginny smiled playfully up at him and said quietly "get up on the counter." He did as she said, sitting on the small ledge beside the sink. Ginny finished removing his pants and underwear, freeing his feet, then opened his legs and stepped between them, reaching up to give him a kiss. As she explored his mouth with her tongue, her hand found its way back down to where his growing erection was now streaming precum, and began to gently massage his balls. He let out a sigh of relief as she started to move slowly from his balls to the base of his shaft. When she got there, she started lightly tracing a spiral all the way up the shaft from base to tip, then all the way back down again, driving him wild for more contact. As if reading his mind, she grasped his shaft firmly, and gave it a little squeeze before starting to stroke. Michael threw his head back and moaned. Finally. Ginny found the perfect rhythm, and soon her mouth joined her hands, creating an unbearable combination of strokes and licks that soon had Michael about to come. "Gin..I...I'm gonna...".
"I know. Let go Mike." So he did. He let streams of his hot sticky cum go right into her mouth. He came for what felt like forever, and Ginny swallowed it all. When he was finally done, Ginny slid her own pants off and, wearing just her underwear, climbed onto Michael's lap, straddling him. Ginny then slowly began to gyrate her hips, rubbing her cotton-covered pussy up and down his now flaccid member, while taking his mouth in a violent kiss. She continued riding him and kissing him like that until he felt himself start to harden again. It was so easy to lose himself in her sweet, tender embraces! He felt his mind start to fog over, and the world start to disappear. All that mattered was her.
Michael's foggy mind was brought sharply back to the present when the door to their bathroom rattled. Ginny froze, and looked over at the door. Someone spoke "Uh, excuse me but is someone in there? There's a bit of a line up out here." SHIT. It was Ron. Ginny leaped off of Michael's lap, and threw her pants back on while Michael did the same with his own, albeit with much difficulty considering the bathroom was so small he may as well have been on top of Ginny. Once Ginny had her pants on, she knelt to the floor and started to feel around on the floor for the invisibility cloak. There was another knock at the door. Michael started to panic. What if Ron unlocked the door with magic and walked in on them? Ginny found the cloak and threw it over herself. Michael breathed a sigh of relief, quickly glanced in the mirror, fixed his hair, and opened the door.